This page examines the early history of the Ladies Home Journal by looking directly inside several issues from the publication’s first decade in existence. I was lucky enough to acquire several of these issues from the important transitional period of the 1880’s into 1890. Several of these issues are detailed below with additional comments when necessary. I will likely post a more conventional history of Ladies Home Journal on this site sometime in the future, but this page is intended to illustrate the subtle changes during the period Louisa Knapp Curtis handed off the editorial reins to legendary publishing figure Edward W. Bok.
A brief summary of the early history of the Ladies Home Journal is probably necessary in order to fully enjoy these contents and comments:
Newspaper publisher Cyrus Curtis included a column for women in the “Tribune and Farmer” which he had started in 1879. His wife, Louisa Knapp Curtis did not think his women’s column was very good, and so she took it over and made it popular enough to expand first to a full-page and eventually to a monthly supplement. This supplement became the Ladies Home Journal and Practical Housekeeper, which had its first issue December 1883. When his wife no longer had the time to work the Journal, Curtis hired Edward Bok as his new editor in October 1889. Bok would become a legendary figure in publishing through his work at the Journal. Curtis would revolutionize both advertising and circulation techniques in the Journal and later use similar methods to take his other magazine, the Saturday Evening Post, to even greater heights.
That’s the simple history, though details below will include Mrs. Curtis’ exact stated reasons for departing along with Edward W. Bok’s message to readers when he took over as Editor of Ladies Home Journal. Note above the October 1889 date marking Bok’s hiring by Curtis, and while this may be true the first issue to actually sport Bok’s name at the top of the masthead is January 1890.
Ladies Home Journal And Practical Housekeeper
March 1886, Vol. III, No. 4. 16-pages as edited by Mrs. Louisa Knapp.
The beginning of the issue contains fiction and/or articles credited to Mrs. Emma C. Hewitt and by Mary Abbott Rand.
The rest of the issue includes standard columns such as:
- Department of Artistic Needlework
- Brush Studies
- The Practical Housekeeper
- New Fashions
- Floral Rambles
Advertising mostly consists of smaller ads, but this issue does contain two quarter-page ads for Ivory Soap.
NOTE: Contents vary very little over the next several issues, a few of which I have left off this page because they add nothing to it. Printed on newsprint and measuring approximately 11″ x 16″, these early issues were probably hard on the eyes as they consist of several long columns of text with small graphics interspersed every so often. Advertising featured mostly floral and beauty products with a few exceptions. Note that the editor does not use her husband’s last name in her byline.
Ladies Home Journal and Practical Housekeeper
February 1887, Vol. IV, No. 3. 20-pages as edited by Mrs. Louisa Knapp.
- The issue opens with “Josiah Allen at Saratoga” by Josiah Allen’s Wife.
- Illustration on the front cover is by W.A. Rogers
- Fiction by S.S. Norton, Mrs. M.E. Stafford
- Mothers Corner
- Artistic Needlework
- Brush Studies
- The Practical Housekeeper
- Dress and Material
- Flowers and Houseplants
The rest of the issue includes standard columns such as:
Advertising mostly consists of smaller ads, but there are two pages that seem to be a cross between article and in-house ad for “Our Premium List of Plants and Bulbs”.
Note: This issue is four-pages longer than previous issues and I believe it is because it is the first of several (first in the batch I have at least) to begin offering premiums to subscribers for securing new subscribers. This is a circulation gimmick which must have worked well for Curtis, as most of the issues below will include some sort of Premium offering culminating with a 40-page Premium Supplement in our final issue.
It is largely Cyrus Curtis’ innovations regarding advertising which makes these early Ladies Home Journal issues important. Curtis realized that you could charge more for advertising based on qualified circulation and so any attempts at increasing circulation are an attempt to make more money from advertising. According to Tebbel and Zuckerman in “The Magazine in America: 1741-1990” 1887 was the year Curtis announced that he was going after a million subscribers (95).
In fact, this very issue announces that the advertising rate is being raised to $2.00 per agate line or $28 per inch of advertising. While the million goal was still far off this same editorial announces “The Ladies’ Home Journal has an assured circulation of over 400,000 copies each issue, for the year 1887, and beyond all doubt will reach 500,000 within the next three,–or at the outside,–four months.”
