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Dressing Up in Brisbane, 1900s Style

By JOL Admin | 14 August 2012

 The Brisbane Poster Ball was held on 20th September 1900 to raise funds for the Lady Lamington Hospital for Women.   

Many attendees created costumes advertising a particular company, with the daughter of the Chairman of Queensland Brewery Limited dressing up as a bottle of Bulimba Gold Top Ale

Excitement about the ball was intense.   The Queenslander reported on 29th September 1900 that by 7 o'clock the entrance to the Centennial Hall in Adelaide Street was crowded with visitors holding tickets of admission and directly the doors were thrown open there was a mad rush for the hall.

 

Miss Edwards' clothing appears to be made from newspaper print material.

Featured image for blog post 546002

Mrs Drake poses in a gown emblazoned with examples from H. F. Smith, Jeweller. In her raised right hand she also holds an item manufactured by the jeweller.

Find more photographs of Brisbanites dressed up for the Poster Ball in State Library of Queensland's catalogue and in Australian Newspapers Online.

State Library of Queensland Fancy Dress flickr set.

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