Chapter XXVI: Practical Trims in All Lines

I have selected as examples of good trims in every line of dry goods some of the best designs that have appeared during the past three years in the popular window-trimming journal, _The Show Window_. In no other place could I hope to find such representative work of the best decorators in America, and as my selection has been made with great care, I feel it is a panorama of the most artistic and practical window displays ever yet congregated for the study and consideration of the thoughtful decorator. _The Show Window_ is published under the auspices of The National Association of Window Trimmers of America, an organization that includes the most famous window trimmers in the United States and Canada and has done more to advance decorative art in America than any other institution.

Study with care these illustrations. When you wish to put in a window in any line turn to this book and select a design that pleases you. Erect your framework to fit your window, making what alterations in the plan your judgment or circumstances dictate. Then cover with suitable material, taking care to use harmonious combinations of colors. Last of all, decorate with such goods as you have at your command. You cannot fail. You are sure to create an attractive display, the qualities being of course more or less dependent upon the skill you acquire. You cannot be an expert decorator the first time you try; but you can make a successful display, and I really believe that if my instructions are thoughtfully read and pondered any man of ability will be able to perfect himself in the necessary details of the art. After that the matter lies within yourself. If you have confidence in yourself, energy and perseverance, united to a fair share of heaven-born talent, you can win your way to prosperity and fame as a professional decorator.

STEAMBOAT OF SPOOL COTTON. THE SPOOLS ARE STRUNG ON WIRES AND FASTENED
TO A LIGHT FRAME OF WOOD.—_Murray._
]

HOSIERY DISPLAY BUILT OVER TWO CIRCLES, ONE PLACED BACK OF THE OTHER
AND ONE-HALF THE DIAMETER OF THE FIRST.—_Griffith._
]

DISPLAY OF SEWING SILKS STRUNG ON CORDS AND ATTACHED TO
FRAMEWORK.—_Ross._
]

DISPLAY OF NOTIONS ATTACHED TO LARGE WOODEN CIRCLE, THE FACE OF WHICH
IS PUFFED. CIRCLE SET TWO FEET IN FRONT OF PLEATED BACKGROUND.
RABBITS CUT FROM CARDBOARD. SHIP OF SPOOLS IN CENTER.—_Brink._
]

NOTION DISPLAY. HOOPS ARE USED FOR FRAME OF THE CIRCULAR DECORATIONS.
THERE IS A CENTRAL ALCOVE CONTAINING A SCENE WITH DOLLS AS
FIGURES.—_Newerf._
]

DISPLAY OF TRIMMINGS. GIRL’S FORM ON CENTRAL PEDESTAL. GOODS ARRANGED
OVER WHITE BACKGROUND.—_Morton._
]

DISPLAY OF PASSEMENTERIES, FASTENED TO WHITE CARDBOARD. CENTRAL
SUNBURST IS LIGHT PINK.—_Ross._
]

RIBBON DISPLAY. BOLTS ARE STRUNG ON HEAVY CORDS.—_Langhanke._
]

RIBBON DISPLAY, DRAPED OVER CURTAIN POLES, WITH BOLTS AT THE BOTTOM OF
EACH PIECE.—_Ross._
]

RIBBON DISPLAY. SIDES ARE DUMMY BOLTS LAID UPON PLANKS. CENTRAL CANOPY
IS FORMED OVER HOOPS.—_Griffith._
]

DISPLAY OF FIGURED RIBBONS, OVER WHITE, PLAIN BACKGROUND.—_Richards._
]

HANDKERCHIEF DISPLAY. CAGE CONTAINS STUFFED BIRDS. THE BARS ARE OF
WHITE BABY RIBBON.—_Boyer._
]

HANDKERCHIEF DISPLAY. GOODS ARE ATTACHED TO CORDS FASTENED TO FLOOR
AND CEILING. BLACK BACKGROUND.—_Watson._
]

HANDKERCHIEF DISPLAY. SCENIC BACKGROUND. WINDMILL AND HOUSE OF LIGHT
WOOD COVERED WITH CLOTH, TO WHICH HANDKERCHIEFS ARE PINNED.—_Van
Derschmidt._
]

