Circa Sunday Night

Portrait of Jennie, the 1948 film starring Jennifer Jones and the very dreamy Joseph Cotten, is one of the weirdest movies I've seen in a long time.  Should you watch it?  Definitely.  Let's talk about it in this episode of the Vintage Century Idle Hour.

Gather 'round, everybody.  Class is now in session.  Our subject: a lesson in vocabulary.  Yes, Jennifer is defining for us terms that are part of the Circa 19xx Land vernacular.  What's Crystal made of, and why it is called "crystal"?  When is something considered an antique?  When is it vintage?  Which came first: Art Deco or Art Nouveau?   And what in the world is a "whiplash curl"?   You'll be able to astonish your friends with your grasp of trivial knowledge after tonight's show.  As is her custom, Jennifer also takes a few detours along the way, giving us a tour of her pool bag, talking about the first movie she ever remembers seeing, and sharing some soothing words about relaxation from a book she's currently reading.  It's a potpourri of topics tonight, so tuck yourself in and turn out the lights.  It's time for another episode of Circa Sunday Night.Show LinksJennifer's Favorite Circa Sunday Night Episode: "Egyptomania!"Circa 19xx LandYouTube ChannelWebsiteInstagramMeet your Podcaster

Jennifer dropped off the face of the Earth--but she's back now (after three months, but who's counting?).  She's been touring mansions again--this time in Newport, Rhode Island.  She recounts her adventures for us and answers the question: what is it like to spend the night in a big, 150-year-old Victorian gothic mansion ALONE?  She also shares with us some tips for decorating our own Gilded Age-inspired ballrooms.  There's a jam-packed itinerary for our little junket to Rhode Island, but then we switch gears altogether to spend some time with our old friends, the Crawleys, over at Downton Abbey. Have you seen the latest film?  Jennifer has, and she's over the moon about it.  And, then, before she says goodnight, Jennifer tells us all about the vintage plastic candlesticks she plans to be buried with. We haven't caught as much as a glimpse of Jennifer since April, so there's a lot of catching up to do!  Show LinksJennifer's Packing Cubes for CalpakIvy LodgeThe Preservation Society of Newport CountyThe Fascinating Story Behind the Downton Abbey Theme Song (Town & Country)Circa 19xx LandYouTube ChannelWebsiteInstagramMeet your Podcaster

The world is such a harsh place, and life is very hard.  But you know what isn't hard?  Fluffy bunnies.  Tonight Jennifer does a deep dive into her favorite bunny story: The Velveteen Rabbit.   She'll also take a look at a song right out of Circa 19xx Land that also has ties to Jennifer's memories of the 1980s.  And then she'll share with you what she hopes the Easter bunny brings to her this year in her Easter basket.  She has a wish list—and everything on it is cool vintage stuff.  Let's have three cheers for “Sryoco!”  What?  Don't worry, it will all make sense later on.   And of course we'll explore The Velveteen Rabbit.  It's more meaningful and beautiful than you remember.  Yeah, this is another wacky show in our series, but it wouldn't be Circa Sunday Night otherwise. Show LinksI'll Follow My Secret Heart (Awesome Song from Episode #28 by Noel Coward)The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco, Digital Archive VersionJennifer's Fantasy Easter Basket:  Avon Cape CodJennifer's Fantasy Easter Basket:  Net LaceJennifer's Fantasy Easter Basket:  Syroco FloralsJennifer's Fantasy Easter Basket:  Vintage Vanity JarsJennifer's Fantasy Easter Basket:  Camphor Glass PendantCirca 19xx LandYouTube ChannelWebsiteInstagramMeet your Podcaster

Jennifer has become enchanted with April.  Wait, no, that's not quite right.  She's over the moon about a book she just discovered entitled The Enchanted April.  Yeah, that's it.  This book has been around for 100 years, but it just now made it onto Jennifer's reading list and she's now wondering where it has been all her life.  Written by Elizabeth Von Arnim and inspired by her stay in 1920 at Castello Brown, a beautiful Mediterranean fortress in Portofino, Italy, The Enchanted April was published in 1922.  It was a dreamy, satisfying read--and a film adaptation from the early 1990s is even better!  It's so hard to find a book (even though there are literally millions available with the click of a mouse), Jennifer is doing us a favor by assigning us this read.  In tonight's show she explores the author, the magical "castello" (castle) that inspired her, and introduces the main characters.  Jennifer has promised not to spoil the details of the story, or the ending, and while she skirts the boundaries of spoilerville, she doesn't quite cross the line.  Also in tonight's show is a song sure to lodge in your brain like an ear worm--even though it's in Italian.  Come along as we journey to Portofino for one unforgettable April.Show LinksThe Enchanted April Audiobook Read by Helen TaylorLuncheon Scene from the film The Enchanted AprilCastello Brown WebsiteCirca 19xx LandYouTube ChannelWebsiteInstagramMeet your Podcaster

Huh?  The title of this episode doesn't sound like something one would find in Circa 19xx Land. Well, Jennifer got a notion; Blame an off-the-cuff remark in Episode 27 for this one.  She said something in that episode that tickled her own fancy...and here we are.  In tonight's show Jennifer leads us on a virtual retreat in which we clean out our heads of toxic muck only to fill them up again with good, wholesome stuff.  Dust off your old school notebooks and find a pencil, because we get assignments along the way.  Jennifer designed a five-facet program to help us through a mental cleanse that's focused on  Humor, Words, Music, Imagery, and Personal Surroundings.  Ok, even she knows this is a wacky departure from our usual fare on Circa Sunday Night.  But don't worry: she pulls in content that IS in our Circa Sunday Night wheelhouse, too.  Here's to a new adventure!  Dare to come along?Show LinksThe Honeymooners: "Better Living Through Television"Catechism of the Catholic ChurchPsalm 23Winds on Velvet Album by Elliot Lawrence and His OrchestraVictoria Magazine WebsiteVictoria Magazine on InstagramCirca 19xx LandYouTube ChannelWebsiteInstagramMeet your Podcaster

