These recipes are from Godey's Lady's Book of Reciepts and Household Hints ©1870
CAULIFLOWER.
One of the prettiest dishes of vegetables we know consists of a cauliflower of ivory whiteness resting upon a bed of well made tomato sauce. To insure the immaculate appearance of the cauliflower, a moderate quantity of flour should be put in the water it is boiled in, and the cauliflower should only be put in when the water is boiling fast. When two or more cauliflowers are used, they should be moulded into one to serve them. To do this, when they are boiled, cut off the stalk, and dispose the pieces of cauliflower head down wards inabasin; press them gently together, turn them out dexterously on a dish, and two or three small cauliflowers will by this means present the appearance of one large one. Care must be taken to have the basin quite hot and to operate quickly. This cannot very well be done with the small purple cauliflower or brocoli; but all the formulas given for cauliflowers proper may be applied to brocoli likewise.
The sauce should be put into the dish and the cauliflowers over it; but if the moulding process has not been successful, or if the cauliflowers are not very nice looking ones, then pour the sauce over them, so as to hide their deformity.
The very best way, however, to treat cauliflowers is au gratin, and this has the advantage that it may be applied to the remains of the cauliflowers served at the dinner of the day before. This is the simplest form of it: Dispose the pieces of cauliflowers on a dish, pour a good supply of liquified butter over them, and plenty of grated cheese, with a judicious admixture of powdered white pepper, salt, and nutmeg. Put the dish into the oven for a few minutes, or brown with a red-hot salamander, and serve.
Here are other modes of proceeding: Rub the dish very slightly with garlic, mould your cauliflowers in a basin, and pour into them, before turning them out, some melted butter, into which you have dissolved a good allowance of cheese; turn them out on the dish, strew plentifully with grated cheese, a few bread crumbs, pepper, and salt, pouring the remainder of the sauce over. Brown and •serve.
Instead of moulding the cauliflowers, dip each piece in the sauce, and dispose them flat on the dish, filling up the interstices with bread crumbs and cheese in equal parts; pepper and salt according to taste; brown and serve.
The great thing to be avoided is not to make these preparations too dry, and yet there should not be over much butter. The browning must be carefully done, so as to produce a surface of a uniform golden color—not in patches, some burnt black, and others not browned at all, as is too often the case in the preparations of the careless and hasty operators who preside in kitchens.
To such people as may object to cheese, I can recommend the following receipt, which has great merit of its own : Dispose your pieces of boiled cauliflower upon a dish well rubbed with garlic, over them strew a mixture of bread crumbs and anchovies, capers, and olives, mixed fine pepper, and salt; over all pour a judicious quantity of fine salad oil. Bake for about ten minutes, and serve.
Celery may be dressed according to the above formulas also; but we prefer treating the latter in the same way as asparagus, which it emulates in delicacy of flavor—i. e., by plain boiling in salt and water, and serving with some simple sauce.
Boiled Cauliflower.—Soak the head two hours in salt water, and cook until tender in milk and water; drain and serve whole with drawn butter. This makes the best appearance, but it will be found to suit the taste better cut up and seasoned richly with butter and a little salt and pepper. In either case it must be well drained.
Cauliflower Omelette.—After boiling a firm head of cauliflower allow it to grow cold, chop it very fine, mix it with sufficient well beaten egg to make a very thick batter. Fry brown in fresh butter, and serve hot.
Cauliflower In Milk.—Choose those that are close and white, cut off the green leaves, and look carefully that there are no caterpillars about the stalk; soak an hour in cold water, with a handful of salt in it; then boil them in milk and water, and take care to skim the saucepan, that not the least foulness may fall on the flower. It must be served very white and rather crimp.
Fried Cauliflower.—Having laid a fine cauliflower in cold water for an hour, put it into a pot of boiling water that has been slightly salted (milk and water will be still better,) and boil it twenty-five minutes, or till the large stalk is perfectly tender. Then divide it equally into small tufts, and spread it on a dish to cool. Prepare a sufficient quantity of batter made in the proportion of a tablespoonful of flour, and two tablespoon fills of milk to each egg. Beat the eggs very light; then stir into them the flour and milk alternately ; a spoonful of flour, and one of milk and eggs; season with pepper and salt. Dip the cold cauliflower into the batter, and fry each piece in butter and lard until brown.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Sun Stroke
It's in the thirties here in Florida today while I'm writing this post (the day before the posting) and I stumbled across this information about Sun Stroke. I'm hoping just writing about it will warm my bones.
This comes from Houghtaling's Handbook of Useful Information ©1889
Take the patient at once to a cool and shady place, but don't carry him far to a house or hospital. Loosen the clothes thoroughly about his neck and waist. Lay him down with the head a little raised. Apply wet cloths to the head, and mustard or turpentine to the calves of the legs and the soles of te feet. Give a little weak whiskey and water if he can swallow. Meanwhile let some one go for the doctor. You cannot safely do more without his advice.
Sunstroke is a sudden prostration due to long exposure to great heat, especially when much fatigued or exhausted. It commonly happens from undue exposure to the sun's rays in summer. It begins with pain in the head, or dizziness, quickly followed by loss of consciousness and complete prostration.
This comes from Houghtaling's Handbook of Useful Information ©1889
Take the patient at once to a cool and shady place, but don't carry him far to a house or hospital. Loosen the clothes thoroughly about his neck and waist. Lay him down with the head a little raised. Apply wet cloths to the head, and mustard or turpentine to the calves of the legs and the soles of te feet. Give a little weak whiskey and water if he can swallow. Meanwhile let some one go for the doctor. You cannot safely do more without his advice.
Sunstroke is a sudden prostration due to long exposure to great heat, especially when much fatigued or exhausted. It commonly happens from undue exposure to the sun's rays in summer. It begins with pain in the head, or dizziness, quickly followed by loss of consciousness and complete prostration.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Panic of 1857
The history of a Panic run on banks is much the same no matter what time period. However, in 1857 it was caused by a quick downward turn of the economy, embezzlement, fall of grain prices and land speculation. Sounds some what familiar to today's economic issues doesn't it?
Wikipedia has a nice article for fuller details about this panic.
America has prospered from the gold pouring into the economy from California, inflating prices and currency. The SS Central America a ship with 30,000 lbs of gold was lost at sea off the coast of NC during a hurricane in 1857 also contributed to people's fears and lack of confidence in the government. The ship and most of the gold was recovered in 1987. At that time the value of the gold was 100-150 million USD.
The panic itself was short lived but the recovery didn't fully happen until after the Civil War.
If you want even fuller details there are a couple of books at Google books. One is The banks of NY, their dealers, the clearing hous, and the Panic of 1857 by Robert Morris
Or something written many years later The Panic of 1857: an analytical study by George Washington Van Vleck.
Wikipedia has a nice article for fuller details about this panic.
America has prospered from the gold pouring into the economy from California, inflating prices and currency. The SS Central America a ship with 30,000 lbs of gold was lost at sea off the coast of NC during a hurricane in 1857 also contributed to people's fears and lack of confidence in the government. The ship and most of the gold was recovered in 1987. At that time the value of the gold was 100-150 million USD.
The panic itself was short lived but the recovery didn't fully happen until after the Civil War.
If you want even fuller details there are a couple of books at Google books. One is The banks of NY, their dealers, the clearing hous, and the Panic of 1857 by Robert Morris
Or something written many years later The Panic of 1857: an analytical study by George Washington Van Vleck.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Buffalo Bill Cody
Below is an excerpt from the "Last of the great scouts:the life story of Col. William F. Cody, "Buffalo Bill" by Helen Cody Wetmore ©1899
The reason I decided to post this tidbit about Buffalo Bill is because of the nature of his Wild West show and how it influenced the American perception of the West. What I like about this book is that it is written by his sister and the oldest account I've found so far. However as stated in the intro she wrote these to sell at the Wild West Show. The excerpt is just a tidbit from the introduction written by Donald Danker. Here's a link to Google Books if you're interested in reading more.
Beginning Excerpt:
The American legend that is Buffalo Bill Cody was formed from three main sources; the man, the Wild West Show, and the printed word. The man was an authentic, likeable, and even modest western hero, cited by his army superiors for his bravery and resourcefulness, and willing and able to capitalize upon his prairie exploits for financial gain. The show was so good that it almost lived up to its billings; it was an exhibition of real Indians, cowboys, sharpshooters and wild derringdo that captivated Europeans and Americans, kings and democrats. Every other "Western" was and is, in a sense, an imitation of Buffalo Bill's Wild West. The printed word has been in the form of novels, autobiographies, articles, and biographies. Cody books have been numerous and exaggerated. Perhaps none have contributed more to the Buffalo Bill legend than Last of the Great Scouts, the Life Story of Col. William F. Cody "Buffalo Bill" as told by his sister Helen Cody Wetmore.
Helen Cody was the fourth of five daughters of the Isaac Cody family. Her brother, Bill, was four years older and she idolized him. Her admiration did not diminish when he became the famous Buffalo Bill. Helen's second marriage was to Hugh Wetmore, editor of the Duluth Press. The generous Cody helped the Wetmores financially. Helen wrote Last of the Great Scouts and it was first published by the Duluth Press in 1899. The book was widely sold and read and was good advertising for the Wild West Show. On the mornings of the pre-show parade a wagonload of Last of the Great Scouts would tour the city with a salesman and an Indian. The Indian would dance and the salesman sell books at a dollar a copy with a fifty cent show ticket added to the bargain. Several editions were printed, one illustrated by Remington. In 1918 Grosset and Dunlap issued a reprint boasting a foreword by the famous Zane Grey.
Although Mrs. Wetmore stated that she told "a plain unvarnished tale" and that "embarrassed by riches of fact I have had no thought of fiction," the book treats fact lightly. Its obvious exaggerations and inventions not only helped to establish the Buffalo Bill legend but they also gave ammunition to the debunkers of Cody. It was easy to prove the book to be laced with fiction and it followed that its hero was a fraud. The living hero did not care because he was in show business and knew the value of publicity.
