Kristin Holt's Blog, page 26

Historic Silver City, Idaho

Historic Silver City, Idaho, nestled deep within the Owyhee Mountains (and Owyhee County)--yes, a very real place--has a rich history of gold and silver mining. The historic town (some call it a ghost town as "permanent" summertime residents = 12 and "permanent" winter residents = 2) is LIVING HISTORY at its finest! I share some pictures and historical facts about the town and county and mining history. #JacquieRogersAdo16. Much more specialized focus to come in future posts: the historic Idaho Hotel, the gorgeous church, the pharmacy, and more.

BOOK REVIEW: Fair Play by Deanne Gist

When a book and its characters linger in my mind months after I finished reading (or listening), I know it's a keeper. Deanne Gist grabbed my full attention with FAIR PLAY. I savored every scene and chapter, often wondered where the story would go (a delicious kind of curiosity), and ultimately delivered one of the most satisfactory endings. 5 stars!

BOOK REVIEW: Wired Love: A Romance of Dots and Dashes

4 STARS for the 1879 title, Wired Love: A Romance of Dots and Dashes. As an amateur historian determined to learn what I could about the telegraph and its impact on American society, how it worked, and the challenges telegraphers faced, this sweet (innocent) love story fit the bill!

BOOK REVIEW: The Victorian Internet: The Remarkable Story of the Telegraph and the Nineteenth Century’s On-Line Pioneers

As an amateur historian, fascinated by all things Victorian and in anxious search of accurate information about the telegraph in the United States, I found Standage's book to be informative, concise, humorous, entertaining, an easy read, and exactly what I was looking for. I understand more now about how the antiquated--and yet highly innovative--Victorian technology actually worked than I could have imagined. Standage addressed everything from the various men at work (often unaware of one another) to create the means of sending rapid messages over a great distance to the consequences on warfare and other news of the day. He addressed the employees of both genders, romances that flourished as a result of time spent together 'online', and the challenges eventually conquered in laying the Transatlantic Cable. 5 STARS!

Victorian America Observes Flag Day

Victorian Americans not only observed Flag Day on June 14th--they created it. Flag poles on government property sported the star spangled banner. Private citizens raised the flag, draped patriotic bunting over porch rails and fences, and attended military parades. Most of all, they recalled what the American flag stands for, its symbolism, and the meaning of patriotism. The practice of observing Flag Day on June 14th, annually, had been in practice since the 1870s and become widespread, but it took well into the 20th century for a President of the United States to make the day a federal holiday.

Indoor Plumbing in Victorian America

The history of indoor toilets (including those that flush) goes back further into history than you might expect. I share the timeline of such facilities, followed by surviving examples of Victorian indoor toilets, schematics of proper plumbing techniques of the day, and floor plans including indoor tubs and toilets. Victorians--at least late Victorians--had life pretty comfortable.

Chamber Pots and the Old West

Chamber pots were a necessary accompaniment to the outhouse (a.k.a "the necessary"). Illness, foul weather, the elderly, emergencies--all credible reasons to need a ready source of relief. It's one of the least glamorous aspects of everyday life in Victorian America. Who knew such fancy chamber pots could be purchased through Sears Roebuck & Co. catalog?

The Necessary (a.k.a. the outhouse)

The necessary (a.k.a. outhouse) had many Victorian Era-appropriate euphemisms: Quincy, small room, washroom...and was replaced with modern indoor plumbing both very early (1820's at the White House) and very late (1950's) in rural America. What did homeowners do when the necessary filled up? (ewww!) When was toilet paper invented? Why did outhouses have more than one seat?

How Did Victorian Stockings Stay Up?

Victorian Americans wore ingenious devices beneath their clothing to hold their stockings (hose) up. Because garters / hose supporters aren't as romantic and enticing as corsets or even Union Suits, I've yet to see a fictional piece of the era that so much as mentions them. This article contains images of items offered for sale in the 1895 and 1897 editions of the Sears Roebuck & Co. and Montgomery Ward & Co. Catalogs, as well as price comparisons from then to now. Such contraptions were worn by men, women, children, and even babies. Who knew?

Victorian America Observes Memorial Day

The history of America's Memorial Day, sometimes called Decoration Day, is rooted in the American Civil War. While the living have long remembered their lost loved ones, the catastrophic loss of life through the many years of bloodshed brought about the desire to honor the fallen soldiers on both sides of the conflict. What began as a proclamation by the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic gradually became an observed holiday in most states in the Union. Time eventually healed some wounds and post World War I the observance was finally acknowledged on the same day by both the North and the South. Memorial Day is now a recognition of the deceased well beyond military service, though soldiers lost in battle in defense of the United States are honored and their sacrifices revered on Memorial Day.