Victorian America Celebrates Halloween

Victorian America Celebrates Halloween

Victorian-era Americans enjoyed holidays–filled with patriotism, fun, remembrance, religion, and fashion. Halloween began far earlier than the 19th century, when All Hallows Eve was a sacred, religious observation. Come catch a glimpse of our Victorian American ancestors’ fun with Halloween: “Hallowe’en Cake” and its fortune telling methods, parlor games filled with superstition, phrasing for party invitations, historical cabinet cards of Victorian Halloween costumes, and more!

BOOK REVIEW: Buying a Bride by Marcia A. Zug

BOOK REVIEW: Buying a Bride by Marcia A. Zug

Marcia A. Zug’s 2016 publication, Buying a Bride (New York University Press) is a timely narrative of the history of mail-order brides, from colonial days in the Americas (French and English) through the growth and westward migration of the United States, and into contemporary times. The nonfiction work is an easy read, informative, amusing, enlightening, and draws heavily from original sources. Ever wondered about the TRUTH behind mail-order brides–whether in today’s news, as a setting for favorite Old West Romances, or even pre-Revolutionary War? This five-star nonfiction book is for you!

Historic Silver City, Idaho

Historic Silver City, Idaho

Historic Silver City, Idaho, nestled deep within the Owyhee Mountains has a rich history of gold and silver mining. The historic town is LIVING HISTORY at its finest! I share a blend of Victorian and modern photos. Historical facts about the town and county too. #JacquieRogersAdo16.

BOOK REVIEW: Fair Play by Deanne Gist

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

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!