HANDKERCHIEF DISPLAY. FRONT GROUPS ARE UPON POLES, HAVING ELECTRIC
LIGHT ON EACH POLE, SURMOUNTED BY WIRE CIRCLE TRIMMED WITH
HANDKERCHIEFS.—_Cartwright._
]

DISPLAY OF LACES.—_Shogran._
]

LOCOMOTIVE TRIMMED WITH LACE AND EMBROIDERY, COVERING A THIN WOODEN
FRAMEWORK. CAB AND SMOKESTACK OF CARDBOARD.—_Pickett._
]

THE SECOND WEEK OF THIS DISPLAY THE LOCOMOTIVE WAS SHOWN IN A WRECKED
CONDITION, WITH A CARD ANNOUNCING “WRECKED PRICES.”
]

DISPLAY OF LACE CURTAINS HUNG OVER A SUCCESSION OF HORIZONTAL
POLES.—_Morton._
]

DISPLAY OF LINENS.—_Ross._
]

LINEN DISPLAY—FRAMEWORK OF INSULATED WIRE AND LIGHT WOOD.—_Goldsman._
]

LINEN DISPLAY. FLOWERS MADE OVER INSULATED WIRE.—_Condit._
]

LINEN DISPLAY.—_Shogran._
]

LINEN DISPLAY WITH MOVING SHIP.—_Condit._
]

FIRE ENGINE OF LINENS, BUILT OVER LIGHT WOODEN FRAME. HOUSE OF LINENS
IN BACKGROUND.—_Condit._
]

LOCOMOTIVE OF LINENS, ON TRACK.—_Coe._
]

UMBRELLA DISPLAY.—_Watson._
]

UMBRELLA DISPLAY.—_Tobias._
]

DISPLAY OF INFANTS’ WEAR—SUNBURSTS OF BABY RIBBON.—_Speed._
]

INFANTS’ WEAR. “WEIGHING THE BABY.”—_Goldsman._
]

INFANTS’ WEAR. “WASHING THE BABY.”—_Goldsman._
]

INFANTS’ WEAR.—_Walker._
]

INFANTS’ WEAR.—_Spence._
]

GLOVE DISPLAY.—_Watson._
]

CORSET DISPLAY. MIRROR BACKGROUND.—_Higgins._
]

CORSET DISPLAY. SHIRRED PUFFING ON BACKGROUND, SEPARATED INTO PANELS
BY RODS COVERED WITH BLACK VELVET.—_McFaddin._
]

CORSET DISPLAY—ARRANGED IN TERRACES.—_Stetlar._
]

CORSET DISPLAY. SHOWING THREE CIRCLES OF GRADED SIZES SET BACK OF EACH
OTHER AND PUFFED IN DIFFERENT TINTS.—_Stritt._
]

EMBROIDERY SILKS AND LINENS.—_Paris._
]

DISPLAY OF ART GOODS.—_Warner._
]

DISPLAY OF FANCY LINENS.—_Stritt._
]

FANCY GOODS.—_Newton._
]

DISPLAY OF FANCY GOODS.—_Moss._
]

DISPLAY OF MUSLIN UNDERWEAR.—_McKnew._
]

DISPLAY OF MUSLIN UNDERWEAR.—_Morton._
]

DISPLAY OF MUSLIN UNDERWEAR.—_Walker._
]

DISPLAY OF MUSLIN UNDERWEAR.—_Softley._
]

DISPLAY OF MUSLIN UNDERWEAR.—_Higgins._
]

DISPLAY OF SILK WAISTS AND SKIRTS.—_Higgins._
]

DISPLAY OF KNIT UNDERWEAR.—_Hulligan._
]

COTTON GOODS DISPLAY.—_Hyslop._
]

DISPLAY OF BLANKETS.—_Luz._
]

BLANKET DISPLAY.—_Ross._
]

BLANKET DISPLAY.—_Kupfer._
]

MILLINERY DISPLAY.—_Moses._
]

MILLINERY DISPLAY.—_Green._
]

