Makayla White
In the 1950s, Easter Sunday in New York City was a day of grand celebration and eye-catching fashion. “Sunday’s best” was more than just a phrase; it was a way of life. Families would put on their most extravagant dresses, hats, and suits to join the Easter parade on Fifth Avenue. This event was a showcase of bold and colorful fashions, drawing people from all walks of life.
The Easter parade in New York City had its roots in the post-Civil War era. It began as a “fashion promenade,” a tradition where wealthy New Yorkers would stroll down Fifth Avenue after attending church services. They would dine at nearby hotels or visit friends, showing off their latest fashion trends. This Sunday walk was especially popular on Easter Sunday, a day when everyone wanted to display their best outfits.
The parade on Fifth Avenue became synonymous with Easter in New York. People would march down the avenue, many wearing large, over-the-top hats adorned with faux flowers, tall ostrich feathers, and even taxidermy birds. These hats were the height of fashion and a key part of the Easter parade’s charm.
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Dressmakers and milliners saw the parade as an opportunity to showcase their creations. They would line the streets, sketching the ensembles they saw. These sketches would later be used to create designs that department stores would sell within weeks of the holiday. The parade was not just a social event; it was a significant fashion moment, influencing trends and styles.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Easter parade was the diversity of people who participated. Michael W. Gorth, an amateur archivist from San Diego, California, has been collecting vintage Kodachrome slides for years. He found a treasure trove of photos from the 1953 Easter parade on eBay. These photos captured the spirit of the event, showing people of all backgrounds walking together, enjoying the day.
Gorth was struck by the diversity and happiness in these photos. He noted that despite the racism and segregation of the time, the Easter parade showed a different picture. People of all races and backgrounds were smiling, proud, and enjoying each other’s company. The photos were a snapshot of a moment when fashion and celebration brought people together.
The parade was a family event. Parents and children alike would don their finest clothes and join the festivities. Little girls wore frilly dresses and bonnets, while boys sported suits and ties. The whole family would walk down Fifth Avenue, taking in the sights and sounds of the parade.
One of the highlights of the parade was the congregation from St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Located at 5th Avenue and 53rd Street, the church played a significant role in the parade. After the Easter service, members of the congregation would carry flowers used in the service to St. Luke’s Hospital on 54th Street. This act of kindness added a touch of community spirit to the parade, showing that it was not just about fashion but also about goodwill and generosity.
The parade was not without its challenges. Organizing such a large event required coordination and planning. The city had to manage crowds, traffic, and safety measures. Despite these challenges, the parade was a success year after year, drawing thousands of participants and spectators.
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