Oops!  Jennifer forgot the show was called Circa SUNDAY Night,  and posted this week's episode on Monday.   But, we'll forgive her this time because tonight's show is all about the Gilded Age in New York, and as this episode of Circa Sunday Night goes up, a new episode of the HBO drama The Gilded Age is airing as well.  Wait...could this have been part of her brilliant plan all along?  We'll never know.  But what we can say is that tonight's show is weird.  One minute we're talking about Downton Abby, the next we're talking about the Vanderbilts, and somewhere in between we're taking a stroll down memory lane with Jennifer as she recounts key moments from high school at her old hometown's soon-to-be-demolished shopping mall.  On second thought, it's not so weird; it's just another romp around Circa 19xx Land.  Once we leave Jennifer's childhood mall we'll make our way to a sparkling 19th Century dinner party, meet the Mrs. Astor, and learn about the fine art of ormolu.  It's all in a night's work.  Won't you come along?Hey, did you know that Jennifer's on YouTube now?  Please visit her channel and subscribe.  She's desperate.Circa 19xx Land on YouTubeShow LinksReally beautiful and awesome books for this episode:The Gilded Age in New York by Esther CrainA Season of Splendor: The Court of Mrs. Astor in Gilded Age New York by Greg KingWhen the Astors Owned New York by Justin KaplanThe Gilded Age: Overture to the American Century by Alan AxelrodArticleExamples of Ormolu:  The Mayfair GalleryArticle about Ormolu: The Mayfair Gallery BlogUrban Explorer Video about White Lakes Mall that Upset JenniferLook for the Orange Julius Canopy!Circa 19xx LandYouTube ChannelWebsiteInstagramMeet your Podcaster

Tonight Jennifer confronts the winter blues head-on with an imaginary excursion on the ill-fated Prinzessin Victoria Luise, the first ship designed specifically for pleasure cruising.  We're traveling back to 1901 for this little trip, and on that maiden voyage, everything is glittering and beautiful--just as it should be.  But, as is so often the case (and why is that? Jennifer wonders...) tragedy looms large in the future of our lovely ship.  A crash, a suicide, on-board pandemonium (or not?)--it's all part of the Victoria Luise story.  It's a bit much for Jennifer, so she indulges in an extended side-bar to learn more about the famous (and ah-MAZING) Louis Vitton steamer trunks of the era.  Is this episode about Gilded Age glamour, historic ships, weird psychology, or sensationalistic journalism?  Uh...all of the above. This is a vacation that could only be taken in Circa 19xx Land.News:  Jennifer now has a YouTube channel!Season 3 episodes of Circa Sunday Night will now air on YouTube as well as the usual podcast platforms.  Now and then there will be some video out there, too.New YouTube Channel, "Jennifer Passariello's Circa 19xx Land"Supplemental video for tonight's episodeLinks for tonight's show:Smithsonian Magazine article about the Prinzessin Victoria LuiseChristie's video on Louis Vitton steamer trunksAntiques Roadshow clip on Louis Vitton steamer trunksLouis Vitton website history pageBonus link:A beautiful song from the era, Jennifer's favorite Scott Joplin piece, "Wall Street Rag," by the New England Ragtime Ensemble.  Do yourself a favor today and listen to this happy recording.Circa 19xx LandYouTube ChannelWebsiteInstagramMeet your Podcaster

Come on over to Jennifer's house for her annual Christmas party!  There's plenty of cheesecake—and really bad egg nog—to go around.  Olive will be there to greet you at the door, and if you can somehow make it past her, you'll encounter an interesting collection of guests, such as Steve Allen, the first host of the Tonight Show, and the Anderson family from the old radio program Father Knows Best.  Jennifer talks Christmas movies, plays a little game of Christmas movie trivia, and counts down the hottest gift ideas—of 1921.  What other party could possibly include both synchronized swimmers and an annual visit to the Kmart of yesteryear (“Attention: Security to section 10!”)?  No other party; just this one.  So stop in, take off your coat, and stay awhile.  It's time to celebrate the season the Circa Sunday Night way, and we're waiting for you to get the party started.Cool LinksThe Steve Allen Christmas Show (1961)Famous dance scene from Picnic with William Holden and Kim Novak (1955)Saturday Evening Post:  "Popular Christmas Gift Ads from the 1920s"Kmart Christmas Loop from Archive.orgJennifer's favorite Christmas album:  Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme's That Holiday Feeling  (1964)Louis Armstrong Christmas album"First Date" clip from The Shop Around the Corner (1940)Want more Christmas?  Check out the 2020 Circa Sunday Night Christmas PartyCirca 19xx LandFollow Jennifer on Instagram! Circa19xx.com Meet Jennifer 

Welcome to Jennifer's latest obsession:  The Phantom of the Opera.  Her sister forced her to watch the 25th Anniversary stage production at Royal Albert Hall from 2011, and she fell hard for the show.   To learn more she read the original novel by Gaston Leroux, she watched a couple of classic film adaptations from 1925 and 1943, and basically immersed herself in all things Phantom.  Before she realized that Leroux's book was published in 1910 she lamented the fact that Phantom as a topic wasn't a fit for Circa Sunday Night--it was too Victorian, which is a little south of Circa 19xx Land.  But when she discovered that no!  the story had been serialized in 1909 and ultimately published as a stand-alone novel in 1910, she literally exclaimed aloud, "Bingo!"  This little book is right in our neighborhood...and now it's right on our show.  In tonight's episode, we go deep into Leroux's invented world and watch as Jennifer's heart breaks all over again upon revisiting the Phantom's sorrowful tale.  You just never know where we're going to end up on this show.  This time, we're in Paris, at the opulent Palais Garnier.  Is there a better place to be?Cool LinksPalais Garnier Video Tour Palais Garnier Website   The Mystery of the Yellow Room, BBC4 The Saturday Play (1998) Daily Telegraph Article on Gaston LerouxScenes from Andrew Lloyd Webber's PhantomCirca 19xx LandFollow Jennifer on Instagram!Circa19xx.comMeet Jennifer