The frontier scout and hunter had become a showman. One of his contemporaries on the Nebraska frontier at Fort McPherson, a talented girl named Ena Raymonds, recorded the change in her diary with a mixture of insight and poor prophecy. They met for the first time in the summer of 1872. He had returned to the fort from a scouting trip and invited her to a shooting match. Later, she saw him "dashing around first one place and then another" preparing for a hunt. She recorded that his baby boy, Kit Carson Cody, was a handsome child with great promise of a future. Neither she nor Cody could know that the boy would die within four years. When Bill went East on his first theatrical tour, Ena read the reviews and noted that one termed him ill at ease and "at loss of what to do with his hands." Ena commented to her diary "poor Cody! ... He is out of his sphere. I have seen him the very personification of grace and beauty; but it was not in the crowded city... but dashing over the free wild prairie and riding his horse as though he and the noble animal were bounding with one life and one motion! Well 'there is money in it' that golden fact renders every other consideration insignificant ... Such fame is not lasting."
Ena was wrong. Cody's fame was made lasting because he became more than a scout and Indian fighter; he became legend. As such he brought excitement and enjoyment to thousands, young and old. A part of the unsophisticated, simple pleasure they knew may be recaptured by an uncritical reading of Last of the Great Scouts.
Donald F. Danker
The reason I decided to post this tidbit about Buffalo Bill is because of the nature of his Wild West show and how it influenced the American perception of the West. What I like about this book is that it is written by his sister and the oldest account I've found so far. However as stated in the intro she wrote these to sell at the Wild West Show. The excerpt is just a tidbit from the introduction written by Donald Danker. Here's a link to Google Books if you're interested in reading more.
Beginning Excerpt:
The American legend that is Buffalo Bill Cody was formed from three main sources; the man, the Wild West Show, and the printed word. The man was an authentic, likeable, and even modest western hero, cited by his army superiors for his bravery and resourcefulness, and willing and able to capitalize upon his prairie exploits for financial gain. The show was so good that it almost lived up to its billings; it was an exhibition of real Indians, cowboys, sharpshooters and wild derringdo that captivated Europeans and Americans, kings and democrats. Every other "Western" was and is, in a sense, an imitation of Buffalo Bill's Wild West. The printed word has been in the form of novels, autobiographies, articles, and biographies. Cody books have been numerous and exaggerated. Perhaps none have contributed more to the Buffalo Bill legend than Last of the Great Scouts, the Life Story of Col. William F. Cody "Buffalo Bill" as told by his sister Helen Cody Wetmore.
Helen Cody was the fourth of five daughters of the Isaac Cody family. Her brother, Bill, was four years older and she idolized him. Her admiration did not diminish when he became the famous Buffalo Bill. Helen's second marriage was to Hugh Wetmore, editor of the Duluth Press. The generous Cody helped the Wetmores financially. Helen wrote Last of the Great Scouts and it was first published by the Duluth Press in 1899. The book was widely sold and read and was good advertising for the Wild West Show. On the mornings of the pre-show parade a wagonload of Last of the Great Scouts would tour the city with a salesman and an Indian. The Indian would dance and the salesman sell books at a dollar a copy with a fifty cent show ticket added to the bargain. Several editions were printed, one illustrated by Remington. In 1918 Grosset and Dunlap issued a reprint boasting a foreword by the famous Zane Grey.
Although Mrs. Wetmore stated that she told "a plain unvarnished tale" and that "embarrassed by riches of fact I have had no thought of fiction," the book treats fact lightly. Its obvious exaggerations and inventions not only helped to establish the Buffalo Bill legend but they also gave ammunition to the debunkers of Cody. It was easy to prove the book to be laced with fiction and it followed that its hero was a fraud. The living hero did not care because he was in show business and knew the value of publicity.
The frontier scout and hunter had become a showman. One of his contemporaries on the Nebraska frontier at Fort McPherson, a talented girl named Ena Raymonds, recorded the change in her diary with a mixture of insight and poor prophecy. They met for the first time in the summer of 1872. He had returned to the fort from a scouting trip and invited her to a shooting match. Later, she saw him "dashing around first one place and then another" preparing for a hunt. She recorded that his baby boy, Kit Carson Cody, was a handsome child with great promise of a future. Neither she nor Cody could know that the boy would die within four years. When Bill went East on his first theatrical tour, Ena read the reviews and noted that one termed him ill at ease and "at loss of what to do with his hands." Ena commented to her diary "poor Cody! ... He is out of his sphere. I have seen him the very personification of grace and beauty; but it was not in the crowded city... but dashing over the free wild prairie and riding his horse as though he and the noble animal were bounding with one life and one motion! Well 'there is money in it' that golden fact renders every other consideration insignificant ... Such fame is not lasting."
Ena was wrong. Cody's fame was made lasting because he became more than a scout and Indian fighter; he became legend. As such he brought excitement and enjoyment to thousands, young and old. A part of the unsophisticated, simple pleasure they knew may be recaptured by an uncritical reading of Last of the Great Scouts.
Donald F. Danker
Friday, December 25, 2009
Christmas Tree
Hi all,
Here's a video clip from the history channel regarding the Christmas tree. Note that it was in 1848 that Queen Victoria encouraged her husband to decorate a Christmas tree like that of his youth. This tree was then photographed and quickly became in vogue for English speaking countries to use a tree as well.
Merry Christmas
History Channel link
Here's a video clip from the history channel regarding the Christmas tree. Note that it was in 1848 that Queen Victoria encouraged her husband to decorate a Christmas tree like that of his youth. This tree was then photographed and quickly became in vogue for English speaking countries to use a tree as well.
Merry Christmas
History Channel link
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Hymns Oh Little Town of Bethlehem
In honor of Christmas Day and the location of Jesus' birth place I thought this 19th century hymn was very appropriate. Phillip Brooks wrote this in 1868. Three years after being inspired and overwhelmed by a visit to Bethlehem.
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary,
And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King,
And peace to men on earth.
How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him, still
The dear Christ enters in.
Where children pure and happy
Pray to the blessed Child,
Where misery cries out to thee,
Son of the mother mild;
Where charity stands watching
And faith holds wide the door,
The dark night wakes, the glory breaks,
And Christmas comes once more.
O holy Child of Bethlehem!
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in,
Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Emmanuel!
Have a blessed and merry Christmas this year.
O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary,
And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep, the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love.
O morning stars, together
Proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King,
And peace to men on earth.
How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
The blessings of his heaven.
No ear may hear his coming,
But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him, still
The dear Christ enters in.
Where children pure and happy
Pray to the blessed Child,
Where misery cries out to thee,
Son of the mother mild;
Where charity stands watching
And faith holds wide the door,
The dark night wakes, the glory breaks,
And Christmas comes once more.
O holy Child of Bethlehem!
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in,
Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Emmanuel!
Have a blessed and merry Christmas this year.
Christmas Hymns Away In A Manger
This Christmas hymn was first published in 1885, the author is unknown but the music was composed by William J. Kirkpatrick in 1895
Away in a manger,
No crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus,
Laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky,
Looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus,
Asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing,
The poor Baby wakes,
But little Lord Jesus,
No crying He makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus,
Look down from the sky,
And stay by my side,
'Til morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay,
Close by me forever,
And love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children,
In Thy tender care,
And take us to heaven,
To live with Thee there.
Away in a manger,
No crib for His bed,
The little Lord Jesus,
Laid down His sweet head.
The stars in the bright sky,
Looked down where He lay,
The little Lord Jesus,
Asleep on the hay.
The cattle are lowing,
The poor Baby wakes,
But little Lord Jesus,
No crying He makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus,
Look down from the sky,
And stay by my side,
'Til morning is nigh.
Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay,
Close by me forever,
And love me I pray.
Bless all the dear children,
In Thy tender care,
And take us to heaven,
To live with Thee there.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Christmas Hymns Angels We Have Heard on High
This Christmas hymn was originally penned in French and translated in English in 1862.
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why these songs of happy cheer?
What great brightness did you see?
What glad tiding did you hear? Refrain
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ, the Lord, the newborn King. Refrain
See him in a manger laid
Whom the angels praise above;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While we raise our hearts in love. Refrain
Shepherds, why this jubilee?
Why these songs of happy cheer?
What great brightness did you see?
What glad tiding did you hear? Refrain
Come to Bethlehem and see
Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee
Christ, the Lord, the newborn King. Refrain
See him in a manger laid
Whom the angels praise above;
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid,
While we raise our hearts in love. Refrain
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Christmas Hymns Angels from the Realms of Glory
In honor of Christmas I'm going to post Christmas Hymns that were written during the 19th century. The first is Angles from the Realms of Glory written Christmas eve 1816 by James Montgomery. It was republished in 1825 then again later in 1855 Isaac Gregory Smith wrote another version.
Angels, from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o'er all the earth;
Ye, who sang creation's story,
Now proclaim Messiah's birth:
Come and worship,
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the new-born King.
Shepherds in the field abiding,
Watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing;
Yonder shines the infant Light: Refrain
Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar:
Seek the great Desire of nations;
Ye have seen his natal star: Refrain
Saints before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In his temple shall appear: Refrain
Angels, from the realms of glory,
Wing your flight o'er all the earth;
Ye, who sang creation's story,
Now proclaim Messiah's birth:
Come and worship,
Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the new-born King.
Shepherds in the field abiding,
Watching o'er your flocks by night,
God with man is now residing;
Yonder shines the infant Light: Refrain
Sages, leave your contemplations,
Brighter visions beam afar:
Seek the great Desire of nations;
Ye have seen his natal star: Refrain
Saints before the altar bending,
Watching long in hope and fear,
Suddenly the Lord, descending,
In his temple shall appear: Refrain
Monday, December 21, 2009
How to Preserve Eggs
From Houghtalings Handbook ©1887
To each pailful of water, add two pints of fresh slacked lime, and one pint of common salt; mix well. Fill your barrel half full with this fluid, put your eggs down in it any time after June, and they will keep two years if desired.
So, I looked up slacked lime. Here's a link to wikipedia if you'd like to read further. Today slaked lime is called calcium hydroxide and is found in soft drinks.
I decided to find another source and came across "The New Family Receipt-book ©1820 and found these three entries below.
394. To preserve Eggs sound for the space of Two Years,
For the following process, for keeping and preserving eggs perfectly sound, a patent was granted in February, 1791, to Mr. Jayne, of Sheffield, Yorkshire :
Put into a tub or vessel one bushel, Winchester measure, of quicklime, thirty-two ounces of salt, eight ounces of cream of tartar, and mix the same together with as much water as will reduce the composition, or mixture, to that consistence, that it will cause an egg put into it to swim with its top just above the liquid : then put, and keep the eggs therein, which will preserve them perfectly sound for the space of two years at the least.
This method is not the worse for being simple, and the still simpler one of merely keeping eggs in salt, is known by many good housewives to preserve eggs quite sound for a considerable time.
395. Manner of preserving Eggs perfectly fresh, for Twelve Months.
Having provided small casks, like oyster barrels, fill them with fresh laid eggs ; then pour into each cask, the head of which is supposed to have been first taken out, as much cold thick lime-water as will fill up all the void spaces between the eggs, and likewise completely cover them. The thicker the lime-water is the better, provided it will fill up all the interstices, and be liquid at the top of the cask ; this done, lay on the head of the cask lightly. No farther care is necessary, than merely to prevent the lime from growing toe hard, by adding, occasionally, a little common water on the surface, should it seem so disposed, and keeping the casks from heat and frost. The eggs, when taken out for use, are to be washed from the adhering lime with a little cold water, when they will have both the appearance and qualities of fresh laid eggs, the lime preserving them from shrinking or putridity.
396. Manner of preserving Eggs perfectly fresh,
for Twelve Months.
The most simple and easy mode of preserving eggs is to rub the outside of the shell as soon as gathered from the nest, with a little butter, or any other grease that is not fetid. By tilling up the pores of the shell, the evaporation of the liquid part of the egg is prevented ; and either by that means, or by excluding the external air, which Fourcroy supposes destroys the milkiness which most people are fond of in new-laid eggs, that milkiness will be preserved for months, as perfect as when the egg was taken from the nest.
To each pailful of water, add two pints of fresh slacked lime, and one pint of common salt; mix well. Fill your barrel half full with this fluid, put your eggs down in it any time after June, and they will keep two years if desired.
So, I looked up slacked lime. Here's a link to wikipedia if you'd like to read further. Today slaked lime is called calcium hydroxide and is found in soft drinks.
I decided to find another source and came across "The New Family Receipt-book ©1820 and found these three entries below.
394. To preserve Eggs sound for the space of Two Years,
For the following process, for keeping and preserving eggs perfectly sound, a patent was granted in February, 1791, to Mr. Jayne, of Sheffield, Yorkshire :
Put into a tub or vessel one bushel, Winchester measure, of quicklime, thirty-two ounces of salt, eight ounces of cream of tartar, and mix the same together with as much water as will reduce the composition, or mixture, to that consistence, that it will cause an egg put into it to swim with its top just above the liquid : then put, and keep the eggs therein, which will preserve them perfectly sound for the space of two years at the least.
This method is not the worse for being simple, and the still simpler one of merely keeping eggs in salt, is known by many good housewives to preserve eggs quite sound for a considerable time.
395. Manner of preserving Eggs perfectly fresh, for Twelve Months.
Having provided small casks, like oyster barrels, fill them with fresh laid eggs ; then pour into each cask, the head of which is supposed to have been first taken out, as much cold thick lime-water as will fill up all the void spaces between the eggs, and likewise completely cover them. The thicker the lime-water is the better, provided it will fill up all the interstices, and be liquid at the top of the cask ; this done, lay on the head of the cask lightly. No farther care is necessary, than merely to prevent the lime from growing toe hard, by adding, occasionally, a little common water on the surface, should it seem so disposed, and keeping the casks from heat and frost. The eggs, when taken out for use, are to be washed from the adhering lime with a little cold water, when they will have both the appearance and qualities of fresh laid eggs, the lime preserving them from shrinking or putridity.
396. Manner of preserving Eggs perfectly fresh,
for Twelve Months.
The most simple and easy mode of preserving eggs is to rub the outside of the shell as soon as gathered from the nest, with a little butter, or any other grease that is not fetid. By tilling up the pores of the shell, the evaporation of the liquid part of the egg is prevented ; and either by that means, or by excluding the external air, which Fourcroy supposes destroys the milkiness which most people are fond of in new-laid eggs, that milkiness will be preserved for months, as perfect as when the egg was taken from the nest.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Ice Skating
During the 19th century Ice Skating developed not only as a past time but also as a sport. Speed skating competitions were held as early as 1863 in Norwegian clubs. Figure skating as we're accustomed to it was introduced by Jackson Haines in the mid 1860's he's said to be the "father of modern figure skating."
The actual skates were blades that were strapped on to a person's boot or shoe.
The Encyclopaedia Britannica Juvenile Non fiction ©1890 copied below will help you get a better picture of how the 19th century viewed skating.
SKATING, as at present practised, may be defined as a mode of progression (usually rapid) upon smooth ice, by the aid of steel blades attached to the soles of the feet It probably originated in the far north of Europe, in Scandinavia and Germany, where it is still in common use. In Russia it has never been a national pastime, as no smooth ice is formed in the rapidly running rivers. Even in St Petersburg it is mainly engaged in by English and Germans. The earliest skates appear to have been certain bones of large animals, but wood was also used from an early period.
In modern skating there are two totally distinct styles, which require different skates differently attached to tbe feet, and different extents and qualities of ice. The first, the "running " or "fen" style, simply consists in going straight ahead at the highest possible speed. Its home is on the fiords of Scandinavia, the fens of Lincolnshire, and the large rivers and lakes of North America. In Holland, Denmark, and North America it is the medium tor carrying a large winter market traffic. It first became common in England in 1662 after the return of the Stuarts. The wooden part or stock of a running skate s from 8 to 12 inches long, according to the length of the foot The blade is made of the best steel, with an average width of y6T inch. The heel is at right angles ;o the surface of the ice. The prow begins to rise off the ice at the fore end of the stock, at a gradually increasing angle, and projects 4 inches. The entire skate s attached to the foot by an iron screw in the heel of -he stock which enters the skater's boot heel and two ong straps which pass through slots in the stock and asten round the ankle and toes of the skater. The length of the heel strap varies from 22 to 32 inches, and that of he toe strap from 15 to 23 inches. Formerly the bottoms of the blades were fluted. A concavity is now effected by grinding; and, when in motion, the blade is rarely flat on the ice. The curve should be slight, and the depth no greater than will ensure a curve being made without touching the ice. The feet are placed at right angles to each other with the toes turned out1 and the body bent slightly forward. Each foot is then raised alternately and set down slightly on the inside edge. It immediately acquires a forward motion, which is increased by pushing with the other foot, that being at right angles and having no sliding motion. The feet must be kept perfectly level when raised and set down, and the skate carried in the Bame manner an inch above the ice when going forward. The forward stroke is made on the outer edge, and the pressure applied to the inner edge of the other foot. The arms are swung across the chest from side to side, and opposite to the direction of the striking leg in order to balance the weight The quickest method of stopping is to place the feet parallel, dig the heels into the ice, and arch the back. A longer but more graceful method is to turn the toes inwards, thus spreading the outside edges athwart the line of going. The feet should never be looked at, as the balance of the body is thereby disturbed. The eye should always be on a line with the horizon.
The fastest skating times recorded, from a standing start, and with no rear wind, have all been made in the United States, at Sew York, as follows:—
(This section is too blurred to copy correctly so I omitted it.)
The second style, termed "figure skating," is quite modern and purely English in its origin. This may be practised on any small pond, provided the ice is clear of snow and perfectly smooth. The more numerous opportunities thus afforded make it the more popular style in Great Britain, where the large streams seldom freeze. Figure skating consists in cutting arcs, circles, figures, letters, serpentines, and spirals,—either forwards or backwards, slowly or rapidly, on one or both feet, singly or in combination. The style can ultimatoly be analysed into four kinds of strokes, all made on the edges of the blade— the inside forward, the outside forward, the inside backward, and the outside backward. The variety of evolutions which can be developed from these four movements ii endless. The figure skate is made entirely of metal, is
strapless and fixed to the boots by clamps or like devices. Unlike the running skate, it can be instantly put on or taken off. Many kinds have been invented, but the " Acme," firs* produced in Canada, is generally acknowledged the best. The blade projects the merest trifle beyond the length of the foot and is rounded off in-an upward direction from the ice at both toe and heel. The bottom i.s J inch wide, and the best curve for grinding it is to that of a sovcnfoot radius, equal throughout and not increased fit cither end. In stopping, the end of one skate is placed at right angles to the other.
Summer skating has been occasionally provided in " glaciariums " by means of artificially produced ice.
The London Skating Club, founded in 1830, ii tho lending skating society of Great Britain. Comprising bnt 170 members, including 20 ladies, and practising on exclusively private water in Hegeut's Park, it countenances figure akating only and gives no oncourngoment whatever to the spread or teaching of a national pastime. The National Skating Association was formed in the year 1879, and, on December 8, held tho first raco for the running championship at Thorney, Cambridgeshire. The objecta of the association are as follows:—
To promote, ascertain, and reward speed In skutlnj*,—by the establishment and management of amatear and open akating championships of England; by stimulating and aupplemenling local action In holding of skating matches; by establishing an order of merit for speed skatcn. and awarding badges for tho Bftme; by assisting In providing facilities for skating by the shallow flooding of land In each locality where local branches exist; and by collecting through corresponding members Information of tho existence of loo on which skating Is practicable, and tho supplying of such Information to Its members; and to promote anil encourage figure skating, by tho establishment of standards at which figure skitters may aim, by bestowing bndges of merit on those who attain tlieso standards, and by promoting and aatUtlng In the formation of skating clubs. To provide rules and regulations for tho gamo of hockey on tho Ico, Also to promote the establishment of International skating contests In various countries. under the direction of an International council.
