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So far recollections has created 411 blog entries.

150 Years of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women

By | September 26th, 2018|Categories: Civil War, Entertainment, Victorian Era, Women's History|Tags: , , , , |

It’s been 150 years since Louisa May Alcott introduced us to the March family in Little Women and we can’t seem to get enough of the story and the characters who inhabit it. Is it because of the diverse personalities of the March siblings? Our readers have strong opinions on who is their favorite and how the [...]

Far from the Madding Crowd – a classic Victorian Romance

By | September 20th, 2018|Categories: Entertainment, Victorian Era, Victorian Fashions|

Thomas Hardy’s first literary success  Far from the Madding Crowd was written by Thomas Hardy in 1874. It was his fourth novel and the first one to see major literary success. The story was first published anonymously as a monthly serial in Cornhill Magazine. Thomas Hardy (1840-1928) considered himself a poet first and foremost but [...]

Halloween Happenings 2018

By | September 14th, 2018|Categories: Halloween, Holidays|Tags: , , , |

Halloween is one of our favorite holidays! Here are some of the Halloween happenings in a few of the larger cities in the USA. We'll add more and are interested in hearing from you about your favorite Halloween happenings. Comment with the name of the event, the date(s), location, and a link and we'll add [...]

Dressing for Your Dickens Event

By | September 7th, 2018|Categories: 19th Century Literature, Fashion, Victorian Era, Victorian Era Celebrations, Victorian Fashions|Tags: , , |

Are you attending a Dickens-themed event? Whether you are participating in a Dickens Fair, are part of a Victorian caroling group, or are part of a Dickens production such as A Christmas Carol, it’s important for a lady to know how to dress the part! We’re here to wrap it all up for you in [...]

Labor Day in the USA – the workers’ holiday

By | September 3rd, 2018|Categories: Edwardian Era, Holidays, Victorian Era, Women's History|Tags: , , , , , |

The Industrial Revolution brought many and lasting changes to the labor force. We moved from a mostly agricultural society to one dominated by mechanization. Men, women, and children as young as five worked long hours in often dangerous conditions. It wasn’t unusual for people to work 12 hours a day, seven days a week for [...]

Wedding Traditions through the centuries

By | August 19th, 2018|Categories: Fashion, Victorian Era Celebrations, Victorian Fashions|Tags: , , |

We know about the common wedding traditions that have stood the test of time, but we may not always know their origin or why we still honor them. Some of these traditions may come as a shock, while others are more than fitting to last lifetimes. Here are just a few wedding traditions that have [...]

Victorian Days in Belvidere, NJ

By | August 12th, 2018|Categories: Destinations, Victorian Era|Tags: , , , , , , |

Oh, the things you will see when you take the road less traveled! I love taking the ‘scenic route.’ On a recent trip through New Jersey, it was a delight to drive through Belvidere, New Jersey! Why take the interstate when there is a bridge over the Delaware River in this historic little town? [...]

Catholina Lambert and his castle on Garrett Mountain

By | August 8th, 2018|Categories: Destinations, Edwardian Era, Victorian Era|Tags: , , , , , , , , |

Growing up in the greater Paterson area of New Jersey had many perks. One of them was visiting Garrett Mountain and Lambert Castle. On a recent visit to the area, I was able to share the experience with my own daughter. What makes Lambert Castle so special? And, what of Catholina Lambert, the man who [...]

Caption This! Christmas in July 2018

By | July 22nd, 2018|Categories: Contests and Games, Edwardian Era, Recollections, Victorian Era|Tags: , , , , |

Caption this! Christmas in July 2018 and win $50 We continue celebrating Christmas in July 2018 with this caption contest. Extra points for using Victorian vernacular! Your caption can be funny, thoughtful, or even a poem. It doesn't have to be related to Christmas. Our panel of judges will choose from the entries to determine [...]