tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53591641176992654532024-03-14T03:26:53.967-04:0019th Century Historical TidbitsThe 19th century was full of innovation, exploration and is one of the most popular eras for writing historical fiction. This blog is dedicated to tiny tidbits of information that will help make your novel seem more real to the time period.Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.comBlogger1245125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-31853646132001800812021-01-18T11:11:00.002-05:002021-01-18T11:11:10.317-05:00Canning JarsHi all,
I thought I'd share this image of an 1858 canning jar made by John Mason. His jar was the first to have the twist on lid with a metal lid. A gasket was placed on the top of the canning jar before the lid was screwed on. I found this image of this 1858 Mason jar on sale online in wonderful condition. It's an interesting insight to how soon these kinds of jars were available for canning food for the home-maker.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13GGGrc60VM/YAWy4jNq9wI/AAAAAAAAHc4/eNflVQnrMTMGvOhLqylrfzQIMCbF3DFMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/1858%2BMason%2Bjar.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="320" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13GGGrc60VM/YAWy4jNq9wI/AAAAAAAAHc4/eNflVQnrMTMGvOhLqylrfzQIMCbF3DFMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/1858%2BMason%2Bjar.jpg"/></a></div>Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-60880070107155203102020-10-13T09:39:00.000-04:002020-10-13T09:39:06.624-04:00The Glove Men's AttireTHE GLOVE. It is not a universal custom in the United States to wear gloves as part of the ordinary dress of a gentleman, but it is in good taste. The use of the glove when worn should be subject to the following rules:
In walking or afternoon dress, in church, or at places of public amusement, a gentleman should wear gloves of subdued shades. At a full dress social entertainment, where there is dancing or at a wedding, reception or dinner party, he should wear white gloves. At funerals he should wear black gloves. {See Salutations—The Glove.)
SEATED AT THE TABLE Remove your gloves, open your napkin and spread it across your lap. With some it is customary to fasten the napkin across the chest. This practice is not in best style. (See Table Manners.)
Ladies should not eat with their gloves on unless their hands are not fit to be seen.
At all evening receptions and dinner parties, full evening dress for ladies should be rigidly observed. Gentlemen should appear in black, full dress coat and pantaloons, white or black vest, and white necktie and gloves. (Far Dress and Toilettes see General Etiquette.)
In morning calls a gentleman should leave his cane or umbrella in the hall, but carry his hat and gloves in his hand and overcoat over his arm. If necessary he can place his hat on the floor by his side, and not on the mantel-piece or table. In evening calls these articles should be left in the hall or where the servant indicates.
Hand-book of official and social etiquette and public ceremonials at Washington ©1886
Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-81556600709326885262019-09-20T13:13:00.002-04:002019-09-20T13:13:36.599-04:00GlovesHi all,<br />
<br />
I don't post much these days but I keep the blog up for reference work. However, I came across this interesting tidbit from the 1891 Britannica. <br />
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"Paris is, beyond question, the most important centre of glove-making, and for delicacy of material and beauty of workmanship the productions of some Parisian manufacturers are without any rivals; but it is at Grenoble that French gloves are most extensively manufactured. English gloves, of unfailing excellence of material and workmanship, are principally made at Worcester; and in one specialty— "dogskin gloves made from Cape sheep-skin, having a warm tan color—English makers have no competitors. A very large quantity of cheap but useful gloves are made at Brussels and Copenhagen. During the year 1876,1,084,400 dozen pairs, of a value of £1,380,884, were imported into the United Kingdom from France; from Belgium there were 301,305 dozen pairs, valued at £345,174; and the total imports from all quarters amounted to 1,497,437 dozen pairs, of a value of £1,840,956. In 1878 the total imports were 1,000,040 dozen pairs, valued at £1,302,060.<br />
Buckskin gloves are largely made in the United States, and that branch, together with a limited production of kid and other gloves, is chiefly centred in the village of Gloversville, Fulton co., N. Y. It is estimated that from about 140 separate glove factories in that village not less than two-thirds of the gloves made in the United States are sent out. Kid gloves are made to some extent in New York city."<br />
Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-59500125838983868802018-03-31T14:47:00.000-04:002018-03-31T14:47:00.507-04:00April Fool's DayYes, it was practiced during the 19th century. Below you will find an excerpt from American Magazine of Useful and Entertaining Knowledge, Vol. 2 ©1836 from Google Books. There are other sources but in this one you get a feel for how it was looked upon by the author.<br />
<br />
APRIL FOOLS.<br />
It is a curious fact, that the custom of making April Fools prevails in the most widely separated regions of the globe, and that, everywhere, its origin is hidden in remote antiquity. The Hindoos on the Ganges practise it; in all the European countries it exists, in one shape or another ; the French make what they call April Fish; and, in America, it is one of the few mirthful customs which our fathers brought from merry Old England. When once such a fashion was established, we should suppose that human nature might be pretty safely trusted to keep it up. It is desirable to have the privilege of saying, on one day in the year— what we perhaps think, every day—that our acquaintances are fools. But the false refinement of the present age has occasioned the rites of the holyday to fall somewhat into desuetude. It is not unreasonable to conjecture, that this child's play, as it has now become, was, when originally instituted, a vehicle of the strongest satire which mankind could wreak upon itself. The people of antiquity, we may imagine, used to watch each other's conduct throughout the year, and assemble on All Fools' Day, to pass judgment on what they had observed. Whoever, in any respect, had gone astray from reason and common sense, the community were licensed to point the finger, and laugh at him for an April Fool. How many, we wonder, whether smooth-chinned or gray-bearded, would be found so wise in great and little matters, as to escape the pointed finger and the laugh.Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-87467386269850252612018-03-30T07:00:00.000-04:002018-03-30T07:00:00.219-04:00Easter & Easter EggsFinding accounts of Easter activities for this blog has taken a bit of time. However, I found a few excerpts from different sources about different aspects of Easter Celebrations. I hope you enjoy and that you and your family enjoy this year's Easter celebrations and the reason for the season.<br />