Jennifer loves prowling around and researching old stuff, so it's only natural—or should we say SUPERnatural —that she would run into a ghost story now and then.  Tonight she takes us on a tour of the murkier regions of Circa19xx Land to meet a few of their less corporeal inhabitants.   Tonight's itinerary:We take a spin around the phantom ballroom at the Overlook Hotel (you know how Jennifer loves a good ballroom);Jennifer then takes us to the creepiest haunted mansion she has actually been to—right near her own hometown;We set sail on a majestic, and notoriously haunted, art deco gem: the Queen Mary; andWe celebrate the season with the Addams Family and get some home decor inspiration from their eccentric creator. Jennifer presents a variety of songs (don't be alarmed; she isn't doing the singing) and other spooky novelties as well. We wrap up in the Vintage Century Reading Room with the conclusion of F. Scott Fitzgerald's story, "The Cut Glass Bowl."Light your candle and settle in for the night.  This one comes at your request.  It's a Halloween Spooktacular, Circa Sunday Night Style!To ExploreThe Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, ColoradoPics from the Vaile MansionReally Excellent Full Tour of Vaile Mansion with Tour GuidesQueen Mary Short History VideoAstonishing Legends Podcast on the Queen MaryCharles Addams Illustrations:~ Miss Universe~ Movie Scream~ Addams FamilyHalloween with the Addams Family (Full Episode)Circa 19xx LandFollow Jennifer on Instagram!Circa19xx.comMeet Jennifer

WARNING:  Dorky content ahead.  (Some might argue that all Circa Sunday Night episodes should come with this warning, but perhaps this one is dorkier than most.)  Tonight we're going to take a peek into the exciting world of vintage school materials.  Yes, materials that were used in classrooms to shape the youth of yesteryear and prepare them to inherit the world.  OK, so this may not be everyone's cup of tea.  It IS Jennifer's cup of tea, though.  She was a teacher once, and made a very long career in the field of learning and development and instructional design.  Can she help it if she finds textbooks and teacher's manuals as fascinating as other people find blockbuster movies or true crime podcasts?  No, she cannot.  So, here we are.  She brings us along as she unboxes a 1969 SRA Reading Laboratory Kit that is in near mint condition.  While we're in the late 1960s we examine one of the wackiest school films ever made—one that features some trippy magic pancakes.  We wrap up our old school tour by learning how to choose television programs from a 1955 textbook in Jennifer's collection.  But wait, there's more!  We learn about birthstones in tonight's show, pay homage to willow trees in song, and continue our F. Scott Fitzgerald story in the Vintage Century Reading Room.  Are you still willing to tune in?  Hey, well then you're Jennifer's kind of person!  Sharpen your pencils and find your seats.   We're going back in time...and back to school.References McGraw-Hill SRA (Science Research Associates) WebsiteWinter of the Witch School Film (Magic Pancakes) on YoutubeNew York Times Article:  "About a Witch: 1969 Film Touches a Generation"History of BIrthstonesClifford Brown with StringsVisit Circa19xx.comNEW!  See Pics of the ShowMeet the PodcasterNEW!  So...I'm back on Instagram.  If you're interested in my exciting (uh, really?) life beyond Circa Sunday Night follow me!

Jennifer goes on and on tonight about Zelda Fitzgerald, the subject of two books she has just read and the object of her current obsession.    Was she a flapper or philosopher?  Both, perhaps, as well as a dancer, a writer, a painter, a muse, and a girl who may have lost her mind but found her soul.  It was inevitable that Zelda, that iconic "It" girl of the 1920s and wife of literary giant F. Scott Fitzgerald, would make an appearance in Circa 19xx Land; after all,  the early Twentieth Century belonged to her...and she belonged to it.  How could we not invite her to our party?  Jennifer continues her exploration of the Jazz Age by revealing her "second favorite" George Gershwin piece and then dashes over to the CSN news desk to file a report on how Dolly Parton shops for antiques.   She wraps up with a sure-fire regimen for combatting the "Sunday Scaries" (in 5 easy steps!).  How many podcasts out there can cure insomnia and the Sunday Scaries?  Just this one.  Oh, and we find ourselves back in the Vintage Century Reading Room tonight for part 2 of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 1920 short story, "The Cut Glass Bowl."  It's nearly 2 hours (2 hours!) of exciting content...and a lot of Jennifer talking.Links for Tonight's ShowZelda by Nancy MilfordDear Scott, Dearest Zelda The Collected Writings of Zelda Fitzgerald edited by Matthew Bruccoli "Beauty and Madness: Caesar's Things, a Christian Novel by Zelda Fitzgerald""Yes, Dolly Parton Does her Own Antique Shopping"Fox News:  "Sunday Scaries Cause Work-Related Stress for More Than Half American Professionals"Visit Circa19xx.comThe BlogMeet the Podcaster

