I have in my possession a copy (well, a photocopy) of Model Housekeeping, dated January 1935, retailing then for the pricey sum of 3d. It proudly advertises itself as Ireland's National Women's Magazine. It was in fact the Irish version of Good Housekeeping - not a silly rag by any means.
The cover picture shows a well-dressed model - in a pajama suit, very 1930s - chatting to a parrot of similar colouring. The lady holds a cigarette languidly, elegantly.
Turning to the first page, we see an ad for Ovaltine, with the unexpected caption "Happy the baby that is breast-fed." Picture of smiling mother and laughing baby. " OVALTINE Enables Mothers to Breast-feed their Babies".
Contents page follows, including this month's free pattern, a Charming Blouse.
The whole thing is a hoot from beginning to end. I was particularly intrigued with several articles advertising new homes in Dublin's newest suburb, Mount Merrion. The air is mentioned as being very healthy, horse riding is among the amenities and the star of the piece is the All-Electric House (illustrated): it had electric fires, a drying-room, a fridge! - very futuristic - and even an Electric CLOCK!
Now, all this is good for a laugh, if you're young enough, or nostalgia if you're not. Yet there is a more serious lesson to be learnt within these elderly pages.
I was about to embark on the fascinating Suggested Menus for a Week, but instead must go and attend to my own modern family dinner...hasta la vista!
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