Antimacassar

Antimacassar

George Johnson on his Confirmation Day. The sitting room in in the house the Johnson family rented at 1412 Parmele Street. The furniture is draped at the head and arms with decorative fabric called antimacassar. The purpose was to prevent the soiling of the upholstery from dirt and hair oils. In the early nineteenth century men used Macassar oil on their hair to be fashionable. This lasted through the early twentieth century. Washable antimacassars were used in homes as well as public transportation of buses and trains to extend the life of upholstery fabrics.

July 6, 1938

Midway Village Museum

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2011.61.40

Photo

2.5" x 4.5"