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We have an interesting account of the Easter celebration at the Old Ladies' Home in Roxbury, Mass. We cannot print it at length, but it gives so pleasant an expression of the good cheer in a home where the heart helps the hand that we should be sorry not to copy a few words from it.—" The household is up with the robins, who sing their carols around, and the old ladies appear at the breakfast table in best 'bib and tucker." Just as the morning exercises are concluded and the Easter eggs distributed, the city missionary and party arrived and met with a hearty welcome from the family gathered in the parlors. Quavering voices, supported by the full tones of cheery friends, joined heartily in 'Praising God from whom all blessings flow ;' then followed a short Easter service. Easter cards and hymns were distributed, and then goodbyes were said with the hearty response, 'God bless you in your good works and labor of love to-day.'" Source: Lend a Hand Vol. I June 1886<br />
<br />
HUNTING FOR EASTER-EGGS.<br />
The Easter-egg is a painted or colored egg used for a present at Easter, a day which occurs on Sunday, the second day after Good-Friday.<br />
The term "Easter" is said to be derived from a Saxon word meaning rising; and Easter is a festival of the Christian Church to commemorate the resurrection.<br />
In the picture, the children are hunting for Easter-eggs, which the good mother has hidden in different parts of the room. The child who finds the most eggs will have the pleasure of making presents of them to whom he or she may choose.<br />
Baby has set his eyes on the egg that lies on the floor. If he takes it up, I hope he will not let it fall, and break it. The other children will not be slow to find the painted eggs. There must be a dozen, or more, of them hidden away. Source: The Nursery Vol. 17-18 pg100 ©1875<br />
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And the Easter Parade down 5th Ave. New York City was not really a parade as such but it soon became a tradition. The earliest record I found was in 1865. If you have an additional source, please let us know.Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-72451702605616814992017-09-22T07:00:00.000-04:002017-09-22T07:00:20.847-04:00Arctic Expeditions<br />
While searching a bit further on the 1852 Winter I came across this list of expeditions to the Artic. I was personally surprised to find the list dated back to 1848. It lists Ships, Captains, and deaths as well as how many days in Melville Bay.<br />
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Arctic Expeditions (from the Times, December 29, 1874).—"The following is a list of ships, comprising Government and Private Expeditions, British and Foreign, which have been on exploring service within the Arctic Circle since the Franklin Expedition sailed. It will be seen that the crews of all these vessels have returned in safety to their respective countries, with only such loss of life as might well have occurred had the men stayed at home :—<br />
1. 1848 to 1849—H.m.'b ship Enterprise, Sir J. C. Ross. One winter, 26 days in Melville Bay.<br />
2. 1848 to 1849.—H.M.'s ship Investigator, Captain Bird. One winter, 25 days in Melville Bay. Seven deaths (one officer) on board the Enterprise and Investigator.<br />
3. 1849 to 1850.—H.M.'s ship North Star, Mr. Saunders. One winter, 57 days in Melville Bay. Four deaths.<br />
4. 1849.—H.M.'s ship Plover, Captains Moore and Maguirc. Three winters. Three deaths.<br />
6. 1850.—H.M's ship Enterprise, Captain Collinson. Three winters. Three deaths.<br />
6. 1850.—H.M.'s ship Investigator, Captain M'Clure. Four winters. Six deaths (one officer).<br />
7. 1850.—H.M.'s ship Resolute, Captain Austin. One winter, 45 days in Melville Bay. One death (accident).<br />
8. 1850.—H.M.'s ship Assistance, Captain Ommanney. One winter, 45 days in Melville Bay. No death.<br />
9. 1850.—H.M.'s ship Pioneer, Lieutenant Osborn. One winter. No death.<br />
10. 1850.—H.M.'s «hip Intrepid, Lieutenant Cator. One winter. No death.<br />
11. 1850.—Brig Lady Franklin, Captain Penny. One winter. No death.<br />
12. 1850.—Brig Sophia, Captain Stewart. One winter. No death.<br />
13. 1850.—Schooner Prince Albert, Captain Forsyth. Summer Cruise.<br />
14. I860.—Schooner Felix, Sir John Ross and Captain Phillips. One winter. No death.<br />
15. 1850.—Advance (American), Lieutenant Griffith. One winter drifting.<br />
16. 1850.—Rescue (American), Lieutenant Dehaven. One winter drifting.<br />
17. 1851.—Schooner Prince Albert, Mr. Kennedy. One winter. No death.<br />
18. 1852.—H.M.'s ship Assistance, Sir E. Belcher. Two winters, 38 days in Melville Bay. No death.<br />
19. 1852.—H.M.'s ship Resolute, Captain Kellett. Two winters, 38 days in Melville Bay. Six deaths.<br />
20. 1852.—H.M.'s ship Pioneer, Commander OBborn. Two winters. No deaths.<br />
21. 1852.—H.M.'s ship Intrepid, Lieutenant M'Clintock. Two winters. No death.<br />
22. 1852.—H.M.'s ship North Star, Mr. Pullen. Two winters. 38 days in Melville Bay. Three deaths.<br />
23. 1852.—Steamer Isabel, Captain Inglefield. No detention in Melville Bay; summer cruise.<br />
24. 1853.—H.M's ship Phoenix, Captain Inglefield. Nine days in Melville Bay; summer cruise.<br />
25. 1854.—H.M.'s ship Phojnix, Captain Inglefield. Took the pack—30 days; summer cruise.<br />
26. 1854.—H.M.'s ship Talbot, Captain Jenkins. Summer cruise.<br />