MILLINERY DISPLAY.—_McNiff._
]

MILLINERY DISPLAY.—_Lundy._
]

MILLINERY DISPLAY.—_Walker._
]

MILLINERY DISPLAY.—_Chambers._
]

MILLINERY DISPLAY.—_Rinehart._
]

MILLINERY DISPLAY.—_Barnes._
]

MILLINERY DISPLAY.—_Blumenthal._
]

MILLINERY DISPLAY.—_Herr._
]

DISPLAY OF LINING TAFFETAS.—_Watson._
]

WASH GOODS DISPLAY.—_Luz._
]

GINGHAM DISPLAY.—_Ackerman._
]

DRESS GOODS DISPLAY.—_Sawyer._
]

DRESS GOODS DISPLAY.—_Kelley._
]

DRESS GOODS DISPLAY.—_Sawyer._
]

DISPLAY OF SCOTCH GINGHAMS.—_Hornbrook._
]

DISPLAY OF SCOTCH FLANNELS.—_Anderson._
]

SILK DISPLAY.—_Richards._
]

SILKS AND PARASOLS.—_Toms._
]

SILK DISPLAY.—_Ross._
]

DISPLAY OF WINTER SILKS.—_Watson._
]

FOULARD SILKS.—_Walker._
]

DRESS SILKS.—_Baum._
]

DISPLAY OF JACKETS.—_Leppke._
]

DISPLAY OF SHIRT WAISTS.—_Kupfer._
]

DISPLAY OF COSTUMES AND DRESS GOODS.—_Rondaloux._
]

COSTUME DISPLAY.—_Griffith._
]

COSTUME DISPLAY.—_Hyslop._
]

COSTUME DISPLAY.—_Carl._
]

DISPLAY OF JACKETS.—_Chambers._
]

DISPLAY OF FURS.—_Shogran._
]

DISPLAY OF RUGS.—_Herr._
]

RUG DISPLAY.—_Moss._
]

DISPLAY OF TRUNKS AND TRAVELING BAGS.—_Elvin._
]

GLOSSARY
OF SUBJECTS TREATED IN THIS BOOK.

A

Allegorical Design, 139

Arrangement of Goods, 23

Arch, Construction, 41
of Handkerchiefs, 81
Odd Fellows, 233
Street Fair, 163

Art Goods Display, 276

Artistic Drapings, 48

Astronomical Display, 101

Autumn Leaves, 151

B

Backgrounds, Material for, 26
Standard, 36
Stock, 35
Open, 39
to Prepare, 35

Barrel-Hoop Fixtures, 42

Bicycle Float, 171

Blankets, 151

Blanket Displays, 286

Box Models, 152

Box Pleating, 35

Boxing a Window, 10

Brooklyn Bridge, 238

Brushes for Card Writing, 55

Business Windows, 146

Butterfly, Mechanical, 110

C

Care of Wax Figures, 145

Cardboard, 55

Card Writing, 53

Cause of Frosted Windows, 11

Cheesecloth, Use of, 26

Chiffon, 148

Christmas Displays, 144
Eve, 209
Mantel, 198
Tree, 135

Clearing Sales, 146

Cleopatra’s Barge, 170

Clever Illusions, 84

Clock Motors, 87

Color Charts, 24
Harmony, 22

Coloring Electric Lamps, 113

Combination Drapery, 29

Compound Colors, to Make, 54

Contra-revolving Pillows, 88

Cornucopia, 221

Corset Displays, 237, 272
Fixtures, 43

Cozy Corner, 220

Costume Displays, 311

Cotton Goods Display, 285

Crepe Paper Backgrounds, 150

Cylinder, Revolving, 103

D

Department Managers, 147

Detail in Decorating, 14

Doll Displays, 200

Draping, Combination, 30
Dress Goods, 44
Fleur-de-lis, 51
How to Make, 28
Plain, 29
Stands for, 44

Dress Goods Displays, 301
Standards, 44

E

Easter Bouquets, 152
Crosses, 185
Displays, 179
Eggs, 185
Emblems, 142, 181
Lilies, 179
Lilies, Mechanical, 186
Rabbits and Chicks, 185

