In the forthcoming book "The Illustrated Life And Times of Wild Bill Hickok" we are running a blow-up of a famous photograph:
Calamity Jane mugs for the camera in front of Wild Bill's grave.
"I've never seen this photo so close up. I LOVE that she has a safety pin holding her bodice closed, the silk bodice is shattered in places and it appears she is wearing long underwear under it. Probably cut the sleeves away, so she could wear the little jacket over it. I'm sure the kerchief around her neck is because the collar to the bodice is eaten away or just plain missing. Skirt appears to be heavy wool. Her 'fancy costume' must have traveled with her for a loooong time. What a great photo."
—Jenny Pekarek Smith
"Imagine what you could accomplish if you knew you couldn't fail."
—Old Vaquero Saying
I always enjoy your work.
ReplyDeleteshe is my hero..... I love her.....
ReplyDeleteWow! Fantastic eye! Thanks for pointing those things out. Now I see them. Fantastic. Shows the wear & tear on a "beloved" outfit, which is probably her only Good outfit.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a problem with your analysis of her clothes, only that put it into context with what her life was like. Calamity Jane had a problem with alcohol all her adult life, but by this time of her life--late middle age--it was badly out of control. Looking at her face and her eyes, I'd say she was far from sober when the picture was taken. Jane lived at the edge of or deeply in poverty most of her life, taking on "men's work" such as scouting and mule driving where she could get it. Look how work-worn her hands are and how leathery her skin is from years of living outdoors in all kinds of conditions. The "shattered" bodice may very well be someone else's cast-off. Wearing long underwear was standard for the 19th century, when the climate was colder and the weather unpredictable. The neckerchief and hat are marks of her various trades. I'm almost a little surprised she's not carrying a weapon.
ReplyDeleteShe is, a rifle leaning up against her dress down on her leg. Ken James
ReplyDeleteAs a fan of the Old West and those who made it wild, this was a terrific post to come upon. Loved the comments made here. Being an observer most of my adult life and someone who values loyalty, respect and integrity, I see a lot of that here in this vintage photo. Yes, she may have had ways of dealing with the harsh realities of life at that time that others found uncouth, alcohol abuse etc. She may have taken jobs unbecoming of her gender but we do what we can to survive regardless of the era we are born in. But I have to give her credit for pulling it all together to pay respects to an old friend in an outfit she thought fitting. Possibly one he liked or she felt was appropriate for such an occasion. Safety pin and all. Being a woman in those days was a challenge at best and she certainly chose a unique way to deal with it. Made a name for herself, using skills she acquired and a spirit of rebellion, making acquaintances along the way with similar traits and enthusiasm. Hickok obviously being one of them. But her heart was in the right place as this picture shows. One rebel to another, remembering the good times shared and holding a flower 🌸 in her hand to place on his grave. The tool of her their trade, a rifle, rests against her leg. True friendship cannot be severed neither by time nor distance. Rest in peace Calamity Jane and Wild Bill.
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