27. 1853.—Advance (American brig). Dr. Kane. Two winters. Took the pack—10 days.<br />
28. 1857.—Steamer Fox, Captain M'Clintock. Two winters; first winter in pack, second season through in nine days. Three died.<br />
29. 1850.—Schooner United States, Dr. Hayes. One winter, two days in Melville Bay. One death (accident).<br />
30. 1871.—Steamer Poluris, Captain Hall. Twowinters; no detention in Melville Bay. One death.<br />
31. 1873.—Steamer Juniata, Lieutenant Merriman. No detention in Melville Bay ; summer cruise.<br />
32. 1873.—Steamer Tigress, Captain Green. Summer cruise.<br />
Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-21142566208671186772017-09-21T07:00:00.000-04:002017-09-21T07:00:18.846-04:001851-1852 WeatherIn a Report of the New Jersey Geological survey I stumbled upon this tidbit. It is amazing where you will find tiny tidbits that can help your story.<br />
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1852.—Winter of 1851-2, cold; mean temperatures of the months, 3° to 8° below the average; East river crossed on the ice January 30th, and for three days following; Susquehanna at Havre de Grace frozen over for seven weeks; cold and snows as far south as New Orleans and Jacksonville, Fla.Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-48412703162927945432017-09-20T07:00:00.000-04:002017-09-20T07:00:10.551-04:00Sea Voyage GingerbreadThis recipe comes from Miss Leslie's Lady's New Receipt book ©1850. It could be used by your characters when sending off their spouse, father, brother or sequestered away in the folds of her shirt to prevent sea-sickness, or better yet to hide the morning sickness your character might be expecting. Or what about some busybody seeing your character eating such treats and gossiping that she is pregnant. The list can go on and on. Enjoy playing with the idea of this kind of a recipe for your characters.<br />
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SEA-VOYAGE GINGERBREAD.—Sift two pounds of flour into a pan, and cut up in it a pound and a quarter of fresh butter; rub the butter well into the flour, and then mix in a pint of West India molasses and a pound of the best brown sugar. Beat eight eggs till very light. Stir into the beaten egg two glasses or a jill of brandy. Add also to the egg a teacup-full of ground ginger, and a table-spoonful of powdered cinnamon, with a tea-spoonful of soda melted in a little warm water. Wet the flour, &c., with this mixture till it becomes a soft dough. Sprinkle a little flour on your paste-board, and with a broad knife spread portions of the mixture thickly and smoothly upon it. The thickness must be equal all through; therefore spread it carefully and evenly, as the dough will be too soft to roll out. Then with the edge of a tumbler dipped in flour, cut it out into round cakes. Have ready square pans, slightly buttered ; lay the cakes in them sufficiently far apart to prevent their running into each other when baked. Set the pans into a brisk oven, and bake the cakes well, seeing that they do not burn.<br />
You may cut them out small with the lid of a cannister (or something similar) the usual size of gingerbread nuts.<br />
These cakes will keep during a long voyage, and are frequently carried to sea. Many persons find highly spiced gingerbread a preventive to sea-sickness.Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-64997673257976004392017-09-19T07:00:00.000-04:002017-09-19T07:00:12.105-04:00Almond Cream PuddingOkay this was a new recipe for me. Perhaps, some of you have heard of it and possibly have eaten it before and if that is so, let us know. On the other hand, this recipe is a lot of work and has items I've never heard about before (definitions of those are below the recipe) so many it isn't made any longer.<br />
<br />
Below is a recipe from the Miss Ledlie's Lady's New Receipt Book ©1850<br />
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ALMOND CREAM.—Take a pound of shelled sweet almonds, and two ounces or more of shelled bitter almonds, or peach-kernels. Blanch them in scalding water, throwing them as you proceed into a bowl of cold water. Then pound them (one at a time) in a mortar, till each becomes a smooth paste; pouring in, as you proceed, a little rosewater to make the almonds white and light, and transferring the paste to a plate as you go on. Then when they are all done, mix the almonds with a quart of rich cream, and a quarter of a pound of powdered loaf-sugar. Add half a dozen blades of mace; put the mixture into a porcelain kettle, and boil it, slowly, stirring it frequently down to the bottom. Having given it one boil up, remove it from the fire, take out the mace, and when it has cooled a little, put the cream into glass cups, grating nutmeg over each. Serve it up quite cold. You may ornament each cup of this cream with white of egg, beaten to a stiff froth, and heaped on the top.<br />
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Definitions: <br />
Loaf-Sugar it is sold in a solid block and is granulated. A tool such as a sugar nip was used to break off chunks of this sugar.<br />
<br />
Blades of Mace: is the outer lacy looking shell of nutmeg. Ground mace which we all tend to be accustomed to today is made from this lacy scarlet-colored shell. Once the shell is dried fades to light brown.Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-42331379419234249752017-09-18T22:24:00.000-04:002017-09-18T22:24:15.251-04:00Linen WeddingsThis comes from the Ladies' Home Journal ©1893<br />
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THE LINEN WEDDING<br />
MAY be celebrated twenty years from the "day of days " in a woman's life. It must be confessed that, although it furnishes an excellent opportunity for pretty presents in embroidered doilies and all manner of other napery, it is less suggestive to a hostess as a "theme" for an entertainment. A dinner, to which only intimate friends and the families of bride and groom are invited, seems more appropriate than any more ambitious observance of the day.<br />
