Why did 19th century women wear their sun bonnets, or not? Women who don't wear bonnets... ...according to a Missouri newspaper column published in 1849. * A rennet-bag is the fourth stomach of a ruminant (cow), a traditional natural source of enzymes for making … [Read more...] about Snarky skincare advice for backwoods women [Mid-19th Century Sunbonnets, Part 1]
Past Practices
Project Log: How to Make an 18th Century “Housewife” Sewing Kit
Meet the Housewife In this case, a housewife isn’t a person. I've got a notion I like the word "notion." It can mean a personal inclination or a general concept, but it can also refer to little tools and supplies. When used to describe physical objects rather than … [Read more...] about Project Log: How to Make an 18th Century “Housewife” Sewing Kit
Vintage Book Review: A Woman’s Story of Pioneer Illinois by Christiana Tillson [A Vibrant Retrospective]
A first-person account of log cabin living as a young wife and mother. Most of us can name at least one or two historically significant memoirs, such as Elie Wiesel's Night or the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. Such first-person accounts of history add richness … [Read more...] about Vintage Book Review: A Woman’s Story of Pioneer Illinois by Christiana Tillson [A Vibrant Retrospective]
Grinning Pumpkins: Why Jack-O’-Lanterns are the best part of Halloween
Jack O'Lanterns might be my favorite part of the American tradition of Halloween. Perhaps this is because I don't have much of a sweet tooth or love of the horror genre, but I genuinely enjoy carving pumpkins and seeing my neighbors' creations. Walking down a neighborhood street, … [Read more...] about Grinning Pumpkins: Why Jack-O’-Lanterns are the best part of Halloween
Lost Greetings: Postcards from the Past Revisited
Mr. Willoughby was a favorite teacher of mine during high school, and I still count him as a friend in adulthood. A former Army officer and veteran of the Vietnam War turned history teacher, he formed lasting relationships with his students. And, the giant bulletin board hanging … [Read more...] about Lost Greetings: Postcards from the Past Revisited