The editorial continues: “This circulation is not only the largest of any periodical published in the United States, but it goes to the very best and highest classes of people… The cultivated Christian homes of this country receive the largest proportion of our 400,000–and every copy is paid for in advance, we do not swell our circulation by sending free sample copies broadcast.”
We now jump a few months to:
Ladies Home Journal and Practical Housekeeper
September 1887, Vol. IV, No. 10. 16-pages as edited by Mrs. Louisa Knapp.
- The issue opens with fiction and/or articles attributed to Marion Harland, Anna W. Barnard, Katherine Faxon
- Article about Mrs. Christine Terhune Herrick with engraving of Mrs. Herrick
- “Early Marriages” by Louisa May Alcott
- Mothers Corner
- Artistic Needlework
- Brush Studies (painting)
- The Practical Housekeeper
- Dress and Material
- Flowers and Houseplants
The rest of the issue includes standard columns such as:
Advertising mostly consists of smaller ads with a few “display” ads featuring illustrations including a quarter-page ad from Ivory Soap.
NOTE: The Louisa May Alcott story is probably the most important piece of fiction published in any of these early Journal issues. Tebbel and Zuckerman note that Cyrus Curtis solicited this piece by promising to donate $100 to Alcott’s favorite charity (94).
Notice from Cyrus Curtis on the Editorial Page is headlined “A Million Subscribers” where Curtis brags about his advertising, makes mention of his premium giveaways and then proposes a contest to readers awarding $200 in cash to the person who sends him the greatest number of trial subscribers by October 15. Furthermore he offers $150 the second place finisher downt to $25 for the sixth largest list.
Ladies Home Journal and Practical Housekeeper
March 1888, Vol. V, No. 4. 20-pages as edited by Mrs. Louisa Knapp.
- The issue opens with fiction by Mrs. Mary J. Holmes, Christine Terhune Herrick, Anna W. Barnard, Laura Gibbons
- Article about Mrs. Frank Leslie with engraving of Mrs. Leslie — In her Editorial Sanctum and at Home — Her Appearance and Personal Characteristics
- Childrens Page
- Mothers Corner
- Artistic Needlework
- Brush Studies (painting)
- The Practical Housekeeper
- Dress and Material
- Flowers and Houseplants
The rest of the issue includes standard columns such as:
Advertising mostly consists of smaller ads with a few “display” ads featuring illustrations.
NOTE: Notice from Cyrus Curtis on the Editorial Page is headlined “Protection for Subscribers” and tells how it has come to Curtis’ attention that some advertisers will sell subscribers names to other companies. To resolve this Curtis states “In future I shall be more careful than ever, and will not admit a single advertisement to these columns, until I am perfectly satisfied that the advertiser will, and can do exactly as he agrees,–and that he will not misrepresent in his announcements,–and that he will not abuse the confidence of his customers by selling their names and addresses to unprincipled schemers and medical quacks.”
Ladies Home Journal and Practical Housekeeper
March 1889, Vol. VI, No. 4. 24-pages as edited by Mrs. Louisa Knapp.
The issue opens with fiction and articles by Mrs. Mary J. Holmes, Hope Harvey, Jennie Porter Arnold, Felicia Holt, Anna W. Barnard
The rest of the issue includes standard columns such as:
- Childrens Page
- Mothers Corner
- Artistic Needlework by Mary F. Knapp
- The Practical Housekeeper by Eliza R. Parker
- Dress and Material by Mrs. Jas. H. Lambert
- Practical Fashions by Emma M. Cooper
- Flowers and Houseplants by Eben E. Rexford
Ladies Home Journal
September 1889, Vol. VI, No. 10. 24-pages plus outer covers as edited by Mrs. Louisa Knapp.
NOTE: Changes occur with this issue. There are separately numbered outer covers (I-IV) of a slightly heavier stock protecting the more fragile inside pages. Complete contents are listed on the outside cover and so they appear below as well. While “The Practical Housekeeper” will appear in later issues as a column (By Louisa Knapp), it has been removed from the title of the magazine. While Knapp is still listed as editor of this issue this is the first that I have that does include writing by Edward W. Bok.
Contents as cribbed from the outer cover:
- If Our Old Clock Could Speak by Will Carleton
- The Mistakes of the Nineteenth Century by M.E.W. Sherwood
- Modern Divorces by Evelyn Blake Harvier
- A Coming Out by Susan Coolidge and illustrated by Graves
- Homely Homilies – The Handy Man by Robert J. Burdette
- Talks With the Doctor by Laury McHenry
- An Advertisement and What Came of It by Marigold
- Eight Little Housekeepers by Rachel True
- English Home Life by Mary Barrett Brown
- A Woman’s Hands by Emma J. Gray
- Fancy Work Patterns by Mary F. Knapp
- What Our Girls Eat by Helen Jay
- One of Bobby’s Troubles a poem by Eben E. Rexford
- Editorial: A Plea for Boarding Schools by Felicia Holt and The Evils of Boarding Schools by E.C. Hewitt
- Books and Book Makers by Annie L. Ramsey
- Literary Leaves by Edward W. Bok
- New Fashions by Mrs. John W. Bishop
- Hints on Home Dressmaking by Emma M. Hooper
- Lunches for School Girls and Clerks by Eliza R. Parker
- Aids and Accessories by Lillian S. Wells
- Vegetable Salads and Their Dressing by Aunt Chloe
- A Plea for Cabbage by Janet E. Runtz-Rees
- Talk About Flowers by Eben E. Rexford
- Vacation Flirtation by Felicia Holt
- Inelegancies and Affectations of Speech by Florence How Hall
- September poem by E.C. Hewitt on the outer covering.
October 1889, Vol. VI, No. 11. 24-pages plus outer covers as edited by Mrs. Louisa Knapp.
Contents as cribbed from the outer cover:
- Phillida by Maud Howe
- All Hallow Eve by Mrs. A.G. Lewis
- Talks With the Doctor by Laury McHenry
- A Coming Out by Susan Coolidge
- In the Night Season a poem by Margaret E. Sangster
- The Raindrop’s Story by Emily Meigs Ripley
- Our Orchestra by Rebecca Hart
- Forgotten Graves of Famous Authors by Edward W. Bok
- A French Woman at Home by Dorothea
- We Winna ‘Bide a Wee by Mrs. I.M. Lining
- Fancy Work Patterns by Mary F. Knapp
- The First Weeks of Infancy by Emilie Hoffman
- Helpful Hints for Mothers by Phebe R.
- The Evils of Spanking by Marie Merrick
- Editorial: A Plea for Women by Felicia Holt
- Books and Book Makers by Annie R. Ramsey
- Literary Leaves by Edward W. Bok
- New Fashions by Mrs. John W. Bishop
- Hints on Home Dressmaking by Emma M. Hooper
- Nursing in Fevers by Annie R. Ramsey
- Game–Variety in Cooking by Eliza R. Parker
- Aids and Accessories by Lillian S. Wells
- Talks About Flowers by Eben E. Rexford
- Inelegancies and Affectations of Speech by Florence Howe Hall
- A Royal Road to Self Improvement by Virginia Alston
- A New York Woman of Fashion
- October poem by William Cullen Bryant on the outer covering.
Ladies Home Journal
November 1889, Vol. VI, No. 12. 24-pages plus 16-page Premium Supplement plus outer covers, totaling 44 pages. Edited by Mrs. Louisa Knapp.
Contents as cribbed from the outer cover:
- Ascutney Street by Mrs. A.D.T. Whitney
- Tamer Ann’s Idees by Josiah Allan’s Wife
- Phillida by Maud Howe
- Linda’s Responsibility — A Thanksgiving Story by Florence B. Hallowell
- Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie a poem by Margaret E. Sangster
- Consideration of Maid for Mistress by Felicia Holt
- Fancy Work Patterns by Mary F. Knapp
- A Talk About Bearing Pain by Mrs. M.P. Handy
- The Cradle by Pearl
- Editorial
- Books and Book Makers by Annie R. Ramsey
- Literary Leaves by Edward R. Bok
- New Fashions by Mrs. John W. Bishop
- New and Fashionable Fabrics for Fall and Winter Wear by Emma M. Hooper
- Nursing in Fevers by Annie R. Ramsey
- Oysters — How to Prepare by Eliza R. Parker
- Old Time Thanksgiving Dinners by Eliza R. Parker
- Talks About Flowers by Eben E. Rexford
- Occasional Lapses of Manner by M.E.W. Sherwood
- Mrs. Lew Wallace by Emily Meigs Ripley
- Scarlatina or Scarlet Fever by Dr. T. Wallace Simon
- Letters to Beth by Kate Tannatt Woods
- Sonnet – November on the outer covering.
