Like us on Facebook
The next photo is the PROMPT. Remember, all photos are property of the photographer, donated for use in Friday Fictioneers only. They shouldn’t be used for any other purpose without express permission. It is proper etiquette to give the contributor credit.
PHOTO PROMPT © Roger Bultot
Click the Frog to Play Along!
Word Count: 100
I told myself I was going to give Historical Fiction a rest, but this story found me and begged to be shared. For those across the sea, let me introduce you to an American icon. (she should be)
AFTER A FASHION
The sun rose on New York’s horizon, Lena’s adopted city since immigrating from Lithuania in 1895, as a 16-year-old orphan. The baby on her soaking hip crammed his fist into his mouth and whimpered.
“Oy. My little pisher needs his vikileh changed.”
Once the deed was done she sat at her sewing machine, sleeping infant on her lap. She yawned. “No rest for weary Widow Bryant. Miss Feingold needs her wedding dress.”
Four years later, Lena opened her own shop. Thanks to the bank’s misspell on her loan, we now remember the designer of fashionable plus-size dresses as Lane Bryant.
- Pisher is a Yiddish word for someone who can’t keep his drawers dry. Vikeleh is diaper or nappie depending on which side of the pond you’re on. 😉
*
*
*
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Another interesting bit of history. With a plus-sized wife, I’ve accompanied her into several Lane Bryant stores, including one in Detroit, where an envious clerk described her co-worker as “half the woman she was a year ago.”
She had gone on a diet, and reduced her weight from 240 pounds, down to 120. 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Arcon,
Wow. 120 is a lot to lose. My hat’s off to her. Thank you for swinging by and sharing a bit of your own experience.
Shalom and continued good health,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I love this story.
Do you always base your historical fiction on real people? I read and thought that it’s funny how Yiddish is used differently in the Us and in Israel.
I’ll try to participate although now in later stages of editing my own (Tel Aviv based) novella and really need to finish that already.
LikeLiked by 1 person
מיכל יקרה
I don’t always base historical fictions on real people, but pretty often. When I find interesting historical figures I’m often compelled to write about them…or at least imagine a scene from their lives based on what I’ve read. Here’s one I wrote last week that is based on history but no one person: https://rochellewisoff.com/2020/04/11/hallel/
My Yiddish vocabulary is even more minimal than my Hebrew. 😉 My mother, the daughter of Polish immigrants, used a few words here and there. A lot of words I find online. The internet is a great place for that.
I understand about editing your novella. I’m currently writing a novel which often diverts my full attention from Friday Fictioneers. Join in when you can.
Re my story, תודה
שלום
רחל
LikeLike
In my sheltered existence I had never heard of Lane Bryant.
But, m’lady, you tell her tale with your usual aplomb.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear CE,
It appears that Lane Bryant is an American institution. It’s been a constant ever since I can remember. Thank you for your kind words re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
This is a great rags to riches story, although I use ‘rags’ metaphorically, lol
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Tony,
I love a good play on words. 😀 Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Not a known name to me, but a tale of inspiration (or luck)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Neil,
They say success is part inspiration and part perspiration. The lady worked hard for her place in history. Obviously the Lane Bryant chain is an American institution–a constant throughout my lifetime. Happy to introduce her.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ah, another story based on a real person. Nicely done, Rochelle.
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks, Susan. 😀
Shalom and good health,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I love these stories, something about individuals making something out of nothing. True rags to riches via hard work, luck and innovation. Lotto is too easy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Tanille,
As Tony put it, Lena’s story truly was a rags to riches story. For her, hard work and ambition paid off, didn’t they? I think there’s a Lane Bryant shop in every mall in America. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonder why the chain never jumped the oceans. Brilliant legacy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hard telling. Not knowing. Some things jump the pond and some don’t. Thank you again. 😀 Stay well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice story, as always. I liked the video – she was a great lady – if only all business owners would be so caring for both their customers and their employees.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Trent,
I worked for a company that took good care of their employees…at least when I first started. Somewhere along the line it became slick and corporate and care for employees slid right down the drain. Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Super cool story! Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Ronda
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks for a super cool comment, Ronda! 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Had to look up ‘pisher’ – it means something totally different in Glasgow, Scotland! Once I got past that, another wonderful little story Rochelle 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Iain,
On that note I posted the Yiddish definition of pisher. Now I’m wondering what it means in Glasgow. 😉 Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m too polite to tell you 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, I’m very glad you decided to wander into the past again! What an inspiring tale. Bless Lena and her hard graft and determination. There must have been thousands of women, grateful for her skills.Another grand tale and a fine introduction to a pioneering woman.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Lynn,
When these little snippets come across my screen I just can’t resist them. I think there are still thousands of women grateful for her skills and ingenuity. Happy to introduce you to her. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
My pleasure 😊
LikeLike
This is great. I had no idea. Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Josh. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Those who continually give, will most likely continually be successful. She was a great inspiration to many and another success story of a poor immigrant who worked hard and became a household name throughout America. Good story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Jan,
She really was a hero. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
I always enjoy reading these stories. There must have been some pretty chunky kinfolk /friends in my crowd while I was growing up because that store was referred to so very often..nice memory
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dear Larry,
Lane Bryant has been a constant since I can remember. I, too, had friends and family who frequented the store. Thank you for your encouraging comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Inspiring story of the entrepreneur.
