U.S. Marshals: In the Beginning

U.S. Marshals: In the Beginning

When did U.S. Marshals begin? What were their responsibilities? Can you believe President George Washington signed the Marshals into law for the purpose of working the National Census? Over time, their job description changed, but they’ve been the one law enforcement position with a time-limit. At the turn of the century, Marshals still didn’t have universal badges. My new release, coming December 20, 2016, is a U.S. Marshal turned small-town Sheriff. He’s learning his problems aren’t smaller or easier.

The Marshal’s Surrender

Coming December 20, 2016

Courting in Public Parks: NY, NY, May 1893

Courting in Public Parks: NY, NY, May 1893

In 1893, expectations surrounding courtship made it improper for a couple to show affection for one another in public. Baltimore apparently outlawed simple signs of affection in their city parks, raising the alarm in New York City where Central Park was a key location for courting couples to go about their courtship (which included simple things like sitting on a bench together, a man’s arm about his sweetheart’s waist). This article includes a newspaperman’s interview with two different Central Park policemen, one who favored strict laws prohibiting such displays of affection and one who was most tolerant. Step back in time and enjoy an entire vintage newspaper article and historic images of Central Park in the late 19th century.

BOOK REVIEW: It Happened At The Fair

BOOK REVIEW: It Happened At The Fair

My honest evaluation of Deeanne Gist’s 2013 publication, IT HAPPENED AT THE FAIR, a Christian Historical Romance Novel set in 1893 Chicago’s World Columbian Exhibition. I present my Top 5 reasons for rating this title with 5 stars! Includes public domain photographs of the fair’s buildings, original Ferris Wheel, inside an exhibition hall, and more.

Old West Bath House

Old West Bath House

Nineteenth Century American Bath Houses were often businesses connected to hotels, barber shops, ladies’ hairdressers, and spas offering massages and curative measures (steam baths, medicated baths, etc.). In the Old West, such businesses advertised in the newspapers of the day, some announcing prices (compared to today’s dollar). It’s a peek into the luxury of a wet-from-head-to-toe bath when a person has no running water at home.

Victorian Ladies’ Hairdressers

Victorian Ladies’ Hairdressers

The Victorian era brought about a new business in the United States–shops that offered ladies’ hairdressing. This skill may have been offered by ladies’ maids inside well-to-do households, but in America, women needed an equivalent of barbers to meet their own needs. Come see about training to become a Ladies’ Hairdresser, a touch of Victorian humor, newspaper ads from the Old West, and more! The blog article series of “Barber Shops in the Old West” continues.