- 16-page Premium Supplement following page 24 of the regular issue
NOTE: An announcement in the Editorial section states — “For this month we print one million copies of the Ladies’ Home Journal, a circulation larger than ever before attained by any periodical in this world. Of course we do not claim this as a regular, permanent circulation, although, we hope, the time is not far distant when we may have fully that number of paid subscribers. With the November issue we mail copies of the “new” Journal to several hundred thousand “old” subscribers, who have failed to renew during the past two years.” I assume by “new” Curtis is referring to the format changes mentioned above taking place with the September 1889 issue.
Ladies Home Journal
December 1889, Vol. VII, No. 1. 25-pages plus 16-page Premium Supplement plus outer covers, totaling 45 pages. Edited by Mrs. Louisa Knapp. This is the final issue with Mrs. Louisa Knapp listed as Editor, Bok will take over that honor in the January issue next month.
Contents as cribbed from the outer cover:
- The Old Front Gate by Will Carleton
- Secrets of Entertaining Company Agreeably by Florence Howe Hall
- Scissors and Paste by M.L.T.
- Ascutney Street – Part II by Mrs. A.D.T. Whitney
- Presidential Entertainments in the White House by Theodore R. Davis
- Christmas at Guttormson’s by Katharine B. Foot
- Santa’s Wonderful Jig by Mrs. A.G. Lewis
- Verse Building by Frank H. Stauffer
- Grandmother’s Baby a poem by Margaret E. Sangster
- Rubbing the Baby by Annie Hamilon Donnell
- The Mother’s Opportunity by Thorny Poppy
- Phillida – Chapter V – VI by Maud Howe
- Editorial
- Books and Book Makers by Annie R. Ramsey
- Gladstone’s Love for Reading and Bismarck’s Literary Tastes by Edward W. Bok
- New Fashions by Mrs. John W. Bishop
- Hints on Home Dressmaking by Emma M. Hooper
- Artistic Needle Work by Mary F. Knapp
- Christmas Dainties by Eliza R. Parker
- English Christmas Dishes by Mary Barrett Brown
- A Carol for Christmas by Eben E. Rexford
- The Window Garden in December
- Christmas Floral Decorations
- Talks About Flowers
- Scarlatina or Scarlet Fever by Dr. T. Wallace Simon
- A Literary Game by “Unomee”
- Christmas Meats and How to Cook Them by Anna Alexander Cameron
- 16-page Premium Supplement following page 25 of the regular issue
Ladies Home Journal
January 1890, Vol. VII, No. 2. 24-pages plus outer covers. This is the first issue edited by Edward W. Bok beginning his long history with Curtis Publications and the Ladies Home Journal audience.
Contents as cribbed from the outer cover:
- Ascutney Street — Part III by Adeline D.T. Whitney
- Christmas at Guttormson’s by Katharine B. Foot
- 1890 a poem by Lee C. Harby
- If I Were a Man by Elizabeth B. Custer
- An Algerian Wedding Feast
- A Word for an Old Favorite by Felicia Holt
- Doors and Windows by Helen Evertson Smith
- Evil Speaking a poem by Margaret E. Sangster
- Bonnie’s Prayer a poem by Anna R. Henderson
- What Is Good Form by Mrs. F.M. Howard
- Phillida – Chapters VII – VIII by Maud Howe
- Maud Howe Elliot — A Sketch
- Editorial: Including An Editorial Change. See Below.
- Under My Study Lamp by T. DeWitt Talmage, D.D.
- Side Talks With Girls
- Books and Bookmakers
- New Fashions by Mrs. John W. Bishop
- Inexpensive Gowns for Winter by Emma M. Hooper
- Hints for Housekeepers
- Children’s Page by Emily Meigs Ripley
- Mother’s Corner by Anna E. Watson
- The Practical Housekeeper by Mrs. Louisa Knapp which opens with an annoucement about her stepping down, see below.