The invitations may be written on squares of linen in indelible ink and inclosed in envelopes of the same material. The elaborate folding of napkins is no longer in vogue, but the fashion might be revived on such an occasion when linen is to be made the prominent feature. Any pretty drawnwork or embroidered linen may be appropriately introduced. Napkins folded to represent a succession of scallop-shells or fans may surround and conceal the dish holding the flowers in the centre of the table. No flowers are so suitable for the occasion as the pretty blue blossoms of the flax plant, but they are hardly vivid enough by themselves to be effective, as the table is so severely white. Bright poppies and yellow-hearted daisies mingled among the blue flax make a charming centrepiece. Small squares of fine linen with fringed edges may be embroidered with the guests' names in blue or red (Kensington stitch) in bold English writing, and will answer very well for name-cards when made to adhere to squares of Bristol-board bymeans of a little flour paste.<br />
Nothing makes a better surface for watercolor painting than linen, and imagination may run riot if the hostess be an artist. Upon every dish a round, fringed doily should be placed.<br />
A really dainty flower-holder may be made by placing a slender thin glass tumbler in the centre of a round piece of fine linen, edged with lace an inch or two wide. This should be drawn up and plaited around the edge of the tumbler and tied with narrow ribbon in many loops. The lace stands out like a ruffle, making a border around the flowers.Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-65801050634807368432017-09-13T01:25:00.001-04:002017-09-13T01:25:58.931-04:00Hurricane IrmaHi all,<br />
Sorry for no new posts due to Hurricane Irma. We faired well with loss of power for less than 24 hours and no damage to our home. We are grateful to the Lord for our protection during this storm.<br />
I hope to get some posts done tomorrow.<br />
In His grip,<br />
LynnLynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-20278738235720658162017-09-12T07:00:00.000-04:002017-09-12T07:00:04.862-04:001895 Hair DyeHere is an advertisement from an 1895 newspaper offering to wash that gray away. Okay, so it isn't actually that but I remember those old commercials. Hair Dye has been around for centuries.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NCZEQxpyvto/WZOsiOl4OUI/AAAAAAAAHTg/w3gGOTIaGcYYkucVr8XIBe3ooeNmclXjACLcBGAs/s1600/1895%2Bhair%2Bdye.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NCZEQxpyvto/WZOsiOl4OUI/AAAAAAAAHTg/w3gGOTIaGcYYkucVr8XIBe3ooeNmclXjACLcBGAs/s400/1895%2Bhair%2Bdye.png" width="369" height="400" data-original-width="252" data-original-height="273" /></a></div>Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-72747157444620754012017-09-11T07:00:00.000-04:002017-09-11T07:00:01.755-04:00Gig, A Flirting GirlBelow is an article I found in an 1899 Newspaper that I thought was interesting in terms of word use. We've discussed often on various writer loops the way certain words were in vogue at certain times and how they can have totally different meanings in other times. For example the gig. A gig concerning my research into 19th century Carriages & Wagons is a light, two wheeled carriage. Obviously it has another meaning as you can read from this article. Enjoy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WPqXHiUcKNI/WZOrqJPO70I/AAAAAAAAHTY/2BiqV7nuHe8Ceng-RQZxTODU6-uUN-hIQCLcBGAs/s1600/gig%2Ba%2Bflirting%2Bgirl.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WPqXHiUcKNI/WZOrqJPO70I/AAAAAAAAHTY/2BiqV7nuHe8Ceng-RQZxTODU6-uUN-hIQCLcBGAs/s400/gig%2Ba%2Bflirting%2Bgirl.png" width="169" height="400" data-original-width="169" data-original-height="400" /></a></div>Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-22502199951910881482017-09-08T07:00:00.000-04:002017-09-08T07:00:25.898-04:00Crystal Wedding (Anniversary today)This comes from the Ladies' Home Journal ©1893<br />
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THE CRYSTAL WEDDING<br />
THE fifteenth anniversary may be effectively celebrated by an '' afternoon tea" out-of-doors, if the "happy pair" be the fortunate possessors of a lawn and shade trees. A few little tables in sheltered nooks—and a larger one for the more important dishes—are suggestive of pleasure at first sight. In the centre of the large table I would place a cut-glass dish, holding a mass of red roses.<br />
As one is confined to glass dishes for everything at a crystal wedding its lack of color is better supplemented by red flowers than those of other shades.<br />
A glass dish or vase filled with roses, geraniums or carnations might ornament each of the little tables, for the lavish month of June is so prodigal of blossoms.<br />
It is the custom in Russia to serve tea in very thin glasses, in preference to cups, and as it is taken with lemon, instead of cream, it is much more dainty in appearance. The Austrians also prefer glasses to cups for their coffee, and the habit once formed 110 cup seems thin enough. Any excuse to use glass is admissible. The lemonade and ices are, of-course, served in tumblers and glass saucers. Instead of sugar for the tea and coffee the crystals of white rock candy may be used, and are no mean substitute. A profusion of cut glass on the large table makes, of course, an attractive decoration in itself, but the pressed glass now imitates it very nearly and is wonderfully cheap.<br />
Should a dinner be preferred every possible device for using glass should be taken advantage of.<br />
A large piece of looking-glass bordered with red roses, or other flowers if desired, may be placed on the table, a glass bowl of flowers in the centre. If one be not fortunate enough to have inherited old fashioned glass candlesticks with long pendent prisms, ordinary glass ones are cheap and easily procured. The shades may have a fringe of cut-glass beads around them, that, catching the light, has a pretty, prismatic effect.<br />
For name-cards small, round, beveled mirrors, three inches in diameter, may be easily inscribed with the names of the guests in any colored ink preferred. Wreaths of tiny blossoms painted along the edges would, of course, greatly enhance their beauty. Should these prove too expensive a simple white card, around the edges of which crystal beads are thickly sewed, forming a sort of a frame, may not be an unacceptable substitute.<br />
Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-61313196074139926322017-09-07T07:00:00.000-04:002017-09-07T07:00:52.451-04:00Farm Land for sale 1874Here's an ad from American Agriculturalist ©1874 encouraging farmers to go out and settle the west. The price was $10 per acre. You didn't have to pay for the first four years. You can pay the note off early. All enticing the farmer to come and settle Nebraska. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMQ1h0F80F4/WZNdC5yqKjI/AAAAAAAAHTI/7P1u6sFOnVE3rSKaeef7SVV_4nNURdq_gCLcBGAs/s1600/1874%2Bfarm%2Bland%2Bfor%2Bsale.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMQ1h0F80F4/WZNdC5yqKjI/AAAAAAAAHTI/7P1u6sFOnVE3rSKaeef7SVV_4nNURdq_gCLcBGAs/s320/1874%2Bfarm%2Bland%2Bfor%2Bsale.png" width="320" height="253" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="316" /></a></div>Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-52974170054070001292017-09-06T07:00:00.000-04:002017-09-06T07:00:12.427-04:00Crescent BicyclesLast week I posted 5 ads for different types of bicycles. Below is a copy of an advertisement for Crescent Bicycles the prices reflect the costs of 1895. Note that I also saw a Monarch Bicycle ad reflecting higher costs of $85 to $100.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pw_XDY8Xy_c/WZNccJt_2PI/AAAAAAAAHTA/_FFJZFxIm3cbfpQBqPQJvsU78r0WHOm6wCLcBGAs/s1600/1895%2BCrescent%2BBicycles.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pw_XDY8Xy_c/WZNccJt_2PI/AAAAAAAAHTA/_FFJZFxIm3cbfpQBqPQJvsU78r0WHOm6wCLcBGAs/s320/1895%2BCrescent%2BBicycles.png" width="320" height="229" data-original-width="400" data-original-height="286" /></a></div>Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-70389689465581793042017-09-05T07:00:00.000-04:002017-09-05T07:00:04.535-04:00Horse TimersFor those of you who race horses this is probably nothing new but for me...well it caused me to pause and think...hmm, the perfect gift for the character who needs nothing. Or perhaps, it is a helpful gift for someone raising race horses. In either case it is an unusual tidbit. This comes from an ad in "The Rider & Driver" magazine ©1883.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FS8Xu70jlno/WZFbp8RavrI/AAAAAAAAHSY/ClD-F-04XfcZPq1GxOKpqVX2r2mVdaywwCLcBGAs/s1600/Horse%2BTimers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FS8Xu70jlno/WZFbp8RavrI/AAAAAAAAHSY/ClD-F-04XfcZPq1GxOKpqVX2r2mVdaywwCLcBGAs/s320/Horse%2BTimers.png" width="263" height="320" data-original-width="285" data-original-height="347" /></a></div>Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-68643477160135403852017-09-04T07:00:00.000-04:002017-09-04T07:00:03.413-04:00Tin WeddingsThis comes from Ladies' Home Journal ©1893<br />
<br />
THE TIN WEDDING<br />
COMES with the tenth anniversary. If a dinner be given, the table may be made beautiful with pink roses and syringa placed in a bright new tin dish, in the centre. Four dishes, holding the pink and white bonbons, cakes, etc., may be set in the midst of tin rings (used for baking cakes in circular shape), the edges of the plates resting on those of the tins. These rings filled with roses and syringa will make pretty wreaths around each prominent dish. If a more elaborate decoration be desired any tinsmith can make a flowerholder in the form of the initial of the groom's name and that of the bride's maiden name—one to be placed at each end of the table.<br />
The little round stands of twisted tin wire, made for the teapot, turned upside down and lined with pink laced papers, make dainty receptacles for salted almonds or small bonbons. If, as is now fashionable, small "individual " dishes are supplied for the almonds new heart-shaped "patty pans " will answer the purpose.<br />
Cards of heavy Bristol-board, very lightly covered with mucilage, may be entirely enveloped in tin foil, and so smoothly that the artifice will not be suspected. The guests' names may be scratched upon the surface. A small tin funnel at each lady's place will make a pretty bouquet-holder.<br />
<br />
Another post: In this one you'll find some suggested gifts for the 10th anniversary as well.<br />
A Tin Wedding Day (5°» S. vi. 307) is the tenth anniversary of the happy day. "Cards" are sent out, made of tin, on which is printed a suitable inscription, and, by the way, for the benefit of all printers, I will say this should be done with a rubber stereotype, because type-metal will indent the tin. The inscription gives the year of the marriage and the current year, and, leaving out of view the material, is much like any "at home" card. Each guest is expected to bring a present which must be partly or wholly of tin, and may be a tin drinking cup worth twopence, or a costly piece of lace in an old tin mustard box. Dealers in tin ware prepare articles, assimilated in shape to wearing apparel, laundry utensils, or furniture, utterly useless, of course, and only intended to cause merriment. Fancy a broad brimmed hat or a flat iron made of tin, or a writing desk made of the same material. At a tin wedding I recently attended, a guest brought a tin pail, filled with lemonade, and a silver ladle to serve the beverage. Another brought a fog horn, such as the fishing schooners use on the high seas, in thick weather, to give warning of their presence, and avoid collision with other vessels. Its note is an exceedingly low c, so low that, after one solo on it, the hearer would be glad to see it so low in the sea that none would ever see it again. The tin wedding is an excellent occasion for the renewal of the kitchen tins, while it affords much merriment by the ludicrous offerings which are sometimes made. Like many other good things, it may be "run into the ground," or, as Dr. Johnson would say, become so vulgar and trite as to deserve the reprehension of all. John E. Norcross. Brooklyn, U.S.<br />
Source: Notes & Queries ©1876<br />
<br />
Below is a poem written by Alice Holmes ©1868<br />
A Tin Wedding.<br />
We hail your Tin wedding with eager delight, <br />
And join the glad circle that greets you to-night; <br />
And call back the moments we saw you with pride, <br />
At Hymen's fair altar, made bridegroom and bride. <br />
<br />
The pure cup of pleasure, unmingled with tears, <br />
Hath flown for you sweetly these ten sunny years. <br />
And strewn with bright roses your pathwhy hath been, <br />
While joy crowned your labors again and again. <br />
<br />
And smiling with plenty your garners are stored, <br />
And bright is the future your prospects afford, <br />
When buds ye are training in beauty shall bloom, <br />
