Zeitgeist

Adjacent to the GPO, Queen Street decorated for Coronation of King George VI, May 1937.
Source: http://waywewere.couriermail.com.au/image-detail.php?search_field=&offset=2407&return=L3NlYXJjaC1yZXN1bHRzLnBocD9saW1pdHM9MjQwMCwxNSwzOTM5JnNlYXJjaF9maWVsZD0=

What was the spirit of 1920s and 1930s Brisbane? I get the feeling it was pretty fun. Admittedly I'm not sure just yet how 'fun' the aftermath of the 'war to end all wars' was. Or the Spanish flu epidemic, which killed approximately 3 per cent of the world before it disappeared in 1920. Or the Great Depression that hit Australia harder than most other countries, with recovery taking longer, too, and unemployment hitting 29 per cent in 1932. What else could happen in 20 years? Oh yeah, the threat of a bigger war for the last year or so.

But ...

'These dainty evening gowns in lace and georgette, made in the modish ankle-length, close fitting style, are typical of the attractive frocking which will be shown at J. Briggs and Sons' Mannequin Parade at the Carlton Cabaret next Friday and Saturday afternoons. Fashion parades have proved to be one of the most popular ways that women can spend an afternoon... It has been arranged to celebrate the firm's opening in Queen Street, in Mathers' Arcade tomorrow week.' (Information taken from: Sunday Truth, 12 April, 1931).

Source: SLQ, JOL, image no. 102522.

Fashion model poses in front of a Qantas Airlines plane. She wears a two-piece woolen suit with a shawl collar and belted waistline. On her arm she carries a fur coat and is holding her broad brimmed felt hat. On the runway is a small crocodile skin suitcase. This fashion photography was part of a special travel feature in the Pictorial section of the Queenslander, Fashions from McWhirters', a large department store in Brisbane. 1936

Source: SLQ, JOL, image no. 169644.

Something about it seems to be like shopping during a zombie apocalypse.  Or dancing during the armageddon.  Hedonism seems to be a most contagious and successful distraction from dreary reality.  New technologies and consumer goods, new fashions, materials, and shops, planes and competitions of all sorts, radio and cinema, electricity, and, if you were lucky, indoor plumbing - fun!

Beachgoers at Burleigh Heads, 1938.
Source: SLQ, JOL, image no. 129172.