Lena-> Lane – Anagram!
Anyway, she became famous with her ideas and hard-work. And that’s important.
Stay safe, Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Anita.
Shalom and stay well,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Dear Rochelle,
I love this. Not only did she create an enterprise, she did so while caring for her employees. I wonder if the Lane Bryant stores of today are still as generous as she was? I like to think that legacy was passed down. Such a wonderful story! I love how you do this.
Shalom and lotsa well-fitting love,
Dale
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Dale,
I like to think the legacy has been passed down, too. Thank you for your kind and encouraging fitly spoken words.
Shalom and lotsa tailor-made hugs,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I sure do, too.
LikeLike
I wish there were a “love” button up there! I had no idea of the story behind a clothing line I’ve used often over the years. What an encouraging story 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Linda,
What a very sweet thing to say. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Another beautiful flash.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks, Neel.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
As a women’s (and a woman) historian, I can’t believe I didn’t know this story. Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Tina,
I never knew this story until recently. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lane Bryant has always been for me a faceless corporation. I had no idea of its humble beginnings or the quirky way it was named. You are a master at finding and sharing gems.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Nobbin,
When I learn of things like this I have to share them. This one actually came to me from a Jewish news service I subscribe to. 😀 Thank you.
Shalom and continued good health,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for sharing.
LikeLike
Ha! I would never have guessed. Truth is always stranger than fiction. Since the name was Lane, I always figured the designer was a man. So cool. Great one, Rochelle!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Eric,
Up until the little article showed up in my inbox, I never gave Lane Bryant much thought. I loved finding out and sharing her story. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rochelle,
And now we know the REST of the story. And I’m glad this photograph compelled you to go there. From humble beginnings, huh?
Shalom,
Marco
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Marco,
I love it when you make your way to my corner. At least most American women know the rest of the story. 😉 Thank you for your affirming comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s a great corner to find myself on, and always brimming with a story that edjumacates me.
Shalom
LikeLiked by 1 person
I edjumacates my readers when I can. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
You do it so well.
LikeLike
Calling out from the other side of the pond, knowing Lithuania better than plus size clothing… it is always interesting to learn about another woman who made a success.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Björn,
Lane Bryant has been, in my lifetime, an American fixture. Most shopping malls have a shop. I didn’t realize the chain never made is across the pond. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
This is fantastic! I didn’t know this story, and now I’ve learned something new! YAY, Rochelle! 🙂 You did it again.
Here’s to women who did it all, and to those who found success and kept heart and soul throughout it.
Na’ama
LikeLiked by 1 person
Na’ama Y’karah,
I get periodic email notification from Aish.com. When a snippet about Lane Bryant was in it I was all over it. 😉 Agreed. A toast and tribute to gutsy women who made a difference. Thank you. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cheers!
LikeLike
Wonderful, as always. I did actually finally write something this week. It far, far exceeds the word limits so I did an independent post. I’ve found a way to get on for a few minutes. YEAH!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Bear. I’ll have to check out your story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
The kind of story that makes one believe in The American Dream.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, the American dream indeed, Lisa. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rochelle, you are welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
LikeLike
I love this! I’m guessing it’s based on a true story? I’ve not heard of Lane Bryant but I’m going to look it up. I do enjoy your stories Rochelle.x
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Cathryn,
It seems this widely known American chain never made it across the pond. Sadly tinned Spam did. Apologies for that. 😉 Yes, it’s based on fact. Thank you for taking the time to read and comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Even though my mind is sleepy, this came across clearly, kudos
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Mike. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
i guess she just let error go. one’s mistake led to another’s fortune. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Plaridel,
Perhaps she thought Lane Bryant was a good name for a business. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not familiar with the name over here, but a another tale of hard work and determination against the odds winning through in the end. And I loved the maternity dress – those were the days of subtlety. Nicely done, Rochelle, as always.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Sandra,
I loved the maternity dress, too. They were the epitome of femininity, not to mention comfortable. I don’t get current fashions, guess that’s showing my age. 😉 Where’s the justice? You don’t have Lane Bryant over there, but you have Spam. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Your writing are so full of history and a world I don’t know much about. A treat to read, as always!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Sabina,
So happy to be able to share. Thank you for a lovely comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Plus size is a kinder term than many others. By the time this pandemic is over a lot of us will have gained a dress size!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Liz,
When I was a child, the term for women’s sizes was stout and for little girls, chubby.
