Ray and Faye Graves, Photos From the Rubble
Rediscovered vintage photographic glass plates from the early 1900's provide a glimpse into the past.
Fisher Girls – the Edwardian ideal of feminine beauty
First, Charles Dana Gibson brought us the Gibson Girl. Then, after Gibson's retirement from illustrating, Harrison Fisher arrived on the scene. His Fisher Girl “redefined the American ideal of feminine beauty” during the first quarter of the 20th century. Who was Harrison Fisher? Harrison Fisher was born to be an artist. His father, Hugo Antoine [...]
Princess Louise’s Unpaid Cigarette Bill
Documents released in 2018 give us a glimpse into the royal, rebellious life of Queen Victoria’s daughter, Louise. Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyle, 1861 Princess Louise, later known as the Duchess of Argyle, was born in 1848 to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. She was not known for being the perfect picture of royalty, as [...]
History of the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball Drop
Each year on December 31st, people standing in Times Square and people all over the world sitting around their television countdown as the ball drops in New York City. While “Dick Clark’s New York Rockin’ Eve” is a modern tradition, there is a long history of New Years celebrations in New York City.
Veterans Day: Recognizing American Women in WWI
While this week we celebrate Veterans Day to honor all who have fought in our country’s wars, it was originally established as Armistice Day in 1919 to recognize and honor those who had recently served in World War One. What was a bit overlooked then, and still sometimes now, was the widespread contributions of women [...]
Labor Day in the USA – the workers’ holiday
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 [...]
Catholina Lambert and his castle on Garrett Mountain
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
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 [...]
Frances Perkins – from Massachusetts to the White House
Frances Perkins – “I am extraordinarily the product of my grandmother” Frances Perkins was born Fanny Coralie Perkins. She was born on April 10, 1880, in Boston, Massachusetts. Her parents were born in Maine and although the family eventually settled in Worcester, their roots were firmly planted in Newcastle, Maine. Fanny spent her childhood summers [...]