Road trip, anyone?  Jennifer's in Florida again, but this time she's nowhere near the Magic Kingdom.   With Miami as home base, she's gassed up the rental car and set the GPS to a place (South Florida) and a decade (the 1920s) where she explores a beautiful old mansion and garden, a historic and spectacular swimming pool, and a glamorous prohibition-era hotel.  Oh, and the highlight: Jennifer visits a crazy tourist attraction from the 1920s that she has dreamed of for decades.  Does reality live up to the dream?  (Spoiler alert:  Yes!).   She also does some hard-hitting investigative work to determine why Miami drivers honk their horns... A LOT.   It could be their way of saying hello... or it could be their way of alerting other drivers that Jennifer is on the road again and a danger to herself and others.  Either way, we'll get to the bottom of it.  Finally, we learn about Charleston (the song) and The Charleston (the dance).  We are visiting the '20s, after all.  And speaking of flappers (were we speaking of flappers?) Jennifer puts all the Circa Sunday Night listeners to sleep with the latest addition to the Vintage Century Reading Room.   Tonight's episode is a virtual vacation, so pack your bags and hop a plane.  We'll meet you in Miami!Itinerary Links:Vizcaya Museum and GardensCoral CastleVenetian PoolBiltmore HotelVisit Circa19xx.comThe BlogMeet the Podcaster

Jennifer fell in love with the sound of her own voice and honored it with the longest Circa Sunday Night episode ever produced.   Tonight Jennifer (and her voice) take us to the sweet little burg of Mayfield, home of the Cleaver family.  That's right--we're making a left on Pine Street, where we find Ward painting lawn chairs, June serving up lemonade, and Wally and the Beaver giving each other the business.  It's all charming, and a balm for a weary world.  Jennifer is wild about Leave it to Beaver, so she shares her all-time favorite episode with us--and provides probably too much commentary about it.  She checks out some Beaver memorabilia for sale on eBay (spoiler alert: it isn't cheap), one of which is a book from Ward's very own library.AND SPEAKING OF BOOKS...Jennifer can't keep two shows straight in her head, so she's decided to fold the Vintage Century Reading Room into Circa Sunday Night.  We FINALLY wrap up Take a Look at Yourself with two final chapters:  When Another Takes Your Place and Will Your Life Begin at Forty?   Now it's time for a new book, so Jennifer takes us shopping with her to one of her favorite sources for vintage titles.Ebay StuffJune's casserole dishBobbsey Twins at Meadow Brook bookInterviewsBarbara Billingsley Interview Visit Circa19xx.comThe BlogMeet the Podcaster

Welcome to the Vintage Century Reading Room...Jennifer's reading an inspirational little forgotten book from the 1940s—apparently long out of print—and because it is playing into some goals she has for herself in 2021, she decided to share it with us.  The book is Take a Look at Yourself,  by John Homer Miller.  Tonight we're reading Chapter 13.Jennifer has a fire going and her reading voice warmed up, so turn down the lights and pull up the covers.  It's story time in Circa 19xx land.Hey, why not come by my blog and say hello?Circa19xx.com  - Pics and Days BlogThe Woman in Black (1989)Watch on Youtube

Welcome to the Vintage Century Reading Room...Jennifer's reading an inspirational little forgotten book from the 1940s—apparently long out of print—and because it is playing into some goals she has for herself in 2021, she decided to share it with us.  The book is Take a Look at Yourself,  by John Homer Miller.  Tonight we're reading Chapter 12.Jennifer has a fire going and her reading voice warmed up, so turn down the lights and pull up the covers.  It's story time in Circa 19xx land.Hey, why not come by my blog and say hello? Circa19xx.com  - Pics and Days Blog

Welcome to the Vintage Century Reading Room...Jennifer's reading an inspirational little forgotten book from the 1940s—apparently long out of print—and because it is playing into some goals she has for herself in 2021, she decided to share it with us.  The book is Take a Look at Yourself,  by John Homer Miller.  Tonight we're reading Chapter 11.Jennifer has a fire going and her reading voice warmed up, so turn down the lights and pull up the covers.  It's story time in Circa 19xx land.Hey, why not come by my blog and say hello?  Circa19xx.com  - Pics and Days Blog

Woopsie!  Jennifer had to switch gears at the eleventh hour and do a show that was nothing like she had originally planned.  The masterpiece she had in mind didn't pan out, and she ran out of time.  Never one to let the quest for perfection obliterate progress, she goes on with the show.  Tonight is all about beautiful things, a theme drawn from an old musty book Jennifer picked up at her favorite thrift store this week called One Thousand Beautiful Things.  With a title like that, how can we go wrong?  Jennifer shares some gems from that little treasure trove,  takes us shopping for the perfect tailored jacket, and shares her opinion on the film Radium Girls.  Of course, there is plenty of chit chat along the way.  Spring has almost arrived in Kansas City and torrential rain is on tap; but we're warm and dry and basking in the soft glow of rose-scented candles!  There simply isn't anything better to do on this Sunday night than hang out in Circa 19xx Land.  We'll see you there.Visit Circa19xx.comThe BlogMeet the PodcasterJennifer's new Favorite PerfumeVanille Abricot Perfume

Welcome to the Vintage Century Reading Room...Jennifer's reading an inspirational little forgotten book from the 1940s—apparently long out of print—and because it is playing into some goals she has for herself in 2021, she decided to share it with us.  The book is Take a Look at Yourself,  by John Homer Miller.  Tonight we're reading Chapter 10. Wait...what?  We left off with Chapter 6.  How did we get to Chapter 10?  Well, Jennifer was so enthralled with the title of Chapter 10, she just couldn't help but skip ahead.Jennifer has a fire going and her reading voice warmed up, so turn down the lights and pull up the covers.  It's story time in Circa 19xx land.Episode of LittlePoet YouTube Channel show with Dog singing Jingle Bells:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaQc2FiXfhg