Edges, Puffed, 33

Egg, Mechanical, 111

Electric Arcs and Incandescents, 119
Automatic Switch, 126
Batteries, 116
Christmas Tree, 135
Commutator, 123
Connections, 121
Emblems, 141
Fans, 13
Feeders, 120
Fountain, 128
Flasher, 124
Flags, 127
Fuse, 120
Hitches, 121
Hub Switch, 125
Letters for Signs, 123
Mechanism, 128
Measures, 116
Motors, 85
Resistance, 115
Revolving Effects, 125
Supplies, 118
Tools, 118
Transformers, 120
Voltage, 122
Wiring, 118

Electricity in Windows, 113

Embroidery Displays, 257, 275

Emblems, 141

Eruption of Vesuvius, 97

Eye for Colors, An, 25

F

Fancy Linens, 276

Fan, the Mechanical, 109

Festoon Drapery, 29

Fireplaces, 151

Fixtures, 39
for Corsets, 43
homemade, 40

Flannel Display, 304

Fleur-de-lis Drapery, 51

Floats, 166

Flags, 186

Floor of Window, to Build, 10

Floral Flags, 186

Folding Star, Mechanical, 91

Fireproof Decorations, 27

Fountain, Electric, 128
of Chiffon, 237

Fourth of July Displays, 186

Framed Forms, 149

Framework, to Build, 16

Frosted Windows, to Prevent, 11

Fur Display, 316

G

Gilding, How to Make, 148

Gingham Displays, 300

Glass Shelves, to Make, 44

Glove Display, 271

Gondola, Mechanical, 105

Grotto for Santa Claus, 211

H

Half-revealing Bust Stands, 95

Handkerchief Displays, 241
Drapings, 72
Racks, 151
to Fold, 72

Harmony of Colors, 22

Hints and Suggestions, 148

Holly, to Trim with, 151

Hosiery Displays, 242

House of Linens, 150

How to Fold Handkerchiefs, 72

Human Forms, Use of, 149

I

Icicles, Artificial, 150

Illuminations, 148

Illusion Windows, 82
Backgrounds, 152

Illuminated Electric Fountain, 129
Scenic Background, 129
Octopus, 131

Infants’ Wear Displays, 268

Instructions in Electricity, 115

Interior Arches, 215
Cornucopias, 221
Decorations, 213
Displays, 214
Easter Decorations, 224
Pyramid, 233

J

Jacket Displays, 310–315

January Sales, 146

July 4th Displays, 186

K

Kaleidoscope, 150

Knit Underwear Display, 284

L

Laces, 256

Lace Curtains, 258

Lattice Work, 39

Ledge Displays, 225

Letters, Electric, 123

Lettering Types, Antique, 62
Block, 61
DeVinne, 57
Egyptian, 59
Figures, 63
Indexes, 64
Initials, 64
Medieval, 62
Modern Roman, 59
Old English, 61
Rapid, 58
Script, 60
Unique, 60

Lighting the Window, 112

Linen Decorations, 52
Displays, 259
Drapings, 72

Lining Displays, 298

Lining Show Cards, 54

Live Canary Birds, 149

M

Material for Backgrounds, 26

Mechanical Butterfly, 109
Displays, 87
Egg, 111
Fan, 108
Panels, 105
Skirt Holder, 91
Ships, 90
Windmill, 91

