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Hampton Roads, Virginia, circa 1900. "Going to the landing stage. Hotel Chamberlin in background." Although the harbor might not be mined, the street is. 8x10 inch glass negative, Detroit Photographic Company. View full size.
Remaking clothing to reflect the latest styles was commonplace, and things like sleeves were frequently re-cut. I'm going to agree with the fashion nerd on the dating of this pic.
AmeliaEve, I'd guess the item that the older woman is carrying is a satin-lined velvet pelerine, probably not designed to be worn with the outfit she has on.
Being a fashion history nerd, I would date this photo closer to 1895, based on the large "leg of mutton" sleeves on the ladies' jackets. The fur piece with the hanging tabs the the older woman is carrying is a capelet; the semi-circular part would rest on her shoulders, over the tops of her large sleeves, and the tabs would hang down in front on either side of the center front of her jacket, to counter balance the weight of the cape, and keep it from slipping down her back.
[Did clothing styles go out of fashion that quickly back then? - tterrace]
I'm curious about the woman in the center right of the photo, wearing the light-colored suit. On her left arm she has what appears to be a dark fur muff, but it also has two long strips coming from it that look like more fur with a silk lining. I'd say it was a scarf, but she's already wearing a different type of fur piece around her neck. What's the long trailing thing?
They really knew how to attire crossing guards in those days.
I fully expect Bustor Keaton to show up and start something any second.
[And if not him, Buster Keaton, although he'd be only five years old. - tterrace]
And whatever makes you think Buster at five couldn't raise hell? The kid learned
young!
The Chamberlin is on Ft. Monroe...
[The current Chamberlin is a different structure on the same site. The one in our photo burned to the ground in 1920. - tterrace]
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