A Victorian interest in apples

By | October 19th, 2023|Categories: History of the home, Victorian culture, Victorian Era|Tags: , |

While they are available now year-round, apples are technically a seasonal fruit for fall. That is probably why so many warm dishes were made with them during the Victorian era. Apples in the Victorian era were a very popular and common ingredient, even served as a dessert dish on their own. There was also a [...]

A short history of thrift stores: from Charles Dickens to today

By | October 14th, 2023|Categories: Fashion history|

A lot of people head to thrift stores to get ideas for Halloween or add just the right unique touch to their costumes. Our customers enjoy thrift stores and antique shops because they provide a fun treasure hunt to discover pieces from the past that one may never even think to look for. The history [...]

The History of Jack-O-Lanterns

By | October 10th, 2023|Categories: Halloween, Holidays|Tags: |

The time is here again! There is a nip in the air and black and orange abound. Creativity is flowing - Halloween is here. Before long, a large number of people reading this will be carving pumpkins. I hope to do the same. But as many of you, I don’t know much about the history [...]

A short history of lockets

By | October 8th, 2023|Categories: Accessories, Trinkets, Victorian fashion|

Nothing says sweet, old-fashioned romance like a heart-shaped locket on a chain. It is a lovely tradition, saying so much about the person wearing it. But where did the history of lockets begin? Some say it is all due to queens, but I think there is a bit more to it, as I often do.  [...]

How to pack a Victorian suitcase

By | October 4th, 2023|Categories: Victorian culture, Victorian Era|Tags: , |

Are you taking any trips this fall? It is a great time for those who want smaller crowds and cooler weather. If you are taking a trip, do you know how to pack your suitcase?  The Victorian era was a very interesting time for travel. Advances in transportation made it easier to go long distances [...]

Get inspired! Quotes about fall

By | September 30th, 2023|Categories: Victorian Era, Victorian Era Celebrations|Tags: , |

Fall is upon us! Let’s get excited! It is an enriching and inspiring time of the year. I think there is something about the crispness in the air combined with the vibrant colors all around us that bring out the creativity and enthusiasm of so many people. It certainly did so for the authors featured [...]

Elizabeth Blackwell: changing how women give and receive medical care

By | September 24th, 2023|Categories: Victorian Era, Women's History|

A lot of women made enormous strides in the 19th century. One woman carved the way for others in two different countries and left a legacy still honored today. Are you familiar with Elizabeth Blackwell? Born in 1821, she is recognized as the first woman to earn a medical degree in the United States and [...]

Purple, please. Colors in the Victorian era

By | September 15th, 2023|Categories: Fashion, Victorian fashion, Victorian Fashions|

“Purple is the most retiring of all rich colors; it is composed of red and blue, but it is not their medium color, being heavier in its effect than the latter. Purple is symbolical of dignity, state, and regal power; it is color frequently adopted for mourning, and is expressive of gravity, sorrow, and sadness.”-Color [...]

America's first newspaper

By | September 12th, 2023|Categories: History News|Tags: |

September 25 marks the 333rd anniversary of the first newspaper published in the United States. As with many of the “firsts” that took place in the early days of our country, it involved interesting characters, a bit of rebellion, and one heck of a story. This is a brief history of Benjamin Harris and his [...]