Portrait of Elsie Beers

This girl, named Elsie Beers, was photographed by C. A. Blackman in Danbury, Connecticut where she lived. Elsie was listed as attending a Normal School in Providence, Rhode Island, in summer, 1909. Normal schools educated high school students to become teachers. Elsie’s dress features a high neckline, puffed sleeves, and an interesting collar. Stand-up collars and wide sleeves became popular in the 1890s, but this photo probably dates closer to 1900 given the date she was attending Normal School.

Photograph on paper, ca. 1900