Exploring American Histories: Printed Page 507
By 1900 The Delineator had become one of America’s foremost women’s magazines. On the surface, it appeared to cater to traditional gender norms, each month featuring stories on fashion, sewing, leisure, and home design. But the editors of The Delineator also called for women’s rights and broader social reform. In 1907, for example, editor Theodore Dreiser organized a successful outreach program to find homes for abandoned and orphaned children.
Interpret the Evidence
What does this woman’s clothing and activity suggest about her background?
Who do you think was the target audience for this magazine?
Put It in Context
What social and political trends during the late nineteenth century might account for the popularity of magazines like The Delineator?