Grapes Are Very Popular

Amid the crush and bustle of rose sprays and wreaths, of muslin buds and lawn half-blowns and showy velvet American Beauties encircled by seamosses, one clustered-grape hat ornament sits out alone. “A very pretty cluster”, the Sears-Roebuck catalogue proposes bravely, but the truth lies in the bruising markdown from 75¢ to 44. In 1908, nobody wants a grape.
     Do not despair, downtrodden, despiséd cluster! Within 100 years, you shall adorn the diadem of the Diet Mediterranean, resolve the Paradox of France. As you merrily trip the liquor store aisles, affected Rosé shall wait upon you, your frenemy turned blushing fool.

Image: Based on Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalogue, 1908.