And love's sweetest halo the light of your home. <br />
<br />
And while your new nuptials we now must begin, <br />
We bring you in friendship some presents of Tin ; <br />
And when their bright lustre by time is defaced, <br />
With silver untarnished we'll have them replaced ; <br />
<br />
And keep your Third wedding with high merry glee, <br />
And hope that the Fourth one all golden may be. <br />
And when for another the time rolls around, <br />
With diamonds most brilliant, oh! may ye be crowned ; <br />
<br />
And bright wreaths of honor around you be twined, <br />
And friendship unfading your hearts ever bind. <br />
With fast fleeting years may your pleasures increase, <br />
And life's ripened harvest be gathered in peace.Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-74029820288520563092017-09-01T07:00:00.000-04:002017-09-01T07:00:34.003-04:001853 FaresI stumbled on this while working on my 19th Century Carriages & Wagons Resource Book. Below is a list of fares published in Disturnell's American & European Railroad & Steamship Guide ©1853. <br />
<br />
FOR ONE PERSON, FROM THE HOTELS, TO THE RAILBOAD DEPOTS, AND STEAMBOAT WHARVES.<br />
BOSTON.<br />
Coach fare, with baggage, 25 cents<br />
NEW YORK.<br />
Coach and Cab fare, with baggage, 25 cents<br />
Carman's fees, 25 cents<br />
Porter's fees, 18 ½ cents<br />
PHILADELPHIA.<br />
Coach fare,* with baggage, 50 cents<br />
Porter's fees, 25 cents<br />
BALTIMORE.<br />
Coach fare, with baggage 50 cents<br />
Porter's fees, 25 cents<br />
WASHINGTON.<br />
Coach fare, with baggage. . . 25 cents<br />
(CT For further information, see the laws relating to Hackney Coaches, &c., which can usually be found in the carriages, as required by law.<br />
* The law allows 50 cents for one or two passengers.<br />
N. B. The best mode to reduce the coach fare in Philadelphia and Baltimore, where it is too high, is not to employ them at present rates.<br />
Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-21538019960054707942017-08-31T07:00:00.000-04:002017-08-31T07:00:26.182-04:00Superior MuffinsIt's been a while since I've had some recipes and I stumbled on this while searching for ways to stay cool in the summer. I hope you enjoy.<br />
<br />
Superior Muffins. 1 quart of flour. 1 teaspoonful of salt. 1 tablespoonful of white sugar. <br />
Rub in one heaping tablespoonful of butter and lard mixed, and one tablespoonful of Irish potato, mashed free from lumps.<br />
<br />
Pour in three well beaten eggs and a half teacup of yeast. Make into a soft dough with warm water in winter and cold in summer. Knead well for half an hour. Set to rise where it will be milk-warm, in winter, and cool in summer. If wanted for an eight o'clock winter breakfast, make up at eight o'clock the night before. At six o'clock in the morning, make out into round balls (without kneading again), and drop into snow-ball moulds that have been well greased. Take care also to grease the hands and pass them over the tops of the muffins. Set them in a warm place for two hours and then bake.<br />
<br />
These are the best muffins I ever ate.—Mrs. 8. T.<br />
Source: Housekeeping in Old Virginia ©1879<br />
<br />
PS Remember a teacup is one cup, so she's suggesting 1/2 cup of yeast.Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-2585022807898511242017-08-30T07:00:00.000-04:002017-08-30T07:00:16.504-04:00BicyclesWe are all aware but I admit I haven't seen too many bicycles in fiction. Below are some examples of bicycles being advertised in The Ladies' Home Journal ©June 1894. All of the ads below were found on a single page in the magazine. Take a look at the Hickory Bicycle ad, the wheels were made of wood, which after a moment of thought on the matter, made sense since wagon wheels were also made of wood. Enjoy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--l1-5cbfBDI/WZFZ-dVdpFI/AAAAAAAAHR4/Zp4EcAUc-EcFVgWtnT3BB8zWhEa7xWgygCLcBGAs/s1600/1894%2Bbicycle%2Bad%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--l1-5cbfBDI/WZFZ-dVdpFI/AAAAAAAAHR4/Zp4EcAUc-EcFVgWtnT3BB8zWhEa7xWgygCLcBGAs/s320/1894%2Bbicycle%2Bad%2B1.png" width="317" height="320" data-original-width="200" data-original-height="202" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z4bH5Cltl8E/WZFZ-QU_eDI/AAAAAAAAHSA/xUy9Ugy8s5cKhywUL9Nc6eECn-KLHTl9wCLcBGAs/s1600/1894%2Bbicycle%2Bad%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z4bH5Cltl8E/WZFZ-QU_eDI/AAAAAAAAHSA/xUy9Ugy8s5cKhywUL9Nc6eECn-KLHTl9wCLcBGAs/s320/1894%2Bbicycle%2Bad%2B2.png" width="320" height="186" data-original-width="196" data-original-height="114" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-L3_9ssCZE/WZFZ-fqEEnI/AAAAAAAAHR8/bTkGfamJrtYMh4cuEPc2PHe9l9RcfwmQACLcBGAs/s1600/1894%2Bbicycle%2Bad%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-L3_9ssCZE/WZFZ-fqEEnI/AAAAAAAAHR8/bTkGfamJrtYMh4cuEPc2PHe9l9RcfwmQACLcBGAs/s320/1894%2Bbicycle%2Bad%2B3.png" width="205" height="320" data-original-width="195" data-original-height="305" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aLbUJAFpQdo/WZFZ_L6JbkI/AAAAAAAAHSE/-XlxwFA7eo8Adce6SDJcXh9rivcTF40_ACLcBGAs/s1600/1894%2Bbicycle%2Bad%2B4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aLbUJAFpQdo/WZFZ_L6JbkI/AAAAAAAAHSE/-XlxwFA7eo8Adce6SDJcXh9rivcTF40_ACLcBGAs/s320/1894%2Bbicycle%2Bad%2B4.png" width="190" height="320" data-original-width="201" data-original-height="339" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w9GBuUN82Ag/WZFZ_sdA2PI/AAAAAAAAHSI/PB6DZ9eGoHsNXByP4RUi5nWrhTT9zDIBgCLcBGAs/s1600/1894%2Bbicycle%2Bad%2B5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w9GBuUN82Ag/WZFZ_sdA2PI/AAAAAAAAHSI/PB6DZ9eGoHsNXByP4RUi5nWrhTT9zDIBgCLcBGAs/s320/1894%2Bbicycle%2Bad%2B5.png" width="226" height="320" data-original-width="181" data-original-height="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sTid-3UYU0/WZFaAi6bPLI/AAAAAAAAHSM/x5hvrU3VHigbFL84tqtOu1wc4gyFOQgtACLcBGAs/s1600/1894%2Bbicycle%2Bad%2B6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7sTid-3UYU0/WZFaAi6bPLI/AAAAAAAAHSM/x5hvrU3VHigbFL84tqtOu1wc4gyFOQgtACLcBGAs/s320/1894%2Bbicycle%2Bad%2B6.png" width="244" height="320" data-original-width="190" data-original-height="249" /></a></div>Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-22655387450031475872017-08-29T07:00:00.000-04:002017-08-29T07:00:17.945-04:00Wooden WeddingsThis was a new one for me, I hope you enjoy it too. It comes from Ladies' Home Journal ©1893<br />