Memorial Day Displays, 186

Millinery Arch, 237
Displays, 289

Mixing Colors, 54

Monograms, 148

Moon Effect, 98

Moonlight, 137

Motors, 85
Speed Reducer for, 86

Muslin Underwear Displays, 279

N

Notion Displays, 238–244

O

Octopus, Illuminated, 131

Old Oaken Bucket, 152

Odd Fellows’ Arch, 233

Open Backgrounds, 37

Open Window Trimming, 16

Onyx Standards, 43

Oriental Display, 233

Original Street Fair Booths, 170

Ornamental Show Cards, 65

Outfit Displays, 151

P

Palm Stands, 43

Panoramas, 113–149

Parade Floats, 174

Patriotic Displays, 152

Paints for Show Cards, 54

Perpetual Motion, 104

Pedestals, 42

Pen Writing,

Photographing Windows, 144

Planning a Window, 27

Pleating, Methods of, 34

Post Shelves, 149

Potential Force, 115

Prisms, Use of, 148

Prismatic Display, 152

Practical Trims, 240

Puffing, Method of, 31
for Headings, 31
Shogran, 32

R

Rainbow, 151

Revolving Busts, 95
Cylinder, 103
Stands, 87
Star, 88
Wheel, 94

Ribbon Decorations, 149
Displays, 248
Flags, 186
Star, 235

Robing Windows, 15

Room for the Trimmer, 15

Rug Display, 235–317

Ruling Show Cards, 54

S

Sand Motors, 86

Santa Claus Cave, 213
Grotto, 211

Seasons, Float, 168

Side Hoops, 149

Sign Shop for Stores, 68

Sign Marking Outfit, 70

Silk Displays, 305
Stands, 44

Shirt Waists Displays, 310
to Prepare, 150

Show Case Displays, 231

Shelving of Glass, 44

Sewing Silk Display, 243

Screen for Windows, 16

Shogran Puffing, 32

Shamrocks, to Make, 150

Skirt Displays, 236
Stand, 44
Sale, 89

Simplicity in Decorating, 14

Single Pleating, 34

Smocking, 33

Snow Storms, 151

Spool Cotton Displays, 242

Standards, Onyx, 43

Standard Framework, 17
Backgrounds, 36

Stands for Dress Goods, 44

Star, Mechanical, 88

Stone Fronts, to Plan, 9

Straw Hat Machine, 195

Study in Astronomy, 100

St. Valentine’s Day, 177

Stencils, Use of, 70

Spacing Show Cards, 56

Speech Makers, 63

Speed Reducers, 94

Street Fairs, Advantages, 156
Amusements, 160
Details, 160
Object of, 154
Organizing, 157
Success of, 156
Time to Hold, 157
What it is, 152

Suspended Stands 149
Poles, 152

Sunbursts, to Make, 53

T

Table for Card Writing, 53

Thanksgiving Displays, 196

The Coming Year, Decorations, 222

Thistle Flowers of Linens, 52

Three Displays at Once, 85

Tools to work with, 16

Toy Displays, 205

Trimming Displays, 235–247

Trolley Car, Decorations, 236

Trunks and Travelers’ Goods, 319

Turkey Made of Linens, 197

U

Umbrellas, 149

Umbrella Displays, 266

Underwear Displays, 280

Upholstery Backgrounds, 28

Use of Brushes, 55

V

Valentine’s Day Displays, 177

Vanishing Lady, The, 83

Volcano Effects, 177

W

Waists, 283

Wash Day, 149

Wash Goods Displays, 299

Washing Windows, Method of, 11

Wall Paper for Backgrounds, 151

Waterfall, to Make, 152

Water Motors, 86

Wax Figures, Care of, 145

What to Display, 15

Windows, to Plan, 27
to Upholster, 28

Window Cards, 56

Wind Power, 104

Windmill, with Electric Effect, 132

Winter Scene, 150

Words of Advice, 145

Workmanship, 14

Work Room for Card Writers, 53

------------------------------------------------------------------------

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES

Page Changed from Changed to

33 form of planting radiating in form of pleating radiating in
all directions all directions

37 trips will make a good frame. strips will make a good frame.
Any style Any style

41 not obtainable, don’t entertain not obtainable, don’t entertain
a a trimmer

93 Then build upright (C, figs. 2 Then build upright (C, figs. 2
and 2) and 3)

104 to be separated by angles of 15 to be separated by angles of 45
degrees, as degrees, as

145 place is thus covered, so that plate is thus covered, so that
your total exposure your total exposure

1. Typos fixed; non-standard spelling and dialect retained. 2. Enclosed italics font in _underscores_. 3. The caret (^) serves as a superscript indicator, applicable to individual characters (like 2^d).