It would be nice to see more modern photos on the process and results.  The distinctive curling effect of pin curling does look nice.

I've got long hair too and it would probably take hours to do something lke that.

Here is another web site with pictures of pin curls:

http://intimelyfashion.com/hair/pincurls.html - http://intimelyfashion.com/hair/pincurls.html

If you have longer hair you might try using rag curlers. You don't have to be quite as neat with them and the results are very nice sausage curls.

The curlers are very easy to make. You can use an old towel, cotton sheet or T-Shirt. Cut them into strips about 6 inches long and 1 inch thick. (The longer or thicker your hair the more strips you will need.) Starting with slightly damp hair, divide your hair into small sections. Hold a section of hair from your head and place a rag curler so that it hangs beside the section of hair. The rag should be longer than the lock of hair. Twist the lock of hair around the rag and tie to ends of the rag together in a loose knot. The tighter you twist the tighter the curl. Repeat the rag curls for the number of curls you want. If you want the Shirley Temple look, neatness counts.

The rag curlers are easier to sleep on too and in the morning you have curls.

You can get a similar look to pin curls using socks too.

http://anaissatin.freespaces.com/sockcurling/howtosockcurl.html - http://anaissatin.freespaces.com/sockcurling/howtosockcurl.h tml

Good luck!