In the United States and Canada large and shallow artificial ponds under cover, termed "rinks," are in winter frozen by filling them with water. Each uight the surface is covered with a layer of water, which gives a fresh sheet of ice by morning. The coven protect the rinks from snow, another great advantage.
As regards a substitute for ico and ice akating on wooden or asphalt floors, the only invention that has ever been found even partially successful is that of James !.. Plimpton of New York in 1869. The implements may bo described as skatea with two parallel wheels at tho toe and heel, so hung that tho whool axloa are moved out of parallel by the transverse rocking of tho skater's foot, the wheela setting squarely on tho surface whether the skater be upright or cantod. Tho fatigue caused by these "roller skates" is quadruple that of ordinary ice skating.
The actual skates were blades that were strapped on to a person's boot or shoe.
The Encyclopaedia Britannica Juvenile Non fiction ©1890 copied below will help you get a better picture of how the 19th century viewed skating.
SKATING, as at present practised, may be defined as a mode of progression (usually rapid) upon smooth ice, by the aid of steel blades attached to the soles of the feet It probably originated in the far north of Europe, in Scandinavia and Germany, where it is still in common use. In Russia it has never been a national pastime, as no smooth ice is formed in the rapidly running rivers. Even in St Petersburg it is mainly engaged in by English and Germans. The earliest skates appear to have been certain bones of large animals, but wood was also used from an early period.
In modern skating there are two totally distinct styles, which require different skates differently attached to tbe feet, and different extents and qualities of ice. The first, the "running " or "fen" style, simply consists in going straight ahead at the highest possible speed. Its home is on the fiords of Scandinavia, the fens of Lincolnshire, and the large rivers and lakes of North America. In Holland, Denmark, and North America it is the medium tor carrying a large winter market traffic. It first became common in England in 1662 after the return of the Stuarts. The wooden part or stock of a running skate s from 8 to 12 inches long, according to the length of the foot The blade is made of the best steel, with an average width of y6T inch. The heel is at right angles ;o the surface of the ice. The prow begins to rise off the ice at the fore end of the stock, at a gradually increasing angle, and projects 4 inches. The entire skate s attached to the foot by an iron screw in the heel of -he stock which enters the skater's boot heel and two ong straps which pass through slots in the stock and asten round the ankle and toes of the skater. The length of the heel strap varies from 22 to 32 inches, and that of he toe strap from 15 to 23 inches. Formerly the bottoms of the blades were fluted. A concavity is now effected by grinding; and, when in motion, the blade is rarely flat on the ice. The curve should be slight, and the depth no greater than will ensure a curve being made without touching the ice. The feet are placed at right angles to each other with the toes turned out1 and the body bent slightly forward. Each foot is then raised alternately and set down slightly on the inside edge. It immediately acquires a forward motion, which is increased by pushing with the other foot, that being at right angles and having no sliding motion. The feet must be kept perfectly level when raised and set down, and the skate carried in the Bame manner an inch above the ice when going forward. The forward stroke is made on the outer edge, and the pressure applied to the inner edge of the other foot. The arms are swung across the chest from side to side, and opposite to the direction of the striking leg in order to balance the weight The quickest method of stopping is to place the feet parallel, dig the heels into the ice, and arch the back. A longer but more graceful method is to turn the toes inwards, thus spreading the outside edges athwart the line of going. The feet should never be looked at, as the balance of the body is thereby disturbed. The eye should always be on a line with the horizon.
The fastest skating times recorded, from a standing start, and with no rear wind, have all been made in the United States, at Sew York, as follows:—
(This section is too blurred to copy correctly so I omitted it.)
The second style, termed "figure skating," is quite modern and purely English in its origin. This may be practised on any small pond, provided the ice is clear of snow and perfectly smooth. The more numerous opportunities thus afforded make it the more popular style in Great Britain, where the large streams seldom freeze. Figure skating consists in cutting arcs, circles, figures, letters, serpentines, and spirals,—either forwards or backwards, slowly or rapidly, on one or both feet, singly or in combination. The style can ultimatoly be analysed into four kinds of strokes, all made on the edges of the blade— the inside forward, the outside forward, the inside backward, and the outside backward. The variety of evolutions which can be developed from these four movements ii endless. The figure skate is made entirely of metal, is
strapless and fixed to the boots by clamps or like devices. Unlike the running skate, it can be instantly put on or taken off. Many kinds have been invented, but the " Acme," firs* produced in Canada, is generally acknowledged the best. The blade projects the merest trifle beyond the length of the foot and is rounded off in-an upward direction from the ice at both toe and heel. The bottom i.s J inch wide, and the best curve for grinding it is to that of a sovcnfoot radius, equal throughout and not increased fit cither end. In stopping, the end of one skate is placed at right angles to the other.
Summer skating has been occasionally provided in " glaciariums " by means of artificially produced ice.
The London Skating Club, founded in 1830, ii tho lending skating society of Great Britain. Comprising bnt 170 members, including 20 ladies, and practising on exclusively private water in Hegeut's Park, it countenances figure akating only and gives no oncourngoment whatever to the spread or teaching of a national pastime. The National Skating Association was formed in the year 1879, and, on December 8, held tho first raco for the running championship at Thorney, Cambridgeshire. The objecta of the association are as follows:—
To promote, ascertain, and reward speed In skutlnj*,—by the establishment and management of amatear and open akating championships of England; by stimulating and aupplemenling local action In holding of skating matches; by establishing an order of merit for speed skatcn. and awarding badges for tho Bftme; by assisting In providing facilities for skating by the shallow flooding of land In each locality where local branches exist; and by collecting through corresponding members Information of tho existence of loo on which skating Is practicable, and tho supplying of such Information to Its members; and to promote anil encourage figure skating, by tho establishment of standards at which figure skitters may aim, by bestowing bndges of merit on those who attain tlieso standards, and by promoting and aatUtlng In the formation of skating clubs. To provide rules and regulations for tho gamo of hockey on tho Ico, Also to promote the establishment of International skating contests In various countries. under the direction of an International council.
In the United States and Canada large and shallow artificial ponds under cover, termed "rinks," are in winter frozen by filling them with water. Each uight the surface is covered with a layer of water, which gives a fresh sheet of ice by morning. The coven protect the rinks from snow, another great advantage.
As regards a substitute for ico and ice akating on wooden or asphalt floors, the only invention that has ever been found even partially successful is that of James !.. Plimpton of New York in 1869. The implements may bo described as skatea with two parallel wheels at tho toe and heel, so hung that tho whool axloa are moved out of parallel by the transverse rocking of tho skater's foot, the wheela setting squarely on tho surface whether the skater be upright or cantod. Tho fatigue caused by these "roller skates" is quadruple that of ordinary ice skating.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Archaeology Becomes a Science
One of the unique aspects of history in the 19th century was the development of the science of Archaeology. It was during this century that scientific method was applied to excavations. By 1860 the concept of laying out the grids or blocks for the excavation then tracking the stratigraphic layers and preserving many features in place began.
I stumbled across this information about archaeology while researching ice skates in the 19th century, (tomorrow's post.) It was also in 1860 that archaeologist discovered bones were used as blades for skating.
I stumbled across this information about archaeology while researching ice skates in the 19th century, (tomorrow's post.) It was also in 1860 that archaeologist discovered bones were used as blades for skating.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
St. Nicholas: a monthly magazine for boys and girls,
St. Nicholas: a monthly magazine for boys and girls, edited by Mary Mapes Dodge was a children's illustrated magazine from 1873 to 1924. The magazine was edited by Mary Mayes Dodge the author of Hans Brinker of The Silver Skates. Mary's editorial policy was:
To give clean, genuine fun to children of all ages.
To give them examples of the finest types of boyhood and girlhood.
To inspire them with an appreciation of fine pictorial art.
To cultivate the imagination in profitable directions.
To foster a love of country, home, nature, truth, beauty, and sincerity.
To prepare boys and girls for life as it is.
To stimulate their ambitions--but along normally progressive lines.
To keep pace with a fast-moving world in all its activities.
To give reading matter which every parent may pass to his children unhesitatingly
You can read more about this magazine at: Link
Some of the authors who contributed regularly to this magazine were:
Louise May Alcott
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Emily Dickinson
J. Frank Dobie
Rudyard Kipling
Sidney Lanier
Robert Louis Stevenson
Alfred Lord Tennyson
Mark Twain
Kate Douglas Wiggin
To give clean, genuine fun to children of all ages.
To give them examples of the finest types of boyhood and girlhood.
To inspire them with an appreciation of fine pictorial art.
To cultivate the imagination in profitable directions.
To foster a love of country, home, nature, truth, beauty, and sincerity.
To prepare boys and girls for life as it is.
To stimulate their ambitions--but along normally progressive lines.
To keep pace with a fast-moving world in all its activities.
To give reading matter which every parent may pass to his children unhesitatingly
You can read more about this magazine at: Link
Some of the authors who contributed regularly to this magazine were:
Louise May Alcott
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Emily Dickinson
J. Frank Dobie
Rudyard Kipling
Sidney Lanier
Robert Louis Stevenson
Alfred Lord Tennyson
Mark Twain
Kate Douglas Wiggin
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Currancy and Finance
Back in 1846 a law was formed regarding the treasury department. I thought with all the political discussions going on and with the current economy on the mind of most Americans, I thought this might spark a little interest. This information is taken from Extracts of the United States relating to currency and finance. ©1879
LEGISLATION
CURRENCY AND FINANCE.
I....August, 1846. — An Act to provide for the better Organization of the Treasury, and for the Collection, Safe-keeping, Transfer, and Disbursement of the public Revenue.
