Favorite Vintage Advice: Avoid Policeman’s Thumb

Happy Friday! Let’s share another laugh and a look back at one of my favorite findings from my vast library of vintage resources. If it’s weird, witty or wacky, you’ll see it here.

Here’s another slice of wisdom from the book Dressmaking Made Easy by Mary Brooks Picken. According to Mary, a lady should never use “policeman’s thumb,” even “lady policeman.”

Lady policeman? Is that another term for “mom”? I’m thinking that when it comes to enforcing rules, sometimes the least graceful gestures can be the most effective. I guess we can’t have it all!

The stumpy abruptness of this gesture is enough to make it taboo. Three jerks in front of a mirror with honest eyes looking should determine one to get rid of such a habit for all time.

Check back for more quirky quotes and images each week (and find more of these timeworn tips in my book Vintage Notions)!