Circa Sunday Night Season 2 begins now!  Jennifer has just crawled out of her winter-long hibernation and is yearning for warmer climes.  In tonight's show she takes a little imaginary voyage to the islands, exploring a few kitschy tourist attractions of yesteryear along the way.   Also new this season is a segment entitled "This week in Circa 19xx Land," (at least until Jennifer can come up with a better name), in which she talks about cool vintage stuff she's encountered lately.  On the roster:  a teacher's daily assignment kit from the 1970s, the latest edition of the Vermont Country Store Catalog, Jennifer's favorite Tea Room in the Ozarks, and the perennially awesome CBS Radio Mystery Theater.  Jennifer also shares her "word" for 2021 (yes, she has a word now).Jennifer's back and ready to hula.  So tune in to tonight's show and mix up a few fruity cocktails.  It's Tiki Time and we're lighting the torches.  Welcome to the new season of Circa Sunday Night!Visit Circa19xx.comThe Blog Meet the PodcasterPolynesian GetawayThe Mai Kai RestaurantWhat will Happen to a Piece of South Florida HistoryThis Week in Circa 19xx LandCBS Radio Mystery TheaterVermont Country Store

Welcome to the Vintage Century Reading Room...Jennifer's reading an inspirational little forgotten book from the 1940s—apparently long out of print—and because it is playing into some goals she has for herself in 2021, she decided to share it with us.  The book is Take a Look at Yourself,  by John Homer Miller.  Tonight we're reading Chapter 6.Jennifer has a fire going and her reading voice warmed up, so turn down the lights and pull up the covers.  It's story time in Circa 19xx land.

Welcome to the Vintage Century Reading Room...Jennifer's reading an inspirational little forgotten book from the 1940s—apparently long out of print—and because it is playing into some goals she has for herself in 2021, she decided to share it with us.  The book is Take a Look at Yourself,  by John Homer Miller.  Tonight we're reading Chapter 5.Jennifer has a fire going and her reading voice warmed up, so turn down the lights and pull up the covers.  It's story time in Circa 19xx land.

Welcome to the Vintage Century Reading Room...Jennifer's reading an inspirational little forgotten book from the 1940s—apparently long out of print—and because it is playing into some goals she has for herself in 2021, she decided to share it with us.  The book is Take a Look at Yourself,  by John Homer Miller.  Tonight we're reading Chapter 4.Jennifer has a fire going and her reading voice warmed up, so turn down the lights and pull up the covers.  It's story time in Circa 19xx land.IMPORTANT PROGRAMMING NOTE:  Vintage Century Reading Room is not permanently replacing Circa Sunday Night.  Season 2 of CSN begins February, 2021.  The Reading Room is just a little spin-off between seasons.

Welcome to the Vintage Century Reading Room...Jennifer's reading an inspirational little forgotten book from the 1940s—apparently long out of print—and because it is playing into some goals she has for herself in 2021, she decided to share it with us.  The book is Take a Look at Yourself,  by John Homer Miller.  Tonight we're reading Chapter 3.Jennifer has a fire going and her reading voice warmed up, so turn down the lights and pull up the covers.  It's story time in Circa 19xx land.IMPORTANT PROGRAMMING NOTE:  Vintage Century Reading Room is not permanently replacing Circa Sunday Night.  Season 2 of CSN begins February, 2021.  The Reading Room is just a little spin-off between seasons.

Welcome to the Vintage Century Reading Room...Jennifer's reading an inspirational little forgotten book from the 1940s—apparently long out of print—and because it is playing into some goals she has for herself in 2021, she decided to share it with us.  The book is Take a Look at Yourself,  by John Homer Miller.  Tonight we're reading Chapter 2.Jennifer has a fire going and her reading voice warmed up, so turn down the lights and pull up the covers.  It's story time in Circa 19xx land.IMPORTANT PROGRAMMING NOTE:  Vintage Century Reading Room is not permanently replacing Circa Sunday Night.  Season 2 of CSN begins February, 2021.  The Reading Room is just a little spin-off between seasons.

What!  Is it February already?  Two weeks ago Jennifer said her goodbyes in the wrap up of season 1 of Circa Sunday Night.   She said we wouldn't hear her again for two months.   But here we are...and here she is; the gang back together again, and Christmas hasn't even arrived.  What's going on???Enter the Vintage Century Reading Room...Jennifer's reading an inspirational little forgotten book from the 1940s—apparently long out of print—and because it is playing into some goals she has for herself in 2021, she decided to share it with us.  The book is Take a Look at Yourself,  by John Homer Miller.  Tonight we're exploring the forward and Chapter 1.Jennifer has a fire going and her reading voice warmed up, so turn down the lights and pull up the covers.  It's story time in Circa 19xx land.IMPORTANT PROGRAMMING NOTE:  Vintage Century Reading Room is not permanently replacing Circa Sunday Night.  Season 2 of CSN begins February, 2021.  The Reading Room is just a little spin-off between seasons.

Jennifer's the hostess with the mostest this week as she celebrates the season and  visits Christmases past.  She introduces tonight's show by once again stretching the bounds of an audio-only podcast to give a tour of  both her home—all decked out for the holidays  in vintage decor—and her hors d'oeuvre table.   Eat up and be merry!  This spread is all in your head and calorie free!  As you settle in by the fire, you'll meet  our celebrity guest: the abundantly talented (and long-deceased) Fats Waller.  You'll then help Jennifer wrestle with the question of whether it's OK to give thrifted Christmas gifts to friends.   And speaking of shopping...Jennifer unearths a  recording that once played for Christmas shoppers over the loudspeaker at Kmart back in the day, and ponders why stores no longer play Christmas music.  We take a peek at the news from the Christmas season of 1920 (includes a crazy riot of kids making a grab for presents).  Finally, we toast the season at Duffy's Tavern, where "the elite meet to eat."    You're an honored guest at this little party, so take off your coat and stay awhile before Jennifer ultimately says goodbye to Circa 19xx Land until February, 2021.New Yorker article by John McWhorter, "In Search of a Lost Fats Waller Musical"https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/in-search-of-a-lost-fats-waller-musical NPR Profile:  Fats Waller, "The Joint is Jumpin'"https://www.npr.org/2011/06/20/4172768/fats-waller-the-joint-is-jumpin Kmart Christmas recordinghttps://archive.org/details/KmartDecember1974ReelToReel Explore Circa 19xx Land:Meet the Podcasterwww.Circa19xx.com Circa-19xx Facebook PagePinterest Show Boards

