https://www.facebook.com/105974975939945/

History Buff Zone, 1549 Scott Center Road, Sherman, New York, NY (2025)

01/13/2025

Evolution of Household Cleaning: From Servants to Vacuum Cleaners

In the 19th century, middle and higher-income households relied heavily on servants to maintain cleanliness. By 1891, the number of women employed as servants exceeded a million. Families of means, however lesser means, typically could afford only one servant, who undertook all domestic chores.

Household cleanliness posed a formidable challenge during this era, yet technological advancements in the 1800s markedly improved efficiency. Before these innovations, carpets, rugs, and other fabrics were cleaned outdoors by beating to remove accumulated dust and dirt.

Vacuum cleaners revolutionized domestic cleaning practices as labor-saving devices from the 1860s onwards. Early models were manually operated and sometimes required two individuals for effective use. Initially considered a luxury, vacuum cleaners became more accessible by the mid-20th century.

Women in these households often acquired recipe books not only for culinary purposes but also for cleaning solutions. Many cleaning products were crafted by hand, often utilizing unorthodox ingredients. For instance, historical remedies for bedbugs from the 1700s involved concoctions such as mixing roasted cat drippings with egg yolks and oil as an ointment for infested furniture.

01/13/2025

The Second Class Saloon Nome, AK. July 1st, 1901

The"Three Lucky Swedes," Jafet Lindeberg, Erik Lindblom, and John Brynteson, had a destiny intertwined with adventure when they stumbled upon a glittering treasure of gold on Anvil Creek in 1898. The news of their extraordinary find spread like wildfire through the Klondike gold fields that very winter. By 1899, a vibrant new settlement called Anvil City emerged, proudly boasting a population of 10,000.

But the true frenzy was yet to come. In the following year of 1899, as rumors swirled about gold hidden within the beach sands, the world outside caught wind, and a magnificent stampede was set into motion as thousands upon thousands of fortune seekers surged toward the fabled land of Nome, their hearts ablaze with hope. They arrived with enthusiasm and anticipation from the distant ports of Seattle and San Francisco.

Tents sprouted like wildflowers, covering the vast expanse, extending as far as the eye could see along the 30-mile stretch between Cape Rodney and Cape Nome. As early as 1899, the determined pioneers began erecting structures crafted from finished board lumber.

The golden age of this bustling mining town unfolded during the first decade of the new century, a glorious era that witnessed Nome's ascendancy as Alaska's largest city. Some estimates claimed that the population soared to an astonishing 20,000 souls, although the official record of 1900 reported a slightly lower but still impressive figure of 12,488. Astonishingly, the U.S. Census revealed that one-third of all recorded white inhabitants of Alaska called Nome their home.

Yet, the ravages of fire and the wrath of violent storms marred the grandeur of Nome's gold rush architecture. Little remains today of that captivating era. However, remnants that survived the passage of time bear a touch of the ornate Victorian style that captivated the hearts of many during the frantic gold rush.

Today, the resilient inhabitants of this land have diversified their livelihoods, no longer relying solely on the gold pan and rocker. The legacy of the gold rush endures, but it now represents just a fraction of the vibrant tapestry that weaves together the past 100 years of Nome's captivating history, where a rich flow of people and events has shaped its contemporary community.

01/13/2025

Officer and Family, most likely from Fort Laramie, on a Picnic near Hartville, Wyoming, 1889

Women weathered the storms of both tedium and peril in the arduous path of those who followed the army. Their existence, devoid of assigned tasks, was attended to by soldiers and servants who shouldered the burdens of domesticity, even tending to the care of their children. Alas, a vibrant social life beyond the confines of the post eluded them, and they were denied an economic role within the community. Their lives were marked by a constant state of readiness, ever prepared to uproot and relinquish their homes at a moment's notice, surrendering them to the whims of newly arrived senior officers and their families.

Boredom, a relentless foe, was shattered by brief interludes of intense apprehension during the regiment's campaigns and the ever-looming danger of Native American attacks upon the post. In those dire moments, women and children were swiftly ordered to seek refuge within the safety of their dwellings. At the same time, the weighty responsibility of protecting them fell upon the shoulders of a solitary officer. This harrowing duty entrusted to him was to carry out a dire act—should the post be overwhelmed and the specter of captivity loom large, he would be compelled to make the heart-wrenching decision to prevent their capture through an ultimate sacrifice. Yet, in the annals of history, this extreme measure remained an unfathomable specter, never to be realized in the grim tapestry of reality.

Officers' wives, bound by the shackles of Army regulations, found themselves devoid of an official position. Undeterred, these remarkable women forged their clandestine society within the confines of the Army posts, uniting across the rigid boundaries of rank and class. Together, they extended a helping hand during childbirth, providing solace and camaraderie, and orchestrated sporadic and abbreviated educational endeavors for the children of the post. Society and official responsibilities intertwined as rank prevailed among officers, enlisted men, and their wives. Burdened with the weight of her choices, each woman grappled with deciding whether to reside within the post's confines, venture alongside her husband, or seek refuge within her parents' home to safeguard her children's education.

Should a wife remain steadfast, her husband's path to glory became hers. This choice, readily justified by the prevailing ideals of true womanhood in the nineteenth century, exalted the virtues of subservience and piety in women. Through intricate social networks and unwavering dedication to her husband's personal and societal needs, she embraced a vital public role, often mutually beneficial. Many wives proudly chronicled the shared triumphs and aspirations, proclaiming the notion of "our promotion" as they propelled their beloved husbands toward greatness.

Yet, amidst the toils and tribulations of army life, glimmers of respite and fleeting moments of solace existed. Officer's wives, adorned with the luxuries of servants—often enlisted men known as "strikers"—experienced the pleasure of fine horses and military escorts when venturing beyond the confines of the post. In the rare moments when military affairs receded, couples and solitary officers indulged in a tapestry of delights—be it lively "hops" and dazