Feb 13
Communication over distances for our ancestors was not easy. Even sending a letter was not the easiest or quickest method. With the development of the electronic version of the telegraph and the code system created by Samuel Morse in 1838, a whole new world opened up for communication. It was a series of dots and dashes (the Morse Code) that could...
Feb 11
It is interesting to look back at what toys were most popular with children. Not speaking of mass-manufactured toys like a Barbie doll, but homemade toys especially between 1820 and 1900, those favored by your grandparents, gr grandparents or gr gr grandparents. In the 1840s, marbles were very popular. They were also used as toys in the 1500s. ...
Feb 9
What has made modern life a bit easier comes from inventions. Yet, you might not realize the variety of individuals who have contributed their ideas to make life easier. That includes American Natives, of which you just might have a percentage of Native DNA. One example is the 'kayak boats.' Made of wood these small boats have always made trave...
Feb 7
If you found or had located hospital bills for the birth of children from decades ago. Examining them can be amazing. In a look years ago the hospital bills for births were much lower. An example, in the 1950s with birth and multiple days stay the cost after insurance was about $10.75 and that included oxygen and an incubator. An example from 1...
Feb 5
Over the decades there have been many different types of decorative glass pieces, many handed down in the families. One other type is known as 'Flame Glass.' They were tall vases in vibrant colors, oddly shaped ashtrays, and exotic-looking bottles and vases. Flame glass was popular in the 1960s with its unique designs. The pieces often blended ...
Feb 3
If you had grandparents or great grandparents (also aunts-uncles and great aunts and uncles) who married around 1900 (1895-1910) it appears man needed some guidance about being newly married. Here are some of the advice suggested to newlyweds in and around the early 1900s. It appears young ladies and men who had never married before had no e...
Feb 1
The book first in 1900 “The Wonderful World of Oz” and later the 1939 movie, “The Wizard of Oz” are treasured by young and old. Your ancestors for sure have watched the movie more than once. Here are a few interesting backstory items about the making of the book. The book was written by L. Frank Baum, first living in Aberdeen, South Dak...
Jan 31
It was said that children of the 1950s were spoiled, parents getting them anything they wanted, especially if it was featured on TV, in a comic book or in the stores. Here is a sampling of the toys of the 1950s that you had, our your children, maybe even your grandparents. Make note, it was part of their childhood. 'Mr. Potato Head' was very...
Jan 27
The bicycle first gained mass popularity in the 1890s, when the “safety” bicycle replaced its perilous, giant-wheeled predecessor. While automobiles gave bicycles strong competition, manufacturers quickly pivoted and began making children’s bicycles after the end of World War I (about 1919). Schwinn’s balloon-tired Excelsior model debut...
Jan 25
The early World Fairs have been placed to showcase the newest innovations and inventions to all audiences. There was always a variety of the newest foods, items, fun activities, etc to interest the public. This was especially true of the 1893 Fair held in Chicago, often referred to as the fair that changed America. Some 27 million people attended,...