Kristin Holt's Blog, page 15

This Day in History: May 21

One hundred and thirty-seven years ago, today, was May 21, 1880. Three newspapers (two from Kansas and one from Louisiana) covered three timely subjects--two of which surprised me deeply. One--Leap Year--I knew about and had become comfortable with. But wait until you see the other two. Technology in 1880 was far more advanced than I realized...you might be equally surprised.

Corsets: Tight Lacing! (1879)

An unnamed Dress Reformer, utterly against "tight lacing" (corsets), uses the art of poetry to explain that everything that ills a woman--from her attitude to her nature, from length of life to a red-tipped nose--is all a result of the ill-fated habit of tightly cinched corsets. This vintage newspaper publication is an example of the American Victorian's use of humor to blame fashion on craziness with a price too steep to pay.

Defect in Form: Evils of Tight Lacing (a.k.a. Corsets), 1897

Despite the voice of reason from scientists of the day, medical doctors, dress reformers, nineteenth century women continued to cling to advertisements claiming health depended upon corsets and laced tightly to achieve the beautiful figure they desired. Advertisements didn't promote mere beauty--they went so far as to claim health. A newspaper article published in Chicago Daily Tribune of Chicago, Illinois, on April 24, 1897 spoke of Roentgen's Light--X-rays--and the malformation caused by lacing. Today, the argument seems sound, prudent, and almost laughable that anyone fell for corsets.

Introducing: Heidi Vanlandingham’s The Woodworker’s Mail-Order Bride

Heidi Vanlandingham's new title, The Woodworker's Mail-Order Bride will release next week on Wednesday, May 17th. It is available for preorder on Amazon. In this article, Heidi shares her inspiration and how she chose a setting for Rebecca and Anthony, and the conflicts that would threaten their fledgling marriage.

Corsets: Damaging Woman’s Intelligence (1880)

Dr. Richardson, a London physician, spoke against corsets (tight lacing) and the damage thereby inflicted upon women's intellect. This article was syndicated from New York Times and appeared in Kansas Farmer on May 5, 1880.

Corsets: Damaging Woman’s Intelligence

Dr. Richardson, a London physician, spoke against corsets (tight lacing) and the damage thereby inflicted upon women's intellect. This article was syndicated from New York Times and appeared in Kansas Farmer on May 5, 1880.

Potato Chips in the Old West

Potato Chips are an American (and world-wide) favorite. Invented by accident--or should we say "accidentally-on-purpose"?--these potato crisps first graced the table of an elite resort in 1853 in upstate New York. News of the "invention" spread far and fast, and quickly became part of every homemaker's repertoire, available on grocer's shelves, served in restaurants, peddled by salesmen, and inspired further inventions.

Truth in Courtship: 1865

An 1865 newspaper article persuades all young people to tell the truth in courtship, and attempts to convince all readers of the stark benefits, compared to disastrous tragedies, when his advice is ignored. A powerful view into Victorian history and attitudes about courtship and marriage.

World Book and Copyright Day: April 23rd

World Book (and Copyright) Day is relatively new (about 20 years old) and celebrates books, literature, authors, writing--and most importantly, READING, worldwide. Because of loose literary connections in history, April 23rd, each year, is the official day. What will you do to take note of this holiday?

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BOOK REVIEW: The San Francisco Earthquake of 1906: The Story of the Deadliest Earthquake in American History, By Charles River Editors

111 years ago today, April 18, 1906, an earthquake with a magnitude (estimated) of 7.8 destroyed much of San Francisco. Charles River Editors did a fine job covering this tremendous natural disaster in a brief, concise, instructive manner. See my five-star review.