Jennifer couldn't settle on one particular topic for tonight's show, so she decided to throw together odd bits of news and ideas from around Circa 19xx Land, run those bits through the old salad spinner, and see how it all comes out on the plate.  The result: our second "Mystery Mélange."  If you've been listening to Circa Sunday Night over the last several months you know that we've served up a tasty mélange before:  it's a mystery because you never know what each new segment will bring.  What's different this time:  Jennifer traverses some grim quarters of Circa 19xx Land.  (Don't worry—we don't stay there for long.  We're all about sweetness and light on this show!).  So, pull up the covers and turn off the lights.  This little episode is just plain weird.Radium Girls:Article from NPR:  Mae Keane, One Of The Last 'Radium Girls,' Dies At 107Watch the motion picture trailerWikipedia article about Eben ByersArticle from Lessons from History:  The Blessings of Radium WaterCottingley Fairies:Historic UK articleJimmy Akin's Mysterious World podcast, "The Cottingley Fairies"Smile!Synopsis of the film, Modern TimesWatch the scene of Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times in which the song Smile debutedNat King Cole's version of SmileVoctave's version of SmileExplore Circa 19xx Land:Meet the Podcasterwww.Circa19xx.com Circa-19xx Facebook PagePinterest Show Boards

Jennifer read a quote in a magazine while on a flight to Orlando, Florida…and now we have an episode called “Art of Adventure.”  Inspiration strikes at 35,000 feet.  In tonight's show Jennifer does something a real podcaster probably wouldn't bother to try: explore early Twentieth Century illustrations in an audio-only radio show.  It's a subject that is all wrong for our format, but off we go nonetheless.  The quote that suggested tonight's topic was from Golden Age Illustrator N.C. Wyeth, as he described his studio in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania:  “This is the little corner of the world wherein I shall work out my destiny.”  Jennifer already knew of Wyeth and his famous son Andrew, but she wanted to know more about this special place where someone's destiny could be forged.  Research began almost immediately, which led her down a path through the Golden Age of Illustration, the famous Brandywine School, the dreamy landscape of Chadds Ford, and, of course, the fabulous illustrations of pirates, knights, and other adventurers.  All of this—and more!—is packed into tonight's show.  When you tune in, be sure to bring your imagination with you.  You'll need it.The all-important Pinterest Show Board for this episode:Check out the artworkThe PBS News Hour Full Segment:Another Look at N.C. Wyeth, American Art PatriarchBrandywine Museum:The N.C. Wyeth House & StudioExplore Circa 19xx Land:Meet the Podcasterwww.Circa19xx.com Circa-19xx Facebook PagePinterest Show Boards

Is this the dorkiest podcast ever produced, or a sweet little virtual escape from a weary world?  You be the judge.  In tonight's show Jennifer attempts to take you along on her vacation as she discovers cool vintage stuff in Florida.  She's at her home away from home this week—Walt Disney World—but she's rented a car, so you know what that means:  road trip!  She actually takes two road trips, during which she shops an antique mall that is now officially a must-do whenever she's in the Sunshine State, tours a fantastic Gilded Age mansion, views an antique shoe exhibit, strolls along Palm Beach's Antique Row, and squeezes in a little beach time.  And then there's Disney World.  It's where her heart is all year long, so being back is a thrill.  Not a Disney fan?  That's OK.  Jennifer almost keeps her word that there won't be much Disney talk in this episode.  In a departure from our usual itinerary, she does not conclude tonight's show with her Favorite Thing of the Week--because it's all her favorite!  Jennifer's building this episode throughout the week right from her hotel room at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, so who knows how this is going to turn out?  Could be embarrassing, but you won't know if you don't tune in, so come along for a crazy audio-only adventure—Jennifer's “Vintage Vacay.”Concluding Chapter of Crawford Website:Listen to the Audio Book: My Way of LifeThe Henry Flagler Museum (Whitehall):Room-by-Room Virtual TourThe Super Awesome Antique Shoe Exhibit at the Flagler Museum:Link to the episode #13 Pinterest Show BoardLakeland Antique Mall:You can shop Lakeland AM online!Explore Circa 19xx Land:Meet the Podcasterwww.Circa19xx.com Circa-19xx Facebook PagePinterest Show Boards

Yikes!  This is a long episode.  Jennifer does the show she was born to produce:  an exploration of Rod Serling's work.  A life-long Serling fan, Jennifer indulges in a trip down memory lane to a television series she first fell in love with as a little girl:  The Twilight Zone.  But first, she explores themes Serling returned to again and again in his stories and breaks down two of his pre-Twilight Zone masterpieces--Patterns and Requiem for a Heavyweight to highlight the mastery with which those themes are depicted.  Serling was a beautiful writer, but not even he could write a classic every time.  Jennifer does a countdown of what are, in her opinion, the worst Twilight Zone episodes, and then takes a look at the series pilot, a fabulous little gem called "Where is Everybody?"  As always, she wraps up with her Favorite Thing of the Week.Because Jennifer loves stories more than anything in the world, and because The Twilight Zone is spilling over with them, this episode of Circa Sunday Night ("Serling Sunday Night"--see what she did there?) is planned as the first in an occasional series under the Circa Sunday Night banner that will examine that show.Nicholas Parisi's amazing book on Rod Serling:Rod Serling: His Life, Work, and ImaginationWatch the Shows:Patterns (Live Television Version)Patterns (Film Version)Requiem for a Heavyweight (Live Television Version)The Twilight ZoneJennifer's Favorite Thing of the Week:(Video) Goodbye SummerExplore Circa19xx Land:Meet the Podcasterwww.Circa19xx.com Circa-19xx Facebook PagePinterest Show Boards

