Intermission time!I will be awhile writing the Bell-Morris post, and surely we could all use a little break from Fred and his exploits. Never mind that chasing down William and Mary Morris in the census is proving complicated (common name, etc.). And I need a short break from Fred as well - enchanting though he is. So I thought it was high time for some odds and ends, patent medicines and little strange ads - that sort of thing.
Fred Bell's foray into the world of fortune-telling (which you may read about here) got me very interested in some of his rivals and here is one lady who amused and intrigued me very much. And I adore her name! Here is Madame Lolo Lulu, advertising in the Brooklyn Daily Eagle in February 1884:
She does not tell fortunes for men, please note. And she does not promise brilliant results every time: even with a magic globe to assist her, Lolo Lulu will only say that "her revelations are often marvelous." Often, not always! I love this little ad and when they invent a Time Machine, I am going to have to save some time between 10am and 9pm to visit her - this is a woman I would love to meet.If I can find out anything more about her (and I have been trying) I will edit this post and let you know.
Advertisement from Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Feb. 20, 1884, p. 3. The photograph shows actress Lillian Russell dressed as a fortune-teller (but without a magic globe, alas), and is from the Library of Congress.
9 comments:
Fortune tellers were so much more colorful back then.
Madame Lolo Lulu's name sure doesn't roll off the tongue very easily!
Hi Lidian - thanks so much for visiting my blog.
Madame Lolo Lulu sounds like an interesting person to meet. I wonder how much custom she received after placing her ads.
I love her name, Madame LoLo LuLu. I wonder why she would consult with women only? Could it be that women are more open to fortune-telling or just more gullible?
For only 50 cents or a dollar you can go see her more than once! www.satisfiedsole.com
She's a delight!
When you get that time machine, give me a hoy and I'll come with you ;)
Eric - They certainly were. And there is a whole section of Eagle classified for Clairvoyants, with great names.
Hairball - I wonder what her real name was?
Shelley - I wonder too, I only found her in the early part of 1884 - perhaps she went back to London? Must check London Times for ads, too.
Me-Me - I assume that she specialized in women's problems, but I also keep thinking that there is some code I am not getting when she says women only.
Pam - A bargain! :)
Jayne - I sure will!
Boy, say her name too quickly and it will get you alot of funny looks. Maybe i shouldn't be talking to myself in the library to begin with.
iasa - I like saying her name quickly too, as my family will tell you!
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