Archive Pages

  • Foods started by Thomas Jefferson

    Jul 23

    Many popular food dishes loved by Americans and your ancestors had their beginning with a former US Presdient. US Presdient Thomas Jefferson was one of the most influential figures in our presidential history. But strides toward social and political freedom were not the only things he made relevant during his two terms. We have Jefferson's uniq...

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  • Unbelievable Phrases Your Ancestors Have Used that Came from Shakespeare

    Jul 21

    The famous William Shakespeare of England was known for his great writings. But few people realize that many of phrases, terms and words commonly used over the recent decades came from Shakespeare. Here are a few examples. Love is Blind – In The Merchant of Venice lovers Jessica and Lorenzo plan to elope, so Jessica disguises herself as a boy...

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  • Development of French Fries

    Jul 19

    Potatoes originated in North America but was soon taken by the Spanish Conquistadors to be in Europe as people loved this food item. It soon spread to many locations in Europe. However, in those early years in France the was potato was grown and feed as animal feed, especially to the hogs. It was Antoine-Augustin Parmentier while in a prison in...

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  • Library on Horseback

    Jul 17

    Everyone has heard of FDR's New Deal series of programs and projects to get Americans back on their feet during the 1930s Great Depression. Well, there was one special project many may not have heard of except for the people of Kentucky. It was named 'New Deal-funded Pack Horse Library Project'. What it involved was female librarians would ride...

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  • Our Ancestors’ Slang of the 1940s

    Jul 15

    The early 1940s were the world war years, fighting for the homefront. There would be many different and unusual slang phrases developed. After the end of the war, a new era, of families settling down and the beginning of 'baby boomers'. Here are some of those 1940s slang words, ones that your parents and grandparent surely knew and used. With f...

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  • Transcontinental Railroad

    Jul 13

    You can assume for sure that many of your ancestors, even from decades ago, traveled on the railroad- short distances or long distances. With the development of the steam engine in the United States in 1830 with most of its use in the years to come in areas east of the Missouri Territory. But this new innovation was great for moving goods and p...

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  • Popular Family Activities During Depression Years of 1930s

    Jul 11

    Sometimes the era of the Great Depression – 1930s are shown as depressing for families, even your ancestors of that era. But it turns out there were many activities that adults and children found joy and a good time in. Here are a few. With radios available, people liked listening to sports and news, as well as jazz and swing music. With orch...

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  • Ancestors Who Operated a Linotype Machine

    Jul 9

    You may have had ancestors who operated a 'Linotype Machine' for a hometown newspaper, posters or a magazine company. It was a way to have print on paper done easier and quicker. Starting in the late 19th century, lines in newspapers and magazines were often created with a linotype machine. The linotype machine was revolutionary for its time. I...

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  • A Look at Details in 1950s Census

    Jul 7

    Yes, it is great the US Federal Census is now available. Especially now we can find family and friends we knew or are still living. Yet there is one special item on that 1950 census you should not overlook. During that year's census taking, the enumerators were told to make notes of unusual entries or irregular situations. So what were some of ...

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  • Soldiers’ Life during American Revolutionary War

    Jul 5

    If on your family tree you were able to trace the lineage of an ancestor who lived during the start of the American Revolutionary War – 1776 to its conclusion of 1783, here is some information of life during those times would have been like – especially those who served in the milita. Some who served already had experience prior to 1776 wit...

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