Sayings of Our Ancestors



1915-fordThe many ways to express feelings and ideas – our ancestors of more than 100 years ago had quite a variety of phrases and sayings. Here are just a small sampling and where they were located in a newspaper of the day by Mary Harrell-Sesniak:

It’s up to the lovesick youth to take his from a spoon. From Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 1 January 1915

You may lead the landlord to your house, but you can’t always make him repair it. From Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 18 March 1915

Were it not for clouds, people would be unable to appreciate sunshine. From Omaha World Herald (Omaha, Nebraska), 9 August 1915

Our idea of an unhappy man is a proud person with last year’s automobile. From Tampa Tribune (Tampa, Florida), 22 April 1915

When a man offers you something for nothing, you will save money by going out of your way to avoid accepting it. From Miami Herald (Miami, Florida), 11 March 1915

Don’t expect two favors in return for one. From Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 18 March 1915

By covering up their tracks some men get credit for walking in the straight and narrow path. From Rockford Republic (Rockford, Illinois), 11 February 1915

If you are looking for trouble, probably you began by finding fault. From Tampa Tribune (Tampa, Florida), 29 May 1915

1915-sayingsPeople who are always saying “Listen!” never have anything of importance to say. From Omaha World Herald (Omaha, Nebraska), 27 November 1915

Most of us are overloaded with good intentions. From Tampa Tribune (Tampa, Florida), 4 August 1915

Bright people look upon the bright side of life. From Evening Star (Washington, D.C.), 27 February 1915

What is surprising is 100 years later how true these vintage sayings are still today in the 21st Century.

Photos: 1915 cartoons

Related FamilyTree.com genealogical blogs:

Family History Sayings

 

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