- Floral Department by Eben E. Rexford
- Artistic Needlework by Mary F. Knapp
- Questions and Answers
- Letters from Our Readers
From the Editorial Page:
“With this issue of The Ladies’ Home Journal, the editorial management of the periodical passes from the hands of Mrs. Louisa Knapp to those of Mr. Edward W. Bok
“The retirement of Mrs. Knapp is rendered necessary by increasing domestic duties, incompatible with the editorial demands of a growing publication. While her direct editorial connection with be severed, her hearty interest and sympathy in all that appertains to the success of the Journal remains undimmed.
“Mrs. Knapp has been prevailed upon to continue her successful management of “The Practical Housekeeper; department, and this feature will henceforth be under her direct personal supervision …
“In the capacity of Mr. Bok to continue the work so auspiciously begun and carried out under Mrs. Knapp’s direction, the management has every confidence. With the fullest appreciation of the needs of a representative woman’s periodical, a tried experience, and the liveliest sympathy with everything appertaining to the elevation and instruction of womankind, Mr. Bok enters upon his duties thoroughly equipped for the position…
“The new editorial management will, therefore, devote its attention more to the improvement of established lines, so that each department of the magazine may prove, even more than now, a distinct and valuable feature in itself, These improvements, and new attractions, will make themselves manifest in due time.”
From Louisa Knapp’s Article:
“In another column will be found the announcement of my retirement from the editorship of The Ladies Home Journal. For the past two years the nervous strain and anxiety in providing copy at stated periods, and the constantly growing demands for additional brain labor have been such that it seemed necessary, in justice to my home and family, that I should limit myself to such work only as can have the thorough oversight and preparation that the Journal demands
“With a particularly strong love for the domestic needs of the Journal sisters, I shall continue to personally conduct and edit the “Practical Housekeeping” department”
Signed Mrs. Louisa Knapp with the following note after her name:
“Please do not enclose to me subscriptions, or address to me letter of any kind except those related to this “Practical Housekeeping” department”
Ladies Home Journal
February 1890, Vol. VII, No. 3. 28-pages plus outer covers. This is just the second issue edited by Edward W. Bok.
Contents as cribbed from the outer cover:
- Ascutney Street — Part IV by Adeline D.T. Whitney
- The Man Who Made Me by Josiah Allan’s Wife
- A Confession a poem by George Newell Lovejoy
- Climbing the Social Ladder by Felicia Holt
- The Vision a poem by Eben E. Rexford
- St. Valentine’s Day by Alice Graham Lanigan
- Phillida – Chapters IX – X by Maud Howe
- The Story of Beatrice Cenci by Mary J. Holmes
- How to Eat an Orange by Allan Forman
- The Editorial Desk
- Under My Study Lamp by T. DeWitt Talmage, D.D.
- Side Talks With Girls by Ruth Ashmore
- Letters to Beth – III – by Kate Tannatt Woods
- In Literary Circles by Annie R. Ramsey — Will Carleton — Edward W. Bok
- Latest Fashions by Mrs. John W. Bishop
- An Open Confession by Helen Jay
- Hints on Home-Dressmaking by Emma M. Hooper
- Mother’s Corner
- All About Flowers by Eben E. Rexford
- Artistic Needlework by Mary F. Knapp
- Tom Lawton’s Sled – A Story for Boys – by William P. Chipman
- A Broken Promise by Florence B. Hallowell
- The Practical Housekeeper by Mrs. Louisa Knapp
- Questions and Answers
- Christmas at Guttormson’s by Katharine B. Foot and illustrated by W.L. Taylor
- February poem on the outer front cover by Margaret J. Preston and illustrated by H. Wintrop Pierce
- On 2nd Cover: New Games for the Fireside by Mrs. A.G. Lewis
- On 3rd Cover: Just Between Ourselves
- on 4th Cover (back cover): Literary Salad by Mrs. E.C. Allis
Ladies Home Journal
March 1890, Vol. VII, No. 4. 32-pages plus outer covers. Edited by Edward W. Bok.
Contents as cribbed from the outer cover:
- Mrs. Harrison in the White House by A.J. Halford – with portrait and interior views of White House
- A Man’s Ideas of Home Comfort by Percy Vere
- Diana and the Hunt Ball by Kate Tannatt Woods and illustrated by H. Winthrop Pierce
- Home and Haunts of Scott, illustrated by W.L. Taylor and F.S. Guild
- Ascutney Street – Part V – by Adeline D.T. Whitney and illustrated by W. St. John Harper
- Woman a poem by Rose Hartwick Thorpe
- Experiments in Wage-Earning by O.M.E. Rowe
- How to Marry Well by The Duchess
- Phillida – Chapters XI – XII- XIII – by Maud Howe and illustrated by H. Winthrop Pierce
- The Editorial Desk
- March Winds by Felix L. Oswald, MD
- Under My Study Lamp by T. DeWitt Talmage, DD
- Side-Talks With Girls by Ruth Ashmore
- Letters to Beth – IV – by Kate Tannatt Woods
- Keeping Store a poem by Nellie K. Kellogg
- Four Bright New Games by Mary Catherine Crowley
- Saved from the Poorhouse by Lavinia S. Goodwin and illustrated by Copeland
- How a Boy’s Library Was Made by Jean Halifax
- In Literary Circles by Annie R. Ramsey
- Words to Young Authors by Edward W. Bok
- Latest Fashions by Mrs. John W. Bishop
- Hints on Home Dressmaking by Emma M. Hooper
- There’s No Time Like the Present, a poem by Eben E. Rexford
- Things for Baby’s Wear by Clarissa Potter
- The Best Influence for Children by Minnie A. Woodward
- Sunshine, Baby and I, a poem by A.M.H.D. and illustrated by C.J. Budd
- Ready Made Mothers by Annie Hamilton Donnell
- All About Flowers by Eben E. Rexford and illustrated by W. Hamilton Gibson
- Practical Housekeeping by Mrs. Louisa Knapp
- Sixteen Uses of Potatoes by Annie C. Stearns
- Cookery for Convalescents by Mary Fisher Bosson
- How to Serve Spring Chickens by Eliza R. Parker
- Artistic Needlework by Mary F. Knapp
- What Constitutes Success by Felicia Holt
- Questions and Answers
- Front Cover: March, a poem by Louise Chandler Moulton
- 2nd Cover: Words of Potted Wisdom
- 3rd Cover: A Practical View of Marriage by Marion Harland
- 3rd Cover: Hints on Canvassing by Miss M.H. Valentine
- Back Cover: Fancy Work for Odd Moments by Emma M. Hooper
Ladies Home Journal
May 1890, Vol. VII, No. 6. 28-pages plus outer covers. Edited by Edward W. Bok.
Contents as cribbed from the outer cover:
- Ascutney Street – Part VII – by Adeline D.T. Whitney and illustrated by W. St. John Harper
- Both Sides of the Line, a poem by Cora Stuart Wheeler
- Women in Business Life by Mrs. Frank Leslie
- How to Choose Eye-Glasses by HV. Wirdeman, MD
- Superstitions of the Chinese by Wah Le Tung
- Domestic Life in Egypt by Mary J. Holmes
- My Little Bo-Peep, a poem by Frank E. Holliday
- How to Take Care of Kid Gloves by Augusta S. Prescott
- Farmer Bell’s Bargain by Mrs. A.G. Lewis and illustrated by E.B. Bensell
- The Coming of May, a poem
- The Amateur Camera by A. Bogardus
- The Value of Etiquette
- The Master-Key, a poem
- Woman’s Need of Exercise by Ellen Le Garde
- A South African Wedding by W.P. Pond and illustrated by Frank C. Drake
- What are Women Doing? by The Editor (Bok)
- The Young Man of To-Day
- Under My Study Lamp by T. DeWitt Talmage, DD
- Side-Talks With Girls by Ruth Ashmore
- Letters to Beth: No. VI by Kate Tannatt Woods
- A Wedding Outfit for $200 by Emma M. Hooper
- The Proper Care of Clothing by Helen Jay
- The Life of a Busy Author by Alice Au Tance Campbell with portriat of Mrs. Kate Tannatt Woods
- Is Literature a Trade? by Edward W. Bok
- New Books on My Table by Annie R. Ramsey
- Latest Fashions by Mrs. John W. Bishop and illustrated by Victor F. Newman
- Hints on Home-Dressmaking by Emma M. Hooper
- Jessie’s Opportunity by Florence B. Hallowell and illustrated by Frank T. Merrill
- A May-Day Song, a poem by Laura E. Richards
- All About Flowers by Eben E. Rexford and illustrated by F.S. Guild
- A Puzzler for Baby, a poem by Dudley Dorn
- An Allegory of To-Day by Margaret B. Harvey
- Talks With the Doctor by Laury MacHenry
- Practical Housekeeping by Louisa Knapp
- What to Do With the Left-Overs by L.L.
- Resurrection Dishes by Mary J. Safford
- Shining and “Doing-Up” Shirts by Aunt Millie
- A Few Dainty Desserts by Edith A. Grant
- Questions and Answers
- Artistic Needlework by Mary F. Knapp
- Phillida — Chapters XV – XVII – by Maude Howe
- Front cover: The Herald of Spring, a poem by Alexander Wilson
- 2nd Cover: The Violet in France
- 2nd Cover: Neatness in Dress at Home
- 3rd Cover: Seven Ways of Marrying
- Back Cover: Deceptive Housekeeping
Ladies Home Journal
June 1890, Vol. VII, No. 7. 30-pages plus outer covers, plus 40-page Premium Supplement section offering goods for attracting subscribers (some cool stuff, toy trains, magic lantern, lots of books). Edited by Edward W. Bok.
Contents as cribbed from the outer cover:
- Myrtle’s Mistake – Part I – by Kate Upson Clark and illustrated by Frank T. Merrill
- Useful Things Worth Knowing
- A Progressive Conversation Party by Mrs. E.C. Allis
- Out-Door Sports for Girls by Ellen Le Garde
- Closing House for the Summer by Florence Howe Hall
- The Eternal Will, a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Summer Widowers by Percy Vere
- The Story of a New York House
- Are Women Careless of Money? by Junius Henri Browne
- Sunrise on the Nile by Mary J. Holmes
- Her One Talent — A Story for Girls – by Fay Huntington and illustrated by C.T. Hill and F.S. Guild
- Early Summer Fruits by Feliz L. Oswald, MD
- A Patagonian Child Doctor
- Ascutney Street — Chapters VII – VIII — by Mrs. A.D.T. Whitney and illustrated by W. St. John Harper
- Some Questions I Am Asked by The Editor (Bok)
- Under My Study Lamp by T. DeWitt Talmage, DD
- Side-Talks With Girls by Ruth Ashmore
- Letters to Beth: Manners in Public by Kate Tannatt Woods
- Trusting Our Children by Mrs. Henry Ward Beecher
- Notes for Young Mothers by Elizabeth Robinson Scovil
- By-Low Song by Annie Hamilton Donnell and illustrated by C.J. Budd
- How to Dress Baby
- Helps to Literary Success by Edward W. Bok
- Memoirs of a Tranquil Life
- Reading Clubs in the Country by Marion Harland
- Poets and Editors by Wolstan Dixey
- Jamie, a poem by Elizabeth W. Cambell
- Good Just for Spite: A Story by Emma C. Hewitt
- A Mother’s Influence by Felicia Holt
- Hints on Home-Dressmaking by Emma M. Hooper
- For Woman’s Wear by Mrs. Mallon and illustrated by Victor F. Newman
- In the World of Fashion by Mrs. Mallon and illustrated by Redfern
- All About Flowers by Eben E. Rexford and illustrated by W. Hamilton Gibson
- The Practical Housekeeper by Mrs. Louisa Knapp
- A Few Appetizing Dishes by Anna Alexander Cameron
- Old-Time Cookery
- Three Household Novelties by Dinah Sturgis
- Some Asked For Recipes
- Just Between Ourselves by Aunt Catharine
- A Paper Picnic by Lina Beard and illustrated by Lina Beard
- Phillida — Chapters XVII – XIX — by Maud Howe
- Questions and Answers
- Artistic Needlework by Mary F. Knapp
- 40-page Premium Supplement