Danielle Colby Striptease Historian | The Queen of Rust

The Original Garter Girl

Added 2024-03-05 17:57:25 +0000 UTC

Lynne O’Neill (born March 8 1918) came into my life by way of vintage burlesque costumes and posters that found me through various channels. This original Lynne O’Neill garter was hand made by her mother Josephine, who would travel with her, throughout the USA and Mexico, at each club Lynne would work.

"At her mother's suggestion, O'Neill began to emphasize her garters, while performing. At the end of her shows, O'Neill would bestow garters to selected members of her audience. This act became a signature routine, and she styled herself as Lynne O'Neill, "The Original Garter Girl.""

How incredible that Lynne had this family support during a time when many folks were not too keen on the idea of having a traveling Burlesque dancer in the family. I really appreciate the print detail inside the garter. There is no doubt of the authenticity of this garter. I was able to purchase the original hand painted sign separately but love that these bits of Lynne’s history are together again.

Thank you to @hottawdry for doing so much of this research on Lynne O’Neill. Your contribution to finding her history will resonate through time. You can see more of her original burlesque images on my PATREON, link in my bio