Josephine Newcomb, Forward-thinking Philanthropist Josephine Louise Lo Monnier was born on Halloween, 1816, in Baltimore, Maryland. Her father was a wealthy businessman and she was educated mostly in France. However, the family's fortune declined after the death of her mother in 1831. She ended up living in New Orleans where her older sister settled after [...]
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 [...]
Roots of the Tea Leaf According to legend, Shen Nong, Emperor of China, was visiting a far-flung region of his realm in 2737 B.C. At one stop, some dried leaves from a nearby plant fell into water that was boiling, as was required before drinking at the time. The steeping leaves created a brownish liquid [...]
Experience Life in the 19th Century at Camp this Summer Did you attend summer camp? What do you think of when you think 'summer camp?' Is it running around outdoors, getting dirty, maybe do some swimming, a few crafts, and maybe a stream hike or two? That was part of my childhood experience, but perhaps [...]
July 4th - Celebrating American Independence for more than 240 Years! Independence Day – many countries celebrate Independence Day with traditions unique to their culture. In the United States, we've been celebrating this most patriotic holiday for more than 240 years on July 4th. Here are some cool facts about the 4th of July. Although [...]
Family Fun Under Summer Skies More than any other time of the year, summertime conjures thoughts of family togetherness. There are few drive-in theaters left in which the whole family can get outside and enjoy a movie together. Here are four movies set in the Victorian era that are worthy of moving the big-screen television [...]
Immerse Yourself in TeslaCon Everybody likes a party, but Eric Larson, aka Lord Hastings Robert Bobbins III, Prime Minister of England, has taken the fan convention concept to a new level with TeslaCon. He was bored of the traditional fan convention and used his talents to reimagine the experience. Some fans refer to him as [...]
Murdoch Mysteries or The Artful Detective? Murdoch Mysteries started production on its 10th season last month. If you aren't familiar with this gem which is known as The Artful Detective in the United States (Ovation TV), take a little time some rainy day this summer to catch up on past episodes. You won't be disappointed! [...]
Downton Abbey's writer brings Anthony Trollope to 2016 Audiences If you are familiar with Downton Abbey, you are familiar with Julian Fellowes. Downton finished its six-season run on PBS in January and many of its fans are happy to see Julian Fellowes back on the screen. This time, he's adapted Anthony Trollope's 1858 novel, Doctor [...]