<br />
THE WOODEN WEDDING ""THE first milestone—after five years of * married life—when the young wife speaks of herself as "an old married woman," is called the " wooden wedding."<br />
<br />
A cozy little dinner, to which those who were the bridesmaids and groomsmen are bidden, with a few intimate friends, is usually the favorite form of entertainment. Note-paper may be had, resembling birchbark, which is suitable for the invitations.<br />
<br />
The dining-room may be made to look as "woodsy" as possible with roping of evergreen and verdure of any sort. The introduction of "Christmas trees" into the room adds much to the sylvan effect. They are to be had almost for the asking in summer.<br />
<br />
A box made of twigs holding ferns makes an appropriate centrepiece for the table, and the cheapest wooden dishes lined with ferns will hold the bonbons and cakes quite acceptably. At each lady's place a little toy bucket or pail—the staves alternately of dark and light wood—will make a very pretty receptacle for the flowers. Wild flowers of all colors, those growing in the woods, are appropriate and plentiful in June. The city florists are always in communication with persons who can supply them when they are ordered. The little pails have the additional advantage that they may hold a little water, for wild flowers wither so quickly. The wire handles should be bound with ribbon and tied with bows.<br />
<br />
The name-cards of real birch-bark should have at the top the date of the marriage and the present date, and under these the guests' names all written in dark green ink. On the reverse side of the one given to the bride her husband might write the summing up of all wifely duties, quoted from the famous game of '' oats, peas and beans ":<br />
"Now, you're married, you must obey, <br />
You must be true to all you say; <br />
You must be loving, kind and good— <br />
And help your husband chop the wood." <br />
<br />
While the groom may be reminded of his responsibilities in the same vein, changing the first line—<br />
"Now, you're married, this happy day,"<br />
and the last—<br />
"And keep your wife in kindling wood."<br />
The candle shades may be bought very cheaply of plain white crimped paper, decorated with bits of evergreen. The colors of the flowers should be repeated in the bonbons and cakes, the green background of ferns harmonizing all shades.<br />
<br />
The bride should wear her wedding dress. The more old-fashioned it be the more interesting.<br />
Source: The Ladies' Home Journal ©1893Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-40737042545667030792017-08-28T07:00:00.000-04:002017-08-28T07:00:04.715-04:00How to Keep CoolFor today's tidbit I'm sharing some of the various ways I've come across during the later part of the 19th century, to keep cool.<br />
<br />
Another New York bookseller, who has been interviewed on the subject of keeping a store cool in summer, claims that it can be done if proper measures of precaution are taken.<br />
"For example,*' he says, "I have a transom over my door that I leave open every night; also the top of the back window. This gives a draft of cool air during the night, and I find it cool in the morning. I also follow the trail of the sun, and in the hot days in summer see that it never gets into my store."<br />
"All the cleaning that is done in my place of business is done between six and seven in the morning. This gets the store in trim for the day's work. In order to keep out flies the store should always be darkened and, above all, the atmosphere pure. Flies and other insects will only come when the air is bad. Care should always be taken to place everything out of the way that will attract them. If possible, do not permit any eating or cooking in your store during the hot months. If you do, then place all your stock under covers, for flies and other insects will play havoc with it."<br />
There are electric fans and other machine devices to cool stores, but for the small city and town bookseller the above is simple and low in price.<br />
Source: The Bookseller and Newsman ©1896<br />
<br />
<br />
How to Keep Cool in Summer.—In summer we should eat less meat and less food than in winter. Usually our appetite is not so good in summer as it is in winter, and naturally, therefore, we take less food, and we should wear light clothing. Everything we do during the warm parts of the summer days we should do slowly and should not hurry. We should not walk much in the sun without being shaded.<br />
How the Body is Kept Cool in Summer.—It would seem difficult to prevent the body from being overheated in summer when the air around us is so warm; and you might wonder, too, why it is that the blood of a locomotive engineer, or of a cook, who is in front of a hot fire all day long, is no warmer than that of persons who can keep cool. There are two ways in which the bodily heat is prevented from rising above 98 degrees when persons must be near furnaces and fires or are otherwise exposed to the heat.<br />
Both methods depend upon the fact that whenever moisture or water leaves any surface it makes that surface cold; that is, it takes some of the heat of that surface with it. In India, the drinking-water is cooled by placing it in porous clay<br />
<br />
In this way our blood does not get any warmer in summer than in winter. For in summer more moisture leaves the body than in winter. Moisture leaves the body in two ways: By the lungs and by the skin. We breathe more rapidly in summer than in winter, especially if it is very warm, and in this way, more moisture is given off to the air from the blood passing through the lungs. Then again, the expired air contains more moisture in summer.<br />
Perspiration.—The moisture which passes off by the skin is called perspiration. This is taking place constantly through the pores, but in summer so much passes off that it collects in drops and is then called visible or sensible perspiration.<br />
Ice-water in Summer.—There is no objection to ice-water in summer if you do not drink too much, and if you take but a little at a time. Some people get into the habit of drinking ice-water constantly. This is very unhealthy and will make them suffer. But if it be remembered to drink it slowly and only a little at a time, it will not usually do any harm.<br />
