Fond Reminiscence...

"If you cannot read all your books, at any rate handle, or as it were, fondle them -- peer into them, let them fall open where they will, read from the first sentence that arrests the eye, set them back on the shelves with your own hands, arrange them on your own plan so that you at least know where they are. Let them be your friends; at any rate let them be your acquaintances." - Winston Churchill

Thank you, Mr. Churchill, for this glorious quote. This is precisely how I feel about my Victorias. I can scarcely go a day without at least looking at one, putting one on my bedside table so it is easily within reach should I have a moment to pick it up.

There is something deeply reassuring about just knowing they are all there whenever I get ready to read or even just look at one... and, for me, that is often. There are days that are so busy and technical-information-laden that the mere sight of the beautiful cover of one of my Victorias causes my blood pressure to settle and my nerves to calm. If you think it odd to make such a statement about a "mere" magazine, then you have obviously not had the pleasure of her company.

Sometimes I feel as L.M. Montgomery so aptly describes in this scene from Anne of Green Gables:

"Anne was curled up Turk-fashion on the hearthrug, gazing into that joyous glow where the sunshine of a hundred summers was being distilled from the maple cordwood. She had been reading, but her book had slipped to the floor, and now she was dreaming, with a smile on her parted lips. Glittering castles in Spain were shaping themselves out of the mists and rainbows of her lively fancy; adventures wonderful and enthralling were happening to her in cloudland -- adventures that always turned out triumphantly and never involved her in scrapes like that of real life."

Shirlene Tomanek-Lowdermilk - An Accidental Encounter with Victoria

I can still remember clearly when I discovered Victoria Magazine. It was a Sunday, and I wanted a new magazine to read. So, I went to the store to pick up my usual "fashion" magazines to have an afternoon of reading. As I reached for my favorite magazine, this "other" magazine fell to the floor. I picked it up, not looking at it, and placed it back on the shelf. Again, it fell to the floor. This time when I picked it up, I turned it over and looked at the cover. I was just amazed at such a beautiful cover. This "other" magazine was the premier issue of Victoria, 1987. I quickly thumbed through the magazine, but I knew immediately this magazine would fulfill me more than any of all the fashion magazines I usually purchased. From that moment it was a love affair that lasted until the very last issue. I had kept all the old issues of the magazines at my office so I would always have some inspiration with me though out the day. Unfortunatley and sadly our office closed when the owner passed away, and the building was sold with all its contents very quickly so that I was unable to retrieve the old issues. I didn't realize this until after some time had passed. I may not have the magazines, but I will always have my memories of those beautiful magazines. I am so pleased that Victoria came back.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you.

Sincerely,
Shirlene Tomanek-Lowdermilk

A Sentimental Journey

The very first October issue of Victoria debuted in 1988. The second issue, which came out in the fall of 1987, was a 1987/1988 Winter issue. The first actual October issue came along a year later to usher in the golden season of 1988. With such phrases on the cover as "Autumn... A Sentimental Journey" and "Gathering Golden Moments," we knew that when we opened the cover we would be greeted with beautiful articles in glowing tones.



As always, she would not disappoint. From articles on ferns, to fabulous fashion layouts resembling some Agatha Christie movie set, to the delectable food displays, to the "Leaves" section by Jenny Walton (this one is a particular prize, as it relates to a teacher who inspired Jenny Walton -- aka Nancy Lindemeyer -- to read) this one is a gem in warm hues.











Thank you for taking a sentimental journey along with me, as we fondly remember the early days of what would become a treasured magazine.

Hearst's Victoria, Issue Two ...Just a Baby, but a Beautiful One!

The Debutante

In the Summer of 1987, a beautiful debutante was introduced to society. With her debut, the world of periodicals was introduced to a new level of loveliness.






And showing savvy before its time, we see this article encouraging us to eat fresh, naturally and beautifully...




Just looking at these images transports me to a world where beauty, grace, and elegance abound... and these things don't seem at all unattainable. Thank you, Victoria, for making your debut and for bringing us more loveliness than we could have ever imagined.

What's in a binding?

For the years that Victoria was originally published by Hearst, there was a phrase or group of words -- descriptive and indicative, I am sure, of the vision for that particular era of the magazine -- on the binding, or spine, of each issue. I would have to believe that these were the vision of the original editor of Victoria, Nancy Lindemeyer, perhaps in collaboration with then Director of Magazine Developement, John Mack Carter.

The very first of these was...



and those words said so much for the promise of what was to become one of the most beloved magazines of all time. The original magazines contained an insert bidding potential subscribers to give her a try.

"Victoria is a new magazine that explores the gracious side of living. Victoria is a beautiful combination of past and present.

Each issue will transport you back to an era of timeless charm, enduring quality, beauty and elegance. A showcase of women's heritage filled with beautiful homes and furnishings, romantic stories and gracious entertainment.

Come join us today... and add a touch of lace to your table... savor a sweetly scented potpourri... create a special occasion cake... plan outings and picnics... shop for anitiques. Do it all with Victoria as your guide. Now there's a fresh new approach to gracious living.

Victoria offers a breath of relief from this fast paced world. Even today's modern woman can identify with the sentiment and refinement of another era. Return to the loveliness of yesteryear.

Victoria focuses on the particular part of every woman's life that has special meaning. From now on everything you do will have that personal Victoria touch."

And on all these promises, Victoria more than delivered. I am so glad I have my original issues to which I can return as many times as I'd like. Return to loveliness, indeed.

Cindy La Ferle - A Victoria Reader's Dream Comes True

Victoria has been one of my favorite shelter magazines since it was first published by Hearst -- and I've saved nearly every issue. As a freelance writer and author since the late 1980s, one of my goals was to see my work published in this beloved magazine.

While I'd already published pieces in other national glossies, including Country Home and Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion, a byline in Victoria still eluded me. Meanwhile, the original Victoria folded, then Hoffman Media restarted it in 2007.

Over a year ago, I wrote a garden essay from threads of a talk I gave at a regional Master Gardener Society meeting. With high hopes, I submitted "The Art of Midlife Gardening" to the new Victoria. And then I waited.

Months passed -- which isn't unusual in this line of work -- and I nearly forgot about the piece. So you can imagine how thrilled I was when Victoria's managing editor contacted me last year to ask if it was still available for publication in the March/April 2010 issue.


That issue is now on the stands, and my essay's on the back page. While my work has appeared in dozens of national magazines and newspapers, seeing that first byline in Victoria was truly a highlight in my career. When I found a copy today at our local Barnes & Noble, I did a little happy dance right there in the magazine aisle.

-- Cindy La Ferle: Cindy La Ferle's Home Office: www.laferle.com