No other author conjures thoughts of Christmas like Charles Dickens. His story, A Christmas Carol, has been told and told again each year during Yuletide. It is a classic tale or redemption we enjoy experiencing as part of our holiday tradition. But while most people may be able to discuss the basic plot of the [...]
Thanksgiving is probably nearly as old as mankind. From the time we started cultivating crops, farmers have been grateful for the sun, rain, and a good harvest. Its roots can be seen in the harvest feasts of the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. It also is similar to Sukkot, the ancient Jewish harvest festival. Long [...]
In our continuing celebration of Halloween, we're inviting you to participate in our 'Caption This!' Halloween photo contest. There are 10 photos from which to choose. Rules Caption one or caption all ten. You don't have to caption each photo to win. One winner per photo. You can only win once. Each winner receives a [...]
Two views of Fairlawn Mansion Halloween is one of our favorite holidays at Recollections. Recently, we asked our Facebook community to let us know what their favorite Halloween events were. Cindy Ayers Smith let us know about a favorite of hers; the Flashlight Tour at Fairlawn Mansion. The Flashlight Tour takes place each [...]
So, you're thinking about what to be for Halloween, too? Which character do you want to be? Who do you want to create? Looking for inspiration? Here are some ideas. Downton Abbey – Take your pick of fashions between 1912 and 1925 and your favorite character and 'voila!' Downton Abbey lives again. This masterpiece continues [...]
There still may be a bit of summer left on the calendar, but soon the leaves will be changing color and autumn will be in the air. When that happens, all of our thoughts will turn to... Halloween! Here are some interesting tidbits about one of our favorite holidays that I found at the History [...]
Memories of a Tea-Time Tradition As we've been looking at the history of tea and how the tradition of tea time started, I was reminded of a time when I was a young girl some decades ago. My little sister and I would often visit with our neighbors, the Walker sisters and their father. Miss [...]
141 Days Celebrating Global Culture and Industry All eyes were on Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as the Great Exhibition celebrating international culture and industry opened on May 1, 1851. Until then, similar exhibitions took place on a smaller, national level. Upon return from an exhibition in Paris, Henry Cole brought the idea of an [...]
A Great Glass House for the Great Exhibition Oh, to be alive during the mid-1800s. What an exciting time it must have been! The Industrial Revolution was opening up borders and England was the host of what could be considered the first World's Fair. The Great Exhibition of 1851 showcased cultures and industry from around [...]