Every Girl Scout Catalog from 1917 to 2015

You could spend all day perusing these scans of every Girl Scout catalog from 1917 to today. There were some years in which a new catalog was not issued; other years have more than one edition. Not only can you follow the different styles, but the prices and the type of items offered. At one time, you could order a pattern and make your own uniform. Newer catalogs have dolls.

I was a Brownie in 1964 and ’65. I didn’t have to order a uniform from the catalog, because a dress store in my town carried them in stock. My hometown no longer has any dress stores. I loved to think about growing up to wear a green uniform, and considered the cadet style to be the best. My Girl Scout career did not last that long.  

One thing that struck me saws how a short coat dress uniform cost $4.50 in 1924, and a middy and bloomers for camping cost $4. Then 40 years later in 1964, the cost of a junior uniform had risen to $6.50. Another 40 years later in 2005, a vest and skort would run you $38.75 (and if you didn’t provide your own shirt, that was another $21.50). Since 2008, they’ve pretty much done away with uniforms, except for Daisys and Brownies. The only requirement is a vest or sash to display badges, and those are only worn for special ceremonies. I’m sure there are other fascination tidbits to find in this collection. -via Metafilter


Newest 4
Newest 4 Comments

Fascinating, but what an awful website. Can't just click and view, you have to click on a thumbnail, then on the image to see it in full res - but now you can't progress, you have to go back and do it all again for the next page.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Once while home from school for several days, thanks to boredom I memorized about half of the first handbook: How Girls Can Help Their Country – Handbook for Girl Scouts (1913). It was priceless, both for useful info (I can still recite all points on the mariner compass) and wacky:

"How To Secure a Burglar With Eight Inches of Cord

Make a slip-knot at each end of your cord. Tie the burglar's hands behind him by passing each loop over his little fingers. Place him face downwards, and bend his knees. Pass both feet under the string, and he will be unable to get away."

"Place him face downwards" gets me chuckling every time.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"Every Girl Scout Catalog from 1917 to 2015"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More