Whereas, by the fourth section of the act entitled " An Act to establish the Treasury Department," approved September two, seventeen hundred and eighty-nine, it was provided that it should be the duty of the Treasurer to receive and keep the moneys of the United States, and to disburse the same upon warrants drawn by the Secretary of the Treasury, countersigned by the Comptroller, and recorded by the Register, and not otherwise ; and whereas it is found necessary to make further provisions to enable the Treasurer the better to carry into effect the intent of the said section in relation to the receiving and disbursing the moneys of the United States : Therefore,
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the rooms prepared and provided in the new treasury building at the seat of government for the use of the Treasurer of the United States, his assistants and clerks, and occupied by them, and also the fire-proof vaults and safes erected in said rooms for the keeping of the public moneys in the possession and under the immediate control of said Treasurer, and such other apartments as are provided for in this act as places of deposit of the public money, are hereby constituted and declared to be the Treasury of the United States. And all moneys paid into the same shall be subject to the draft of the Treasurer, drawn agreeably to appropriations made by law.
[By sections 2, 3, and 4, and by subsequent acts, the Mint at Philadelphia, and the Branch Mints, the Assay Office at New York, the offices of the Assistant Treasurers at New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charleston, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Chicago, St. Louis, and San Francisco, and the Depositaries at Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Louisville, Galveston, Santa Fd, and Tucson, are made " places of deposit."]
Sec. 6. And be it further enacted, That the Treasurer of the United States, the Treasurer of the Mint of the United States, the treasurers, and those acting as such, of the various branch mints, all collectors of the customs, all surveyors of the customs acting also as collectors, all assistant treasurers, all receivers of public moneys at the several land offices, all postmasters, and all public officers of whatsoever character, be, and they are hereby, required to keep safely, without loaning, using, depositing in banks, or exchanging for other funds than as allowed by this act, all the public money collected by them, or otherwise at any time placed in their possession and custody, till the same is ordered, by the proper department or officer of the government, to be transferred or paid out; and when such orders for transfer or payment are received, faithfully and promptly to make the same as directed. . ..
[Section 9 requires that all collectors and receivers of public moneys shall pay over the same, as often as may be directed by the Secretary of the Treasury or the Postmaster-General, to the Treasurer, assistant treasurer or depositary in their respective cities; and it is made the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury and of the Postmaster-General to direct such payments to be made as often as once in every week.]
Sec. 18. And be it further enacted, That on the first day of January, in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven, and thereafter, all duties, taxes, sales of public lands, debts, and sums of money accruing or becoming due to the United States, and also all sums due, for postages or otherwise, to the general post-office department, shall be paid in gold and silver coin only, or in treasury notes issued under the authority of the United States: Provided, That the Secretary of the Treasury shall publish, monthly, in two newspapers at the city of Washington, the amount of specie at the several places of deposit, the amount of treasury notes or drafts issued, and the amount outstanding on the last day of each month.
Sec. 19. And be it further enacted, That on the first day of April, one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven, and thereafter, every officer or agent engaged in making disbursements on account of the United States, or of the general post-office, shall make all payments in gold and silver coin, or in treasury notes, if the creditor agree to receive said notes in payment. . . .
[By the Act of March 3, 1857, every officer or agent having money of the United States intrusted to him for disbursement, is required to deposit the same with the Treasurer, or with some Assistant Treasurer or depositary, and to draw for it only in favor of the persons to whom payment is to be made; but money required for payment in sums under twenty dollars can be drawn for by such officer or agent in his own name. 11 Statutes at Large, 249.]
[Approved, August 6, 1846. 9 Statutes at Large, 59.]
LEGISLATION
CURRENCY AND FINANCE.
I....August, 1846. — An Act to provide for the better Organization of the Treasury, and for the Collection, Safe-keeping, Transfer, and Disbursement of the public Revenue.
Whereas, by the fourth section of the act entitled " An Act to establish the Treasury Department," approved September two, seventeen hundred and eighty-nine, it was provided that it should be the duty of the Treasurer to receive and keep the moneys of the United States, and to disburse the same upon warrants drawn by the Secretary of the Treasury, countersigned by the Comptroller, and recorded by the Register, and not otherwise ; and whereas it is found necessary to make further provisions to enable the Treasurer the better to carry into effect the intent of the said section in relation to the receiving and disbursing the moneys of the United States : Therefore,
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the rooms prepared and provided in the new treasury building at the seat of government for the use of the Treasurer of the United States, his assistants and clerks, and occupied by them, and also the fire-proof vaults and safes erected in said rooms for the keeping of the public moneys in the possession and under the immediate control of said Treasurer, and such other apartments as are provided for in this act as places of deposit of the public money, are hereby constituted and declared to be the Treasury of the United States. And all moneys paid into the same shall be subject to the draft of the Treasurer, drawn agreeably to appropriations made by law.
[By sections 2, 3, and 4, and by subsequent acts, the Mint at Philadelphia, and the Branch Mints, the Assay Office at New York, the offices of the Assistant Treasurers at New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Charleston, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Chicago, St. Louis, and San Francisco, and the Depositaries at Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Louisville, Galveston, Santa Fd, and Tucson, are made " places of deposit."]
Sec. 6. And be it further enacted, That the Treasurer of the United States, the Treasurer of the Mint of the United States, the treasurers, and those acting as such, of the various branch mints, all collectors of the customs, all surveyors of the customs acting also as collectors, all assistant treasurers, all receivers of public moneys at the several land offices, all postmasters, and all public officers of whatsoever character, be, and they are hereby, required to keep safely, without loaning, using, depositing in banks, or exchanging for other funds than as allowed by this act, all the public money collected by them, or otherwise at any time placed in their possession and custody, till the same is ordered, by the proper department or officer of the government, to be transferred or paid out; and when such orders for transfer or payment are received, faithfully and promptly to make the same as directed. . ..
[Section 9 requires that all collectors and receivers of public moneys shall pay over the same, as often as may be directed by the Secretary of the Treasury or the Postmaster-General, to the Treasurer, assistant treasurer or depositary in their respective cities; and it is made the duty of the Secretary of the Treasury and of the Postmaster-General to direct such payments to be made as often as once in every week.]
Sec. 18. And be it further enacted, That on the first day of January, in the year one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven, and thereafter, all duties, taxes, sales of public lands, debts, and sums of money accruing or becoming due to the United States, and also all sums due, for postages or otherwise, to the general post-office department, shall be paid in gold and silver coin only, or in treasury notes issued under the authority of the United States: Provided, That the Secretary of the Treasury shall publish, monthly, in two newspapers at the city of Washington, the amount of specie at the several places of deposit, the amount of treasury notes or drafts issued, and the amount outstanding on the last day of each month.
Sec. 19. And be it further enacted, That on the first day of April, one thousand eight hundred and forty-seven, and thereafter, every officer or agent engaged in making disbursements on account of the United States, or of the general post-office, shall make all payments in gold and silver coin, or in treasury notes, if the creditor agree to receive said notes in payment. . . .
[By the Act of March 3, 1857, every officer or agent having money of the United States intrusted to him for disbursement, is required to deposit the same with the Treasurer, or with some Assistant Treasurer or depositary, and to draw for it only in favor of the persons to whom payment is to be made; but money required for payment in sums under twenty dollars can be drawn for by such officer or agent in his own name. 11 Statutes at Large, 249.]
[Approved, August 6, 1846. 9 Statutes at Large, 59.]
Monday, December 14, 2009
Roofing Materials
Roofing materials were somewhat based on where you lived. In the later part of the 19th century if you lived near a train depot you had more options. If however, you moved out to the west with limited supplies your roof would be something different.
Wooden shingles, Thatched and slate singles were available during the 19th century. However tin roofing also was available in the later part of the century.
According to Houghtalings Handbook of Useful Information ©1887 the cost of tin for Flat Seam Roofing (20x28 Tin) ranged from $8.00 a box to $23.00 per box. For Standing Seam Roofing you had the same range. Houghtalings then gives a charge to figure out the cost per square which amounts to four sheets in each box.
Wooden shingles, Thatched and slate singles were available during the 19th century. However tin roofing also was available in the later part of the century.
According to Houghtalings Handbook of Useful Information ©1887 the cost of tin for Flat Seam Roofing (20x28 Tin) ranged from $8.00 a box to $23.00 per box. For Standing Seam Roofing you had the same range. Houghtalings then gives a charge to figure out the cost per square which amounts to four sheets in each box.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Twas the Night Before Christmas
Clement Clarke Moore wrote the poem in 1822 and was first published 23rd of Dec 1823. And the reading of this poem on Christmas Eve has become of the most common traditions for Americans.
Below is a copy of the poem.
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nic.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a pedlar, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
This came from a ©1888 printing in Parodies of the works of English & American Authors.
Below is a copy of the poem.
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nic.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a pedlar, just opening his pack.
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"
This came from a ©1888 printing in Parodies of the works of English & American Authors.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Contact Lenses
Contact Lenses
As early as 1845 Sir John Herschel suggested the idea of contact lenses, though he evidently did nothing about it. The practical application of a lens to the eyeball did not occur until late in the century, when F. E. Muller, a German maker of glass eyes, blew a protective lens to place over the eyeball of a man whose lid had been destroyed by cancer. The patient wore the lens until his death, twenty years later, without losing his vision. The term contact lens originated with Dr. A. Eugen Fick, a Swiss physician, who in 1887 published the results of independent experiments with contact lenses. In 1889 August Muller, a German medical student, described his own experimentation with contact lenses. Although his attempts to use ground lenses were not successful, he did help lay the groundwork for further experimentation. In 1892 other doctors and optical firms in Europe cooperated in developing practical contact lenses; before long several firms began specializing in manufacturing them. By the early 40's a variety of contact lenses was available: blown glass, ground glass, molded glass, plastic and glass, and all plastic. All were still comparatively large and could not normally be tolerated for long periods of time. Improvements in manufacturing, material, and fitting of contact lenses lead to increased numbers of Americans wearing them. By 1964 over 6 million people in the United States were wearing contact lenses, 65% of them female.