Join us for a quiet night in to help Jennifer celebrate the pleasures of home.  No one loves “nesting” more than Jennifer, so in this episode we look at nest-building from the perspective of two taste-makers from the early Twentieth Century:  Elsie de Wolfe, who many consider the inventor of interior design as a profession, and Edith Wharton, who, when not writing classic American literature, poured her passion into home décor.  Jennifer explores the curriculum of an interior design degree program and learns what it takes to become a professional interior designer today.  She then looks back at the design principles embraced by the designers of a hundred years ago.  Along the way we spend some time with Ludwig Bemelmans, friend of Elsie de Wolfe and chronicler of their friendship, and take a quick side trip over to The Frick Collection in New York.  And, of course, we wrap up with Jennifer's Favorite Thing of the Week.Songs in this episode:·        Anything Goes by Cole Porter·        That Black and White Baby of Mine by Cole Porter and performed by Bobby ShortBooks referenced:·        The House in Good Taste by Elsie de Wolfe·        The Decoration of Houses by Edith Wharton and Ogden Codman·        The One I Love the Best by Ludwig BemelmansArticles:·        Elsie de Wolfe: The American Pioneer Who Vanquished Victorian Gloom·        Appreciating Edith Wharton's Other CareerOther:·        The Frick Collection Virtual Tour·        The Mount, Edith Wharton's Home·        Tangee Lipstick at the Vermont Country Store·        (Video)  Jennifer tries out Tangee LipstickCirca 19xx Land:·        www.Circa19xx.com ·        Circa-19xx Facebook Page·        Pinterest Show Boards

What?  Circa Sunday Night has actually made it to 10 episodes?  It's a good thing podcasts aren't canceled like TV shows!  Well,10 episodes may not seem like much of a milestone, but to Jennifer it's HUGE!  When she first decided to jump into podcasting, even putting together one show was an overwhelming prospect.  Now, if someone is so inclined (but honestly, who would be?) he or she could listen to Jennifer gab away for more than 10 hours straight. Goodness.  Anyway, we're going back to Hollywood tonight (no, not for more Jean Harlow!).  We're going to meet a woman who was one of the most important screenwriters of the 20th century: Anita Loos.  But she wasn't just a screenwriter, she spent a lifetime writing: memoirs, how-to books, and novels, too.  In fact, she wrote was has been called "A Great American Novel," Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.  Tonight we'll take an in-depth look at that book.  We'll also spend some time with one of her wonderful short stories, learn how to write a treatment for film, and more!  Of course, we'll wrap up as we always do, with Jennifer sharing with us her Favorite Thing of the Week.Notes and Links for Tonight's ShowThe New York Hat (1912)Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and But Gentlemen Marry Brunettes by Anita LoosAnita Loos: A Biography by Gary CareyAnita Loos Rediscovered: Film Treatments and Fiction by Anita Loos by Cari Beauchamp and Mary Anita LoosWikipedia entry on Anita LoosPsychology Today blog discussion:  Do Gentlemen Really Prefer Blondes?  How to Write a Film Treatment tips from the UCLA School of Theater, Film, and TelevisionThe Women (1939)Gaslight (1944)Explore Circa 19xx LandMeet the podcasterCheck out the Circa19xx Pinterest Page, and the show board for this episodeVisit Circa 19xx LandThe Circa-19xx Facebook Page

In the physical world, Jennifer is as neat as a pin.  In the electronic and digital world, she's a hoarder.  If her computer was an actual room, TLC could build a reality show around her.  She has amassed thousands of images, articles, stories, and mostly useless odds and ends over time--and the clutter is overwhelming.  She has stuff tucked into obscure places all over her desktop and embedded in her library files, and the time has come for her to buckle down and start putting all of these things in order, which includes--gulp!--deleting some little gems.  That's what this crazy episode is all about: pulling a few gems together, dusting them off, and giving them their moment so they can ultimately be cleared out of the files to make way for new stuff.  So what is this stuff that's in the show tonight?  She's not telling us.  She's thrown a bunch of stuff together into a kind of mish-mash (or, fancier-sounding, mélange) so we can make discoveries along with her.  Tighten your blindfold and jump onboard.  Who knows where this episode will take us...? Show notes for this episodeExplore Circa 19xx LandMeet the podcasterCheck out the Circa19xx Pinterest Page, and the show board for this episodeVisit Circa 19xx LandThe Circa-19xx Facebook Page

It turns out Jennifer wasn't quite ready to say goodbye to Jean Harlow. Since our last episode Jennifer read Harlow's one and only novel, Today is Tonight, and...goodness.  There's a lot to talk about right there.  Today is Tonight is a rare book, long out of print, so there isn't a lot of information available on the Internet about it.  In tonight's episode we take a little stroll through that novel, lingering around some of the more embarrassing passages.  Jennifer then profiles Harlow's signature piece of jewelry--and a super cute item of Harlow's that was up for auction a few years ago.  And, of course, there's Saratoga, Jean Harlow's last film.  Jennifer couldn't bring herself to watch it for our last episode ("It's just too sad!"), but she grabbed a box of tissues and watched it from start to finish.  Would you believe Harlow's last line in that film--or any film--is "goodbye"?  We say farewell, too, but not before Jennifer shares her impressions of Jean Harlow's final romantic comedy.  We wrap it all up with Jennifer's Favorite Thing of the Week.Episode 8 - More with Ms. Harlow Show NotesCheck out the Circa19xx Pinterest Page, where you'll find the show board for this episodeMeet the podcasterVisit Circa 19xx LandThe Circa-19xx Facebook Page