Shalom and stay well,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Your story brought up a memory of the first time I wandered into “Lane Bryant” at the mall. It took me some moments of browsing to realize why the clerks were looking at me oddly. At the time, l was 5’1′, 105 lbs, measuring 32-32-32! I always assumed the names were two men who started the corporation! Thank you for straightening me out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Genia,
I never really gave much thought to where the name of the chain came from. I only went into one with a plus-size friend when we were shopping at the mall. It was an experience. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Rochelle, I’ve been having people say that when I commented on their story, clicking the link of my name took them to my Amazon page, even though it always SAYS I’m using my WordPress blog link. So, I’ve been checking and so far, you and Dale are the only Fictioneers where this was happening. I think I’ve successfully changed it, but I’m really wondering why some linked to my Amazon author’s page while most linked to my blog. I mean, I want to sell my books, but as I said to Dale, this isn’t the place!
LikeLike
Very strange. But I clicked on your name in both of your comments and the first one did send me to your Amazon page. This one sends me to your WP site. At any rate, I really don’t have to the answer to that one. So I guess you fixed it between the comments. No harm done.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Querida Rochelle,
A misspelled word can change everything in a person’s life. In this case, for the better.
I had a friend that was a plus size. She’s passed now but I can recall going into the shop with her and thinking there was a great deal of fabric used for each garment. Why??? I don’t have a clue. hehe
I’ve posted a repeat with edits since the 1st time around wasn’t a hit. Let’s see what happens this time. Woo – Hoo … I’m early!!!
Hasta la proxima … abrazos, mi amiga.
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
Querida Isadora,
I once accompanied a stout friend when she shopped at Lane Bryant. Only time I’ve ever been inside one. I wonder if a shop called Lena Bryant would’ve had the same success. As a couple of others have said, they thought the founder was either a man or two men. Perhaps that was one of Lena’s secrets. 😉
Buen fin de semana, amiga.
Shalom y abrazos,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Querida Rochelle,
I’m slithering my way around WP. I can only cleave comments on my comment board on my blog : ( too weird.
Well, that’s an interesting thought. Men were very big in the garment business. I remember taking things to a sewing store for my mother. It was a man. Perhaps, it was a man’s name: such as – leonard. Mmmmm …
Anyway, Have a super peaceful week ….
Abrazos,
Isadora 😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
My maternal grandfather was a tailor and my uncles worked in the garment district of KC with him. I do remember it being men who ran those businesses, here, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a charming story! I can see why you felt moved to write about Lena. I love the way you show what she had to overcome to succeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Penny,
I’m so glad you enjoyed my story. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
And thanks to the misspell, she doesn’t have to pay back the loan – “‘Lane?’ No that’s not my name…” 🙂
She sounds like a very hard-working lady.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Ali,
I think she had to have been a hard worker to have the success she did. No doubt she paid back that loan and then some. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your stories are always so informative, Rochelle! You are like a walking encyclopaedia of human achievements. Another well woven tale here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Thom,
I’m closer to being an encyclopedia of trivia. 😉 I know enough of this and that to write a flash fiction. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love that word — pisher. Don’t even know her! Five out of five Lane Bryants.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He he. Pisher was one of my mother’s favorite words. Thank you for the five out of five Thanks for stopping by. Enjoy the shrimp cocktail on your way out.
Shalom,
Queen Shelley.
PS Russell will be sorry he missed you. 😉
LikeLike
You tell Lena’s story such warmth, Rochelle. Thank you for sharing it with us lot over the water, as ever I’m pleased to learn about these women of talent.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dear Francine,
I’m pleased the story resonated with you. Thank you for your kind words. 😀 Hope you’re staying safe and well.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Fantastic ! Another terrific history piece. And another marvellous woman
LikeLiked by 1 person
When I find them, I have to write about them. 😉 Thank you, Laurie.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike
Another introduction for me, thanks, Rochelle. These stories of nothing to magnificence never fail to astound me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for such a magnificent comment, Michael.
😀 Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLiked by 1 person
I saw the youtube clip. An amazing woman and well ahead of her times. Great historical fiction as always Rochelle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Subroto.
Shalom,
Rochelle
LikeLike