As early as 1845 Sir John Herschel suggested the idea of contact lenses, though he evidently did nothing about it. The practical application of a lens to the eyeball did not occur until late in the century, when F. E. Muller, a German maker of glass eyes, blew a protective lens to place over the eyeball of a man whose lid had been destroyed by cancer. The patient wore the lens until his death, twenty years later, without losing his vision. The term contact lens originated with Dr. A. Eugen Fick, a Swiss physician, who in 1887 published the results of independent experiments with contact lenses. In 1889 August Muller, a German medical student, described his own experimentation with contact lenses. Although his attempts to use ground lenses were not successful, he did help lay the groundwork for further experimentation. In 1892 other doctors and optical firms in Europe cooperated in developing practical contact lenses; before long several firms began specializing in manufacturing them. By the early 40's a variety of contact lenses was available: blown glass, ground glass, molded glass, plastic and glass, and all plastic. All were still comparatively large and could not normally be tolerated for long periods of time. Improvements in manufacturing, material, and fitting of contact lenses lead to increased numbers of Americans wearing them. By 1964 over 6 million people in the United States were wearing contact lenses, 65% of them female.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
telescope
Telescopes have been around a lot longer than the 19th century. However there are a couple signifigant events that happened to help improve the quality of the telescope during the 19th century.
First, the art of glass making improved. The purity in optical glass was important for the quality of the lenses. This became an important factor with the development of refractor telescope. The blurirng of colors by lenses (chromatic aberration) was also a huge step forward in the improvement of the telescope.
Here is a link to a detailed overview of the history of the refractors if you wish to read further on it.
Below are two images 19th century telescopes.
This is a Morgan hand held telescope. What you might picture in your mind's eye of being used by sea captains on board ships.
This is brass refractor telescope that sets on a stand. Note the various lenses at the base of the stand allowing the viewer different magnifications.
First, the art of glass making improved. The purity in optical glass was important for the quality of the lenses. This became an important factor with the development of refractor telescope. The blurirng of colors by lenses (chromatic aberration) was also a huge step forward in the improvement of the telescope.
Here is a link to a detailed overview of the history of the refractors if you wish to read further on it.
Below are two images 19th century telescopes.
This is a Morgan hand held telescope. What you might picture in your mind's eye of being used by sea captains on board ships.
This is brass refractor telescope that sets on a stand. Note the various lenses at the base of the stand allowing the viewer different magnifications.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Something Old, Something New
In yesterday's post there was a gift item that really caught my attention. "hanging baskets of wire lined with moss, and filled -with growing vines," And we've had the impression in recent years that this was a new modern item, well, at least I have. As I research more and more historical tidbits of the 19th century I find items like the hanging baskets, in use today and yet giving the appearance of being something new., in our mind's eye.
The same is true when I was researching the ice box and refrigeration. Here is a link to an article written by Barbara Krasner-Khaiton refrigeration and the invention of the refrigerated railroad cars.
The same is true when I was researching the ice box and refrigeration. Here is a link to an article written by Barbara Krasner-Khaiton refrigeration and the invention of the refrigerated railroad cars.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Culture and Progress
I found this periodical while researching last Friday's post on Christmas cookies. I found it interesting and perhaps a bit humorous, especially the part about giving a check for $100,000.00. Now, that would be quite an anniversary present. With regard to how it relates to Christmas cookies, I was searching cookie cutters, mentioned in the last paragraph.
Below is an excerpt regarding Anniversaries and the gifts one would give for the wood and tin weddings. Scribners monthly, Volume 1 ©1874.
Hints for Anniversary Presents.
When those grateful anniversaries, popularly known as wooden and tin weddings, occur to our friends and acquaintances, there are many anxious debates over the selection of a suitable offering to mark the day. It is quite difficult enough to choose something for the original wedding, when everything under the stars, from a silver thimble to a check for a hundred thousand dollars is entirely appropriate ; but limit the propriety of the gift to a single substance, and mental distraction forthwith sets in. It is not so difficult as it used to be before the pretty Swiss can-ings came in vogue, for among these are found book-rests, card-receivers, cardboxes, handkerchief and glove-boxes, jewel-cases, letter-racks, napkin-rings, crumb-brushes and trays, bread-plates and knives, salad-bowls, knives and forks, fruit-dishes with carved stands, flower-dishes similarly made, screen-frames, picture and mirrorframes, easels, ink-stands, pen-racks, portfolios, brackets of all shapes, sizes, styles and prices, flower-vases, and dozens of other things so graceful and comparatively cheap, that there would seem to be no trouble in being suited. Then, for larger and more imposing presents, are the numberless pretty, odd chairs—for instance, the new old-fashioned, high-backed, wooden rocking-chairs, with slatsof willow for scat and back, and similar chairs that do not rock ; the folding chairs that belong to the steamer chair family, andare so comfortable for piazza lounging in summer ; the coquettish folding-chairs, painted the brightest of scarlet, and dubbed croquet chairs, though they are just as charming in-doors as out; and, to end the list, those graceful Vienna foldingchairs, made of rosewood and fine cane-work, which have four legs, but no front ones, and arc especially appropriate for parlor use. All these are rated at less than fifteen dollars, some as low as three or four; so that they are within reach of everybody. The penchant for having no full set of furniture, but many pieces of varied styles and kinds, is so great, that it is rare, except in old-fashioned houses, to find the former desideratum of a well arranged parlor—a sofa, four straight and two arm-chairs, all showing so close a relationship as to make it seem an inhumanity to separate them. Now-a-days, people furnish their houses by picking up here a table, there a chair, and somewhere else a lounge. A studied ease is the aim, and a pleasant chaos the result. Nests of tables are among the most acceptable of gifts to housekeepers. Whether of rosewood, or walnut, or Japanese lacquered work, there are always corners and odd spots into which they fit with charming facility.
It is not so easy to suggest presents for tin as for wooden weddings ; still, besides the practical pans, pails, cake-boxes, spice-boxes, kitchen-spoons, wirecovers, cookie-cutters and candlesticks, there are many things sufficiently allied to tin to render them legitimate for such occasions. Among these are wire flower-stands of many shapes and sizes, hanging baskets of wire lined with moss, and filled -with growing vines, crystal vases with twisted wire stands, fruit and rlower dishes similarly held, washstands, especially adapted to small country houses, drinking-cups, cutlery, piazza brackets of iron, and lawn and piazza seats, letter-scales, watch-stands, \Yardian cases with metal bases, table-trays, and many other things useful or ornamental, or combining both qualities.
Below is an excerpt regarding Anniversaries and the gifts one would give for the wood and tin weddings. Scribners monthly, Volume 1 ©1874.
Hints for Anniversary Presents.
When those grateful anniversaries, popularly known as wooden and tin weddings, occur to our friends and acquaintances, there are many anxious debates over the selection of a suitable offering to mark the day. It is quite difficult enough to choose something for the original wedding, when everything under the stars, from a silver thimble to a check for a hundred thousand dollars is entirely appropriate ; but limit the propriety of the gift to a single substance, and mental distraction forthwith sets in. It is not so difficult as it used to be before the pretty Swiss can-ings came in vogue, for among these are found book-rests, card-receivers, cardboxes, handkerchief and glove-boxes, jewel-cases, letter-racks, napkin-rings, crumb-brushes and trays, bread-plates and knives, salad-bowls, knives and forks, fruit-dishes with carved stands, flower-dishes similarly made, screen-frames, picture and mirrorframes, easels, ink-stands, pen-racks, portfolios, brackets of all shapes, sizes, styles and prices, flower-vases, and dozens of other things so graceful and comparatively cheap, that there would seem to be no trouble in being suited. Then, for larger and more imposing presents, are the numberless pretty, odd chairs—for instance, the new old-fashioned, high-backed, wooden rocking-chairs, with slatsof willow for scat and back, and similar chairs that do not rock ; the folding chairs that belong to the steamer chair family, andare so comfortable for piazza lounging in summer ; the coquettish folding-chairs, painted the brightest of scarlet, and dubbed croquet chairs, though they are just as charming in-doors as out; and, to end the list, those graceful Vienna foldingchairs, made of rosewood and fine cane-work, which have four legs, but no front ones, and arc especially appropriate for parlor use. All these are rated at less than fifteen dollars, some as low as three or four; so that they are within reach of everybody. The penchant for having no full set of furniture, but many pieces of varied styles and kinds, is so great, that it is rare, except in old-fashioned houses, to find the former desideratum of a well arranged parlor—a sofa, four straight and two arm-chairs, all showing so close a relationship as to make it seem an inhumanity to separate them. Now-a-days, people furnish their houses by picking up here a table, there a chair, and somewhere else a lounge. A studied ease is the aim, and a pleasant chaos the result. Nests of tables are among the most acceptable of gifts to housekeepers. Whether of rosewood, or walnut, or Japanese lacquered work, there are always corners and odd spots into which they fit with charming facility.
It is not so easy to suggest presents for tin as for wooden weddings ; still, besides the practical pans, pails, cake-boxes, spice-boxes, kitchen-spoons, wirecovers, cookie-cutters and candlesticks, there are many things sufficiently allied to tin to render them legitimate for such occasions. Among these are wire flower-stands of many shapes and sizes, hanging baskets of wire lined with moss, and filled -with growing vines, crystal vases with twisted wire stands, fruit and rlower dishes similarly held, washstands, especially adapted to small country houses, drinking-cups, cutlery, piazza brackets of iron, and lawn and piazza seats, letter-scales, watch-stands, \Yardian cases with metal bases, table-trays, and many other things useful or ornamental, or combining both qualities.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Christmas Cookies
It's that time of year again. And I've been trying to figure out what Christmas cookies I'm going to make this year. This made me wonder what kinds of cookie recipes were available in the 19th century. Note the oldest recipe I found of a "Christmas Cookie" was 1845. Another tidbit is that in a fictional story I found cookie spelled cookey. Another fictional story ©1866 mentioned the character looking up from her Christmas Cookies. I found a reference to an article written in 1994 saying that Christmas cookies made there way to America with the Dutch in the 1600's. This may be the case, I just haven't found any reference to that authentic that information.
