How to Carve a Thanksgiving Turkey, 1889

How to Carve a Thanksgiving Turkey, 1889

This newspaper article, published in Vermont Journal of Windsor, Vermont, on November 30, 1889, instructs our Victorian ancestors (in the United States) how to properly carve a turkey. Picture the Thanksgiving table laden with fancy dishes, and the head of the household carving the bird from his place of honor at the head of the table.

Cool Desserts for a Victorian Summer Evening

Cool Desserts for a Victorian Summer Evening

Cool, inexpensive dessert recipes appealed to our Victorian grandmothers, especially in summertime heat. These three recipes, published in the Saint Paul Globe of Saint Paul, Minnesota on June 24, 1888 were perfect for a cameo appearance in my Holidays in Mountain Home title 8– Unmistakably Yours.

What is a Calico Ball?

What is a Calico Ball?

A “Calico Ball”? Whoever heard of such a thing? Is it different than a debutante ball? A sock hop? A Leap-Year Ball? A Christmas Day Ball?

I’m impressed with the purpose behind a “calico ball”… especially because of where the fad began, and why.

Shooting Contests in Victorian America

Shooting Contests in Victorian America

Victorian America enjoyed shooting contests in a wide range of settings–from professional marksman organizations to small town celebrations. Come see vintage newspaper articles about events that pitted man against man and measured skills of accuracy.

Errors of Modern Courtship: 1881

Errors of Modern Courtship: 1881

This vintage newspaper article, printed in Washington, D.C. in 1881, speaks frankly of concerns a minister has in the way young people go about courtship. Compared to today’s parents’ and grandparents’ concerns, we might draw parallel (or direct) comparisons. Much has changed, and much stays the same.