This section is from the "A Complete Dictionary of Dry Goods" book, by George S. Cole. Also available from Amazon: A complete dictionary of dry goods and history of silk, cotton, linen, wool and other fibrous substances,: Including a full explanation of the modern processes ... together with various useful tables.
An appropriate trim for the month of May, and one which offers a fertile field for the exercise of taste and skill, is a May-pole. In the center of the window is erected a round pole, at least seven feet in height. Twine gayly-colored ribbons barber-pole fashion from top to bottom. Fasten eight or ten ends of No. 5 ribbon to the top of the pole and allow them to reach to the floor, where they should be held by doll-figures, as if engaged in the familiar rustic dance around the pole. As May is the month of flowers, these should also form a feature of the display.
 
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