Meet Kansas City's hometown superstar!  And no, we're not talking about Jennifer.  Tonight's episode is all about Jean Harlow.  In the 1930s, she was the biggest star around-- but what was she really like?  Jennifer examines Harlow's life (and tragic early death) through her films and her storied legend.  Come along as we jump in the Circa 19xx time machine for a tour of the 1930s Hollywood studio system, learn beauty tips from studio style gurus from that era, hear Jennifer's take on her favorite Harlow film, Libeled Lady, and, drift off to dreamland as Jennifer performs a dramatic reading of a short, short-story written by--it's true!--Ms. Harlow herself!  This episode is packed full of stuff, so pour a glass of wine, put up your feet, and get comfortable.  Tonight we're visiting the original Blond Bombshell!  Oh, and, of course, we wrap up with Jennifer's Favorite Thing of the Week.Episode 7 - Jean Harlow, The Girl from Missouri Show NotesCheck out the Circa19xx Pinterest Page, where you'll find the show board for this episodeMeet the podcasterVisit Circa 19xx LandThe Circa-19xx Facebook Page

Quick, call the doctor!  Jennifer has an acute case of Egyptomania--a fascination for all things Egyptian...and Art Deco.  In tonight's show we climb atop our camels and plod slowly along under the moon and the stars to the Valley of the Kings, and of course, because we're in Circa 19xx Land, we get to meet the British archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter just as he makes his momentous discovery of King Tut's tomb.  We talk about Egypt's influence on the Art Deco aesthetic, and even look at ways to achieve the Art Deco look in your own home.  We wrap up with Jennifer's favorite thing of the week--a fabulous find from a local antique mall that is in keeping with tonight's theme.Episode 6 - Egyptomania! Show NotesCheck out the Circa19xx Pinterest Page, where you'll find a board devoted to Egyptian DecoMeet the podcasterVisit Circa 19xx LandThe Circa-19xx Facebook Page

Have you ever dreamed of what it would be like to run away and join an antique mall?  Ah yes...to set up a fabulous little booth, arrange all the pretty things, and wait for appreciative customers to arrive--and spend.  Well, it doesn't work quite like that, but thousands of people have crossed over to the business side of antiques and flea markets, so what's it really like?  In tonight's episode Jennifer profiles one man who has made a life for himself in the antiques business.  She also shares a few of the "habits" characteristic of successful dealers, then talks about five common finds in Midwest antique shops--and what you can expect to pay for them.  She wraps up by revealing her Favorite Thing of the Week.Show Notes: A Life in AntiquesOriginal post, with pictures of Wayne Wormsley and his antiquesCorresponding video of Wayne's boothMeet the podcasterVisit Circa 19xx Land

Jennifer's feeling pretty stylish tonight, having just discovered that she owns a little necklace that had been designed by Coco Chanel.  The Chanel Look is classic, timeliness, and borne out of the early 20th century--smack in the middle of Circa 19xx Land--so of course her life deserves a profile on the Circa Sunday Night podcast.  In tonight's show Jennifer provides a few tips (and a shopping list!) for adopting Chanel's style.  We also take audio tours of Chanel's Paris flat on the Rue Cambon, her suite at the Ritz, and her amazing villa, La Pausa, on the French Riviera.  Then, inspired by Chanel's "second act" at the age of 71, Jennifer talks about how to make your breakthrough, even when it seems too late.  There's a lot to do in tonight's episode, so allons-y!Don't forget to download tonight's show notes:Circa Sunday Night Episode 4 Show Notes: Coco Chanel - A PrimerCheck out the Pinterest Show Board for this episode:Show BoardMeet the Podcaster:About Jennifer PassarielloVisit Circa 19xx Land:http://www.circa19xx.comLike our Facebook Page:Circa-19xx

*Note:  This is a re-broadcast of an episode that aired on another platform in March, 2020.  And another thing: this is one of the first podcast tapings I ever did.  It's not great.  I hope I'm learning, and that the episodes I'm taping now are better!  When it comes to learning, you have to work through "bad" to get to "better," and, with a lot of work and a little luck, to "good."  So, here we are, somewhere along the learning path--which I guess is appropriate, since this episode is all about journeys...~ Jennifer***Spring is here, and Summer can't come fast enough for Jennifer, who longs for the heat and colors of June.  Well, she'll have to wait, as June is more than eight weeks away.  But in the meantime, she's thinking about all the road trips to come!  In tonight's episode she shares essentials for the perfect road trip, talks about her new life on old Route 66 (the ultimate road trip!), and talks about how you can know if it's time to make a major change.  She includes an embarrassingly cheesy motivational pep talk drawn from candy wrappers, then wraps up with her favorite things of the week.Episode 3 Show Notes - Route 66 and Other Road TripsMeet the PodcasterVisit Circa 19xx Land

Jennifer discovered, and fell in love with, a new (old) movie, and now she's dying to talk about it.  The movie is Marty, the Academy Award-winning film staring Ernest Borgnine in the title role.  Who knew Borgnine was such an amazing actor?  Well, apparently everyone but Jennifer.  He won an Oscar for this role, and he plays it so movingly and sweet that you just want to step inside that world and befriend him.  Anyway, tonight's show is an homage to Marty, but there are other segments thrown into the mix on "How to Watch a Movie," and the five essential parts of a story.  There's also a (very brief) history of the Academy awards. Of course, the show concludes with Jennifer's Favorite Thing of the Week.  Episode 2 Show Notes: Golden Age Hollywood - MartyMeet the PodcasterVisit Circa 19xx Land

Pilot Episode!  Jennifer is in decorating mode as she slowly transforms her new little cottage into a home, one room at a time.  In tonight's show she talks about decorating with vintage dog illustrations and sets forth some guidelines for creating a gallery wall.  There are other topics up for discussion as well:  Are podcasts the sleep aid we have all been waiting for?  Stay tuned until the end, when Jennifer shares her Favorite Thing This Week.Episode 1 Show Notes - How to Create a Gallery WallMeet the PodcasterVisit Circa 19xx Land