American Burlesque Collection

Happy birthday to dancer, performer, movie actress, entrepreneur, and icon born today in 1918. This self-created legend was known for her opulent stage sets, elaborate numbers, lavish costumes, attention to detail, and stunning beauty. "The Fabulous Female" created her own line of lingerie (and even pasties) designed to bring some elegance and eroticism to the "everyday woman". Towards the end of her life, "The Fabulous Female" supported herself by selling signed 8x10 photographs of herself. She sold 50 different images; we own 47 of them. Here's one of our favorites, with a special bonus if your name is .

[A black and white photograph of Lili St. Cyr in an ornate bathtub set piece. There are curtains behind her. The tub is decorated in a baroque style, with curlicues and gilding. There is a frosted glass window in the center of the tub, through which her obscured lower body can be seen. Her left arm is extended and she holds a sponge in her right hand to her left shoulder. The photograph is hand-signed "to my old friedn, Eddie, with love – Lili St. Cyr"].

Happy (possible) birthday, ! Born "Rose Louise Hovick", Gypsy's mother (who was also named 'Rose') carried forged birth certificates for all occasions, depending on whether or not she needed her daughters to be younger or older.

'Gypsy' went on to become one of the most famous performers -- in or out of burlesque -- of the 20th century. She appeared in dozens of stage shows, acted in 21 films, and hosted popular radio and TV talk shows. She also wrote the mystery "The G-String Murders" which was later turned in "Lady of Burlesque".

This autographed 4"x6" photo is a recent museum acquisition. Photographed by Bruno of Hollywood, the undated photo was taken sometime in the 1940s.

Our new acquisition is too big to show you! The most recent addition to the collection is a roadside advertising It is made up of 24 individual sheets and measures a whopping 20' wide!

******se

The middle of the middle of weekend ( of the second night of three)