Source: May's Anatomy, Physiology and ©1899<br />
<br />
<br />
ABOUT YOUR HAIR<br />
YOU will never look cool in summer unless you learn to arrange your hair properly—that is to say, to bid good-by to the heavy bang which is on your forehead, and which will, after a few hours, look frowzy and become uncurled. Draw part of this back and pin it down with small lace hairpins, and have the very shortest fringe possible, if, indeed, you wear one at all. If your forehead is low and broad you can say farewell to the bang, and parting your hair in the centre draw it back in the neatest way possible. Instead of the soft, full loops that retained their position during the winter, braid your back hair and pin it closely to your head. This done one's coiffure will be neat all the day long, and if you have a well-shaped head it will bring out its outlines to perfection. I do not want any girl to think that I wish her to lose her good looks, and if she doesn't look well with her hair parted then let her elect to wear it rolled off her forehead, or if she has a very high forehead then she must have a short fringe or bang, with the ends just turned to soften her face. Do not wear fancy pins or ribbons during the day. In the evening, though, it is quite proper for you to put among your locks anything that you may choose. By-the-by, it must be remembered that I am talking now to the busy girl who wants to look her best in the summer time, and who yet has not the half hours in which to rest, and who cannot wear dainty house dresses, as does the girl who has no occupation in the outside world.<br />
Source: Ladies' Home Journal ©1893Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-16285917706868598732017-08-25T07:00:00.000-04:002017-08-25T07:00:14.161-04:00Electric Lamps / LightsYesterday I posted about the early part of the 19th century and specifically the oil lamps. In addition to oil lamps there were gas lights and electric lights. Below is an outline of the history of electric lamps throughout the century.<br />
<br />
1801 First electric arc lamp was invented in England by Sir Humphrey Davy.<br />
1854 First true lightbulb invented by Henricg Globel of Germany<br />
1857 Fluorescent lamp was introduced in France by A.E. Becquerel<br />
1875 Henry Woodward and Matthew Evans patented a lightbulb.<br />
1879 Thomas Edison improved the incandescent light<br />
1880 Edison's patent was granted. <br />
<br />
Practically speaking you won't have electric lamps in the homes of your characters set prior to the 1880's. Another interesting texture to oil and gas lamps is the smell, keep that in mind when writing as well. Remember to use the five senses when describing what your characters are experiencing.Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5359164117699265453.post-15454827169184644602017-08-24T07:00:00.000-04:002017-08-24T07:00:19.102-04:00LampsI thought I'd post a simple item on lamps but my, oh, my, there is a lot to say about lamps during the 19th century. So, as time goes by I'll be posting more on lamps. But for now, here's a taste into the world of lamps.<br />
<br />
Encyclopedia Britannica ©1824 has this to say. The link brings you to Google books and should bring you to the page. The article starts on page 207.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of the 19th century lamps were primarily oil lamps of some sort. Argand lamps were developed during the last quarter of the 18th century. The Argand lamp included a burner and a chimney. The reservoir was on the bottom then the wick was feed into the oil. <br />
<br />
We have a variety of oil lamps developed with this simple system during the early part of the 19th century. As the Victorian era came into vogue the lamps became more fashionable. In other words, the more elaborate the lamp the more your wealth and good taste showed to those around you. That did not negate the need for practical lighting.<br />
<br />
Below are two images from the 1890 Encyclopedia Britannica. The first is a reading lamp. Generally as writers we might have a tendency to think in only table top lamps. But these reading lamps could stand on the floor or be mounted to a wall. The second image is of an 1838 invention by M. Franchot called the moderator lamp. This helped to pull the oil up to the end of the wick for a brighter flame.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nk_7DqIGOvk/WZFXUeRNkPI/AAAAAAAAHRo/qANmKrwCfZMrj0SjyxcCjHHy-RboCkUWgCLcBGAs/s1600/Reading%2BLamp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nk_7DqIGOvk/WZFXUeRNkPI/AAAAAAAAHRo/qANmKrwCfZMrj0SjyxcCjHHy-RboCkUWgCLcBGAs/s320/Reading%2BLamp.png" width="215" height="320" data-original-width="214" data-original-height="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQKjv9ZLlKw/WZFXUYAvXAI/AAAAAAAAHRs/jglnACd3te4xp2XUxSmxYDJNRJVk6t7WACLcBGAs/s1600/Moderator%2BLamp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NQKjv9ZLlKw/WZFXUYAvXAI/AAAAAAAAHRs/jglnACd3te4xp2XUxSmxYDJNRJVk6t7WACLcBGAs/s320/Moderator%2BLamp.png" width="188" height="320" data-original-width="235" data-original-height="400" /></a></div>A further invention of the flat wick was developed in the image below. In an 1865 patent Messgrs. Hinks claimed it could have two or more flat flames. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFqh-uin5Ys/WZFXUdfcqnI/AAAAAAAAHRk/uUIBeKGaPN0fox1l-H4IseqYTOu_-aKNwCLcBGAs/s1600/Lamp%2BBurners%2B.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFqh-uin5Ys/WZFXUdfcqnI/AAAAAAAAHRk/uUIBeKGaPN0fox1l-H4IseqYTOu_-aKNwCLcBGAs/s320/Lamp%2BBurners%2B.png" width="320" height="234" data-original-width="309" data-original-height="226" /></a></div>The other key ingredient for these lamps was the oil. We've all read and heard about the whaling industry and how whale oil was the best oil for burning. Animal and Vegetable oil were the first oils used. Mineral oil began being used in the 1830's, specifically because of the invention of the moderator lamps. Another names for these lamps is "Camphine, Vesta and Paragon lamps. They light given off by these lamps were brighter and less smokey. However they produced soot-flakes which made people nervous about them being more dangerous.Lynn Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09064967676381549650noreply@blogger.com0