"They Kissed While the World Outside the Window Burned With Unearthly Flame"

It's funny how as soon as I publicly admitted that I was recovering from vintage burnout, and that you shouldn't expect any blog posts from me for a while - I found myself full of ideas and eager to post again!  Isn't that the way it always goes...

Anyway, this morning I was in the mood to catch up on my blog reading - but didn't get very far because I got caught up in the Baroness von Vintage's fun contest: write the best caption for a 1930's fashion illustration of imaginary social scenarios - and get $25 off on any item in her Etsy shop.  What a deal! 

I was determined to offer at least one entry in the contest so I opened up my September 1934 and April 1936 Good Housekeeping magazines and started reading some of the short stories inside for inspiration.

I didn't get very far with my reading. Most of the stories were overly dramatic and sappy - as you can see by the titles and captions below.  Of course, that over-the-top 1930's drama is precisely what makes them so charming.  It just takes a bit of getting used to, I guess.

The story illustrations, on the other hand, are delightfully charming in every way.  I've included examples from several illustrators.  My favorite, I think, is McClelland Barclay.  The last three are his. 

Well...I've babbled enough.  I'll just keep my mouth shut, and let you have a peek!  Let me know which illustrations / captions / titles you like best...

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The Warming Fire
A Suburban Mother Goose Story
About a Girl who Tried her Best to be Cold
By Margaret E. Sangster
Illustrated by James and Charlotte Billmeyer

Ann asked him: "Why are you so nasty? I haven't done anything

to make you hate me."  "I don't hate you," he said at last.

"It's your background.  It keeps getting between me and you.

Not on Christmas

But It Couldn't Have Been a Sweeter Story If It Had Happened Then

by Elsie Singmaster

Illustrated by John Polgreen

"We'll start at four tomorrow," planned Jim,

resisting an implulse to kiss Hallie -- afraid he

would cry, his heart was so full.

The Doctor

With All his High Hopes Of Curing Others,

He Could Not Mend His Own Hurt Heart

by Mary Roberts Rinehart

Illustrated by Pruett Carter

"It can hurt nobody now for us to be honest," said Chris.

"I have always loved you, Beverly. I suppose I always shall." 

She was very quiet.  "No," she said slowly.

"It can hurt nobody now for me to know that."

Men and Angels

A Novel Inspired by Youth's Enchanted Hour

by Fanny Heaslip Lea

Illustrated by Tom Webb

They kissed while the world outside the window burned with unearthly flame,

the earth shook with sound.  Angelica said, "I must be mad..."

"Both mad," said Jarvis.

Seventh Summer

Some People Say, Is A Testing Time For Marriage

by Phyllis Duganne

Illustrated by McClelland Barclay

Anne struggled as Gray's arms closed about her,

jerking her head to try to draw away from the insistence

of his kisses.  Finally she freed one arm and slapped him hard.

Your wife!" cried Nell, springing away from Johnny in

mock terror as Anne arrived.  "Discovered!" he agreed,

and hid his face in his hands.

The Beach
A Short Novel complete in September [1934] Cosmopolitan
by Charles G. Norris
Illustrated by McClelland Barclay

Vacation love is one thing...true love is another...here is the story

of a girl who found the difference -- in time!