I Guess That Makes Me Rich

No Boomdeeadda didn’t win a lottery.  It’s 1897, I have $100 (birthday money) to spend and our Sears Catalogue.  As an independent young woman, I do believe I’m going to plan a day of bicycling in the country. I would think it will be entirely civilized with my generous budget don’t you? Let’s start shopping!

Of course I’ll need a bicycle. This one with an ornate chain guard includes a tool bag.  Yellow would be divine.   Wow, seems pricey, but at $56.50 I’ll still have money to spend on some fashion finery.

The proper attire is a must. I can’t go without these stylish bicycle  boots for $3.25, ladies gloves $1.69 and a silk parasol only $2.37.  Now I’m spending money like a drunken sailor.

It’s 1897 and I usually sashay about in some frilly frock. But to climb aboard my new bicycle I should dress in something a wee bit more sensible. Like this tailor made bicycling suit.  I really fancy how tiny my waist will look in this new outfit, maybe I should get two.

I best take a hat,  but nothing girly will do.  It might earn me a few disapproving glances in town, but I’m going to order the mens fancy golf cap.  This fine addition to my wardrobe is only .21 cents.  I should buy one for Mr B as well.

I do love to take pictures when I’m out and about.  Hey look, this camera is  only  $11.90 and  I’m a wiz with new technology!

I will have no trouble carrying a new Tourist Spy Glass, at $15.00 it comes with a strap. Perfect for 

watching  deer in the fields or birds in flight above the golden farm fields.

Mustn’t forget a good read or two, you know how I just love my books. Do I dare order 23 for $1.00?  Perhaps 4 will do for now. Oh, I love so many of these titles: Cleopatra, A Little Rebel, Blind Love and The Evil Genius. That’s the best .28 cents I ever spent.

Finally, I must find a shoulder bag that will allow me to take all my lovely books, camera and maybe even a little picnic along.  While not entirely fashionable, this Creel should do nicely. It’s only .95 cents.

How much is this bicycle trip going to set me back you say?  Well, I’ve spent the grand total of $99.86.   I still have  .14 cents  left over.  Can you believe how far $100 would go back in the day? Too bad the annual household income**  was only $411/yr.  I guess that makes me rich.

** Reference attributed to Miller Center University of Virginia