Remembering the Past: Doilies

BY JO ANN WAGNER

Most women didn’t work outside the home when I was growing up. There was a greater division of labor that wasn’t often crossed. Women kept busy with tasks that took longer than now. Cooking “from scratch” was the only way. Dishes had to be washed by hand, floors were scrubbed on hands and knees, etc. When evening came, these same women often found work they could do while seated.

One evening project was crocheting, tatting, or knitting doilies. Every home seemed to have doilies on their tables, dressers, etc. They protected the wood finish underneath. They often held vases or candy dishes, showing off the handiwork.

Doilies on the backs and arm rests of chairs and sofas added beauty while protecting the furniture. (People back then didn’t take a daily bath or shower. Hair became oily, and there was likely some dirt on the arms of active children and adults, especially in the summer.) While a small towel might accomplish the same purpose, women took pride in making doilies.

Filet crochet required attention to the details, but lent itself to beautiful scenes on doilies that served a very functional purpose.

Doilies are no longer common fixtures in most homes. Some women still crochet, knit, or tat, but it isn’t often you’ll find them making doilies.

Jo Ann Wagner is a contributing writer for Lincoln 55+ magazine.