Below you will find some recipes of various Christmas cookies.
Another source: The New England economical housekeeper, and family receipt book By Esther Allen Howland ©1845
Christmas Cookies, No. 3.
* Take one pound and a half of flour, three quarters of a pound of sugar, half a pound of butter, half a cup of milk, and two spoonfuls of caraway seeds; melt the butter before you put it in. It is rather difficult to knead, but it can be done. Roll it out and cut it in hearts and diamonds, and bake it on buttered tins.
Another source: Mrs. Owens' cook book and useful household hints: ©1884
CHRISTMAS COOKIES.
Mrs. W. F. Van Bergen, Oak Park, Illinois.
Four eggs and I pound sugar stirred together for one hour. Add \ teaspoon pulverized hartshorn; then enough flour to make a stiff dough. Roll out and cut. Keep in a warm room all night. Then bake in a slow oven. Sprinkle the pans with anise seed before putting cookies in. Make as stiff as you can roll out. There is no butter used in them.
Another set of recipes comes from: The new practical housekeeping: A compilation of new, choice and carefully tested recipes. ©1890
North German Christmas Cookies.—Six pounds flour, two each of'sugar, butter, and molasses, one teaspoon saleratus dissolved in rose water, arrack, or spirits, a few cloves and cinnamon pounded together, one pound raisins pounded in a mortar, half pound citron chopped fine. Warm molasses, sugar and butter slightly, and gradually stir in the flour; knead well and roll out, and cut in various ' c«,k shapes. One-half the dough may be flavored with anise or cardamon, omitting the raisins. This recipe will make a large quantity, and they are pretty to hang upon the tree during Christmas week, and to pass in baskets to holiday callers. This is the bona fide Christmas cookie.
Another Source: The Home-maker: an illustrated monthly magazine ..., Volume 3 ©1890
CHRISTMAS COOKIES.
These cookies should be mixed two or three weeks before Christmas.
Boil five pounds molasses, one pound butter, and one-half pound lard together (the molasses is weighed,instead of measured, because, in winter, a measure is not exact). Boil 10 minutes.
When cold, dissolve five cents' worth of cooking potash in a little warm water, and add to the syrup. Add flour to make a very stiff dough. Add
1 Ib. of citron, chopped fine.
1 Ib. blanched almonds, ditto.
1 Ib. sugared or dried lemon peel.
3 teaspoonfuls cinnamon.
3 teaspoonfuls cloves.
3 teaspoonfuls cardamun seed.
Another source: The Ann Arbor cookbook © 1899
CHRISTMAS COOKIES.
One gal. molasses, y2 pt. sour milk or cream, 2 cups lard, 2 lbs. brown sugar, 5 tablespoons Wyandotte soda, 3 tablespoons of cinnamon, 2 grated nutmegs; add citron, nuts, lemon and orange peel. Stir in flour until no more can be added, and let it stand over night. Mrs. Schlotterbeck.
CHRISTMAS FRUIT COOKIES.
(Lebkuchen)
One qt. sour cream, 1 qt. molasses, 2 lbs. brown sugar, 1 lb. each of orange, lemon and citron (sliced quite fine), cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg to suit taste, a handful of salt, 3 teaspoons of Wyandotte soda dissolved in cream, 1 pt. hickory nut meats and 2 lbs. seeded raisins. Mix thoroughly, add flour to make a stiff dough; let stand over night. Miss I. J. Braun.
Below you will find some recipes of various Christmas cookies.
Another source: The New England economical housekeeper, and family receipt book By Esther Allen Howland ©1845
Christmas Cookies, No. 3.
* Take one pound and a half of flour, three quarters of a pound of sugar, half a pound of butter, half a cup of milk, and two spoonfuls of caraway seeds; melt the butter before you put it in. It is rather difficult to knead, but it can be done. Roll it out and cut it in hearts and diamonds, and bake it on buttered tins.
Another source: Mrs. Owens' cook book and useful household hints: ©1884
CHRISTMAS COOKIES.
Mrs. W. F. Van Bergen, Oak Park, Illinois.
Four eggs and I pound sugar stirred together for one hour. Add \ teaspoon pulverized hartshorn; then enough flour to make a stiff dough. Roll out and cut. Keep in a warm room all night. Then bake in a slow oven. Sprinkle the pans with anise seed before putting cookies in. Make as stiff as you can roll out. There is no butter used in them.
Another set of recipes comes from: The new practical housekeeping: A compilation of new, choice and carefully tested recipes. ©1890
North German Christmas Cookies.—Six pounds flour, two each of'sugar, butter, and molasses, one teaspoon saleratus dissolved in rose water, arrack, or spirits, a few cloves and cinnamon pounded together, one pound raisins pounded in a mortar, half pound citron chopped fine. Warm molasses, sugar and butter slightly, and gradually stir in the flour; knead well and roll out, and cut in various ' c«,k shapes. One-half the dough may be flavored with anise or cardamon, omitting the raisins. This recipe will make a large quantity, and they are pretty to hang upon the tree during Christmas week, and to pass in baskets to holiday callers. This is the bona fide Christmas cookie.
Another Source: The Home-maker: an illustrated monthly magazine ..., Volume 3 ©1890
CHRISTMAS COOKIES.
These cookies should be mixed two or three weeks before Christmas.
Boil five pounds molasses, one pound butter, and one-half pound lard together (the molasses is weighed,instead of measured, because, in winter, a measure is not exact). Boil 10 minutes.
When cold, dissolve five cents' worth of cooking potash in a little warm water, and add to the syrup. Add flour to make a very stiff dough. Add
1 Ib. of citron, chopped fine.
1 Ib. blanched almonds, ditto.
1 Ib. sugared or dried lemon peel.
3 teaspoonfuls cinnamon.
3 teaspoonfuls cloves.
3 teaspoonfuls cardamun seed.
Another source: The Ann Arbor cookbook © 1899
CHRISTMAS COOKIES.
One gal. molasses, y2 pt. sour milk or cream, 2 cups lard, 2 lbs. brown sugar, 5 tablespoons Wyandotte soda, 3 tablespoons of cinnamon, 2 grated nutmegs; add citron, nuts, lemon and orange peel. Stir in flour until no more can be added, and let it stand over night. Mrs. Schlotterbeck.
CHRISTMAS FRUIT COOKIES.
(Lebkuchen)
One qt. sour cream, 1 qt. molasses, 2 lbs. brown sugar, 1 lb. each of orange, lemon and citron (sliced quite fine), cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg to suit taste, a handful of salt, 3 teaspoons of Wyandotte soda dissolved in cream, 1 pt. hickory nut meats and 2 lbs. seeded raisins. Mix thoroughly, add flour to make a stiff dough; let stand over night. Miss I. J. Braun.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Basketball
The game of basketball was invented in the 19th century. James Naismith a physical ed instructor developed the game in 1891 while at the Springfield, MA. YMCA.
Originally the game was played with a soccer ball and it was pitched into peach baskets. The bottoms of the baskets were still attached. The first game was held Mar. 11, 1892. Springfield, Mass. is the home for the basketball hall of fame.
Originally the game was played with a soccer ball and it was pitched into peach baskets. The bottoms of the baskets were still attached. The first game was held Mar. 11, 1892. Springfield, Mass. is the home for the basketball hall of fame.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Female Steamboat Captain Mary Greene
Below you will find an article that was written in 1896, primarily about Mary Greene earning her Master Pilot license. Many report that she was the only female Captain but in fact there were a few others, which is reported in the second to the last paragraph. This information come from the Ohio public library site http://wheeling.weirton.lib.wv.us/history/bus/river/m_greene.htm
I like what I've read about Mary, but more importantly, I like the actual interviews that have been reported and the account her granddaughter gave in a recent book, an excerpt is at Google books. Link
Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, Feb. 3, 1896; p. 2
A WOMAN PILOT
Mrs. Gordon Green Tells of Her Experience on the River.
Since Mrs. Gordon Green, wife of Captain Green, of the Wheeling-Pittsburgh packet, H. K. Bedford, took out papers making her a fully authorized pilot on the river between Pittsburgh and Marietta, there has been much interest in the incident. The Pittsburgh Post prints an interview with Mrs. Green, in the course of which she tells her story as follows:
"Well, it was very easy: you see, I spend a good bit of time in the pilot house with the captain -- my husband, you know -- and it is only natural that I should get to know the river. Of course, he took a great deal of pains to show me everything and often let me try my hand at managing the boat. In the course of the five years of our married life I have seen a great deal of the river, and it seems very natural that I should learn something of it. It requires only a good memory to know the channel, and, as for learning to ring the bells, and how to handle the boat, that is comparatively easy.
"You see, we have never gone to housekeeping yet. This boat has been my home ever since the captain and I were married, and I nearly always stand watch with him. Five years as a 'striker' ought to qualify almost anyone for a pilot, even if they had a less able and willing instructor than I had."
"But do you like the river? Is your floating home as pleasant as one on the bank would be?" asked the reporter.
"Oh, yes. I like the river ever so much. The captain has to be with his boat nearly all the time, and if we were keeping house we would be practically separated. Then I have very nice rooms here, and when I want to get away from the passengers I can retire to them. There is a constant change of scene, which is very agreeable, and then one is always meeting so many people that one knows. A great deal of my time is spent in the pilot house though, and altogether, I think it very nice to live on a boat."
"Do you intend to stand a regular watch on the boat?" queried the reporter.
"No, indeed; I didn't get my license for that. We have a pilot and Mr. Green stands one watch, so there is no necessity for my doing anything of the kind. I wanted my license because I felt that I was entitled to it. Then I can help the captain when he is on watch, or take the wheel for awhile for amusement if I like. If we should be left without a pilot for a time I could take a turn in the pilot house until we could get someone else. That is all the piloting I expect to do."
"But don't you find it hard work?"
"Oh, it is easy to handle the Bedford. It is a small boat, you know, and by being careful I have no trouble. Sometimes the wheel throws me around a little, but I always manage to keep it under control."
