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Fine Victorian mustache
"Colonel Grangerford was a gentleman you see. He was a gentleman all over...His hands was long and thin, and every day of his life he put on a clean shirt and a full suit from head to foot made out of linen so white it hurt your eyes to look at it; and on Sunday he wore a blue tail-coat and brass buttons on it...There weren't no frivolishness about him, not a bit, and he weren't never loud"
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain

The Lively Arts History Association presents the Gentleman's Page: a resource for those who wish to look and act like; or perhaps better understand, the 19th Century American man. It is intended to help costumers, theatrical performers, museum docents, reenactors and anyone with an interest in the life of 19th Century America.

I have focused on the period from the Civil War (1860) to the turn of the Century, as it represents a period of considerable stability in mens' fashions and is the period in which there is the greatest interest out here in the West.

This site contains original photographs from my collection, photographs of surviving clothing, explanations of what to wear when, and excerpts from 19th Century books of etiquette. The Website is arranged as follows:

The "Behavior" section addresses issues such as how to act in public, how to deal with others, and generally, how to comport yourself as a gentleman. Then, to leven that somewhat, I have included some unflattering descriptions of American male behavior.

The "Attire" section focuses on the details of historically correct men's wear. It is illustrated with photographs from the author's collection and photos of the details of some original garments.

The "Resources" section provides links to sites with additional information.

View a Video of Walter & Sheila appearing on Showtime's "Penn & Teller's B******t" show.

 

Walter Nelson

This site is maintained by the Lively Arts History Association, a California non-profit corporation. It was designed and written by Walter Nelson.

 

Publishing Information
Author: Walter Nelson
Published by Lively Arts History Association
Date of first publication: February 2001
Date of most recent update: August 5th 2007
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