Ostrich Feather Dyeing For All

OSTRICH FEATHER DYEING FOR ALL

Offering directions on how to dye ostrich feathers "every color and shade of color known," with many samples on view, the author is so certain of his recipes, that in the introduction he offers $1000 (a considerable sum in 1888) to anyone who can "prove that the recipes herein contained…will not produce the desired color or shade perfect or in the time mentioned." Used for trimming dresses, wraps, in hats and fans, the late 19th-century was a time of growth for the ostrich feather dyeing industry, especially in New York City, and the feathers generally came from wild ostriches in Egypt (according to the author) or from farmed ostriches. There is a discussion of many types of dyes in this manual including indigo, turmeric, and orchil lichen. 

— Written by Clara Drummond (Special Collections) 

Alexander Paul, with revisions and corrections by Dr. M. Frank 
The Practical Ostrich Feather Dyer 
Philadelphia, PA: Mrs. Dr. M. Frank, 1888