"Are we to infer from your entering the ranks of pilots that you look with favor on the new woman idea?"
"Several of my friends have asked me that since I got my license," she said, laughing. "I always tell them that I don't bother much about such stuff. I am contented to be just what I am, a woman, in the good old-fashioned way. I don't think there is anything unwomanly or advanced in my being able to steer a boat, and I am contented to let the captain do the voting for the family."
The captain has a far higher opinion of his wife's abilities than she has herself. In response to a query as to whether he was not a little proud of his new pilot, he straightened himself up, and said in a way that was eloquent of his earnest sincerity:
"You bet I am."
Mrs. Greene was Miss Mary Becker before her marriage, and her home is on Little Muskingum creek six miles from Marietta. Her father was the proprietor of a prosperous country store, and before Captain Greene won her, at the age of twenty-two, she had proved herself a shrewd business woman. One of her brothers is a prominent physician of Cincinnati, and the family are at least well-to-do.
Mrs. Greene is the only woman who ever took out her initial license at the Pittsburgh office. Mrs. Callie French, however, renewed her papers as pilot at this port last year. She is the wife of the proprietor of the French's show boat, and is said to be the best pilot that ever turned the wheel on the Ruth, the little craft that pushes the show up and down the rivers. Mrs. T. P. Leathers is licensed as a pilot at the New Orleans office, and stands a regular watch on her husband's boat, the T. P. Leathers, running out of New Orleans. A Mrs. Miller, formerly held a pilot's license at Cincinnati, but is not now on the river. Mrs. Ben Young, of Cincinnati, holds a master's license, and spends her time on her husband's boat, the Lee H. Brooks.
When the H. K. Bedford left the harbor Friday afternoon, Mrs. Greene was in the pilot house, and her husband stood on the roof watching her clever manipulation of the big pilot wheel. As it spun around and the Bedford rounded out into the stream, he looked as well satisfied as if he owned the whole river.
I like what I've read about Mary, but more importantly, I like the actual interviews that have been reported and the account her granddaughter gave in a recent book, an excerpt is at Google books. Link
Wheeling Daily Intelligencer, Feb. 3, 1896; p. 2
A WOMAN PILOT
Mrs. Gordon Green Tells of Her Experience on the River.
Since Mrs. Gordon Green, wife of Captain Green, of the Wheeling-Pittsburgh packet, H. K. Bedford, took out papers making her a fully authorized pilot on the river between Pittsburgh and Marietta, there has been much interest in the incident. The Pittsburgh Post prints an interview with Mrs. Green, in the course of which she tells her story as follows:
"Well, it was very easy: you see, I spend a good bit of time in the pilot house with the captain -- my husband, you know -- and it is only natural that I should get to know the river. Of course, he took a great deal of pains to show me everything and often let me try my hand at managing the boat. In the course of the five years of our married life I have seen a great deal of the river, and it seems very natural that I should learn something of it. It requires only a good memory to know the channel, and, as for learning to ring the bells, and how to handle the boat, that is comparatively easy.
"You see, we have never gone to housekeeping yet. This boat has been my home ever since the captain and I were married, and I nearly always stand watch with him. Five years as a 'striker' ought to qualify almost anyone for a pilot, even if they had a less able and willing instructor than I had."
"But do you like the river? Is your floating home as pleasant as one on the bank would be?" asked the reporter.
"Oh, yes. I like the river ever so much. The captain has to be with his boat nearly all the time, and if we were keeping house we would be practically separated. Then I have very nice rooms here, and when I want to get away from the passengers I can retire to them. There is a constant change of scene, which is very agreeable, and then one is always meeting so many people that one knows. A great deal of my time is spent in the pilot house though, and altogether, I think it very nice to live on a boat."
"Do you intend to stand a regular watch on the boat?" queried the reporter.
"No, indeed; I didn't get my license for that. We have a pilot and Mr. Green stands one watch, so there is no necessity for my doing anything of the kind. I wanted my license because I felt that I was entitled to it. Then I can help the captain when he is on watch, or take the wheel for awhile for amusement if I like. If we should be left without a pilot for a time I could take a turn in the pilot house until we could get someone else. That is all the piloting I expect to do."
"But don't you find it hard work?"
"Oh, it is easy to handle the Bedford. It is a small boat, you know, and by being careful I have no trouble. Sometimes the wheel throws me around a little, but I always manage to keep it under control."
"Are we to infer from your entering the ranks of pilots that you look with favor on the new woman idea?"
"Several of my friends have asked me that since I got my license," she said, laughing. "I always tell them that I don't bother much about such stuff. I am contented to be just what I am, a woman, in the good old-fashioned way. I don't think there is anything unwomanly or advanced in my being able to steer a boat, and I am contented to let the captain do the voting for the family."
The captain has a far higher opinion of his wife's abilities than she has herself. In response to a query as to whether he was not a little proud of his new pilot, he straightened himself up, and said in a way that was eloquent of his earnest sincerity:
"You bet I am."
Mrs. Greene was Miss Mary Becker before her marriage, and her home is on Little Muskingum creek six miles from Marietta. Her father was the proprietor of a prosperous country store, and before Captain Greene won her, at the age of twenty-two, she had proved herself a shrewd business woman. One of her brothers is a prominent physician of Cincinnati, and the family are at least well-to-do.
Mrs. Greene is the only woman who ever took out her initial license at the Pittsburgh office. Mrs. Callie French, however, renewed her papers as pilot at this port last year. She is the wife of the proprietor of the French's show boat, and is said to be the best pilot that ever turned the wheel on the Ruth, the little craft that pushes the show up and down the rivers. Mrs. T. P. Leathers is licensed as a pilot at the New Orleans office, and stands a regular watch on her husband's boat, the T. P. Leathers, running out of New Orleans. A Mrs. Miller, formerly held a pilot's license at Cincinnati, but is not now on the river. Mrs. Ben Young, of Cincinnati, holds a master's license, and spends her time on her husband's boat, the Lee H. Brooks.
When the H. K. Bedford left the harbor Friday afternoon, Mrs. Greene was in the pilot house, and her husband stood on the roof watching her clever manipulation of the big pilot wheel. As it spun around and the Bedford rounded out into the stream, he looked as well satisfied as if he owned the whole river.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Steamboat-Inspection Service
Below is an excerpt from Houghtalings Handbook of Useful ©1887
Salaries of United States Officials
(salaries per Year, unless otherwise noted)
Steamboat-Inspection Service
Washington DC
Supervising Ins. Gen'l $3,500
San Francisco, Cal
Supervising Inspector $3,000
Inspector of Hulls $2,000
Inspector of Boilers $2,000
Clerk $1,200
Portland, Oreg.
Inspector of Hulls $1,200
Inspector of Boilers $1,200
Clerk $1,000
Inspector of Hulls $800
Inspector of Boilers $800
New York, N.Y.
Supervising Inspector $3,000
Inspector of Hulls 2,200
Inspector of Boilers 2,200
5 Assist. Inspec. of Hulls 2,000
5 Asst. Inspec. of Boilers 2,000
Clerk 1,200
Assistant Clerk 1,000
1 Assistant Clerk 75 a month
Clerk of Sup. Insp. 75 a month
Other towns with Inspection Services were: I listed the information below because in a paragraph the cities seemed to blur.
Albany, NY,
Philadelphia, PA.,
Boston, MA,
Portland, ME,
New London, CT.,
Baltimore, MD.,
Norfolk, VA,
Charleston, SC,
Savannah, GA.,
St Louis, MO.,
Saint Paul, Minn.,
Galena, Ill.,
Memphis Tenn.,
Louisville, Ky.,
Nashville, Tenn.,
Memphis Tenn.,
Evansville, Ind.,
Cincinnati, OH.,
Pittsburgh, PA.,
Wheeling, W. VA.,
Gallipolis, OH.,
Detroit, Mich.,
Chicago, Ill.,
Grand Haven, Mich.,
Marquette, Mich.,
Milwaukee, Wis.,
Port Huron, Mich.,
Buffallo, NY,
Cleveland, OH.,
Oswego, NY,
Burlington, VT,
New Orleans, LA.
Mobile, AL.,
Galveston, TX.,
Apalachicola, FL.,
Salaries of United States Officials
(salaries per Year, unless otherwise noted)
Steamboat-Inspection Service
Washington DC
Supervising Ins. Gen'l $3,500
San Francisco, Cal
Supervising Inspector $3,000
Inspector of Hulls $2,000
Inspector of Boilers $2,000
Clerk $1,200
Portland, Oreg.
Inspector of Hulls $1,200
Inspector of Boilers $1,200
Clerk $1,000
Inspector of Hulls $800
Inspector of Boilers $800
New York, N.Y.
Supervising Inspector $3,000
Inspector of Hulls 2,200
Inspector of Boilers 2,200
5 Assist. Inspec. of Hulls 2,000
5 Asst. Inspec. of Boilers 2,000
Clerk 1,200
Assistant Clerk 1,000
1 Assistant Clerk 75 a month
Clerk of Sup. Insp. 75 a month
Other towns with Inspection Services were: I listed the information below because in a paragraph the cities seemed to blur.
Albany, NY,
Philadelphia, PA.,
Boston, MA,
Portland, ME,
New London, CT.,
Baltimore, MD.,
Norfolk, VA,
Charleston, SC,
Savannah, GA.,
St Louis, MO.,
Saint Paul, Minn.,
Galena, Ill.,
Memphis Tenn.,
Louisville, Ky.,
Nashville, Tenn.,
Memphis Tenn.,
Evansville, Ind.,
Cincinnati, OH.,
Pittsburgh, PA.,
Wheeling, W. VA.,
Gallipolis, OH.,
Detroit, Mich.,
Chicago, Ill.,
Grand Haven, Mich.,
Marquette, Mich.,
Milwaukee, Wis.,
Port Huron, Mich.,
Buffallo, NY,
Cleveland, OH.,
Oswego, NY,
Burlington, VT,
New Orleans, LA.
Mobile, AL.,
Galveston, TX.,
Apalachicola, FL.,
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)