1890s Tacoma Belle
Tacoma, Washington was a booming pioneer outpost when this photograph was taken in the 1890s. It had just been selected as the terminus for the brand new railroad that finally linked the Northwest to the rest of the country. Money was rushing into the area, and this young woman is evidence of the area's new prosperity. Typical of women of this era and locale, her hair and dress are simple and her gaze is direct. But the brooch at her throat is far from simple. It is a remarkable oval of guilloche enamel, with what appears to be a champleve crown on a heart-shaped medallion at its center. This photograph was found in a lovely Arts & Crafts style embossed paper folder. Every part of the package, including this beautiful young woman, spoke to quiet elegance and taste.
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