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History’s Forgotten Fashion Fad
On June 12, 2019 by ElyseAmericans living in the early 20th century had much to be concerned about: a world war, an influenza pandemic and most frightening of all, women neglecting their homes in pursuit of the vote. However, alongside these worries was another terror that could strike anywhere at any time: You’d think an army of pickpockets was mounting
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Life Lessons from a Centenarian
On May 29, 2019 by ElyseAs Abner and Mary Hammond taught us last year, the early 20th century press was obsessed with stories about the elderly doing anything besides sitting in rocking chairs. That press had a field day with Electa Kennedy. Starting in 1905 with an article anticipating her 100th birthday—in four years’ time—newspapers from California and Montana to
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Canine Clickbait
On May 15, 2019 by ElyseIn a shameless ploy to increase blog traffic, I’m giving the internet what it wants: cute puppies. I’ve scoured the usual sources to bring you the most adorable and amusing puppy anecdotes and photos history can provide. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it. You’re welcome. Before the Gosselins and their
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The Pleasantest Prattler
On May 1, 2019 by ElysePolitics, n. A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage. – Ambrose Bierce, The Devil’s Dictionary, 1911 Ambrose Bierce—author, Civil War veteran and pre-muckraker—was one of the most influential journalists of his day, no doubt thanks in part to wit “so keen that it pierces
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A Blah History
On April 17, 2019 by ElyseIf you thought National Thank a Mail Carrier Day was an obscure holiday, you’ll never guess what today is: Blah, Blah, Blah Day. “Blah” is a relatively recent addition to our lexicon, first appearing in 1918. Considering the wide range of complex emotions it conveys, it’s a wonder the English language did without it for
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The Prince and the Pilot
On April 3, 2019 by ElyseLoyal readers might recall the story of plant-eating, teetotaling, jiu-jitsu-demonstrating health nut and newspaper darling, Gladys Mason, who went missing somewhere between Chicago and San Francisco on a cross-country trek in 1913. Well, folks, we found her! It turns out, after leaving Chicago, she took a detour to Wisconsin, where she opened a popular burger
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Nuggets from Norfolk
On March 20, 2019 by ElyseBack by unpopular demand! This week, in response to calls from absolutely no one, I present the long-awaited sequel to Insults from Ipswich: Nuggets from Norfolk. Like the Ipswich Journal, the Norfolk Chronicle covered daily life in eastern England, beginning in the late 18th century. And as in Ipswich, the city of Norwich had plenty
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Five Unconventional Uses for Bread Boxes
On March 6, 2019 by ElyseYou might recognize the bread box as a kitchen staple and the first line of defense against mold and stale toast. Or, if you grew up in the era of added preservatives and plastic bags like I did, you might have to google it. Either way, you can be forgiven for assuming a bread box
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Presidential Pardon
On February 20, 2019 by ElyseEven if you didn’t have the day off work, the onslaught of mattress sale commercials should have reminded you that this past Monday was Presidents’ Day. Along with National Thank a Mail Carrier Day, it’s a busy month. In honor of the holiday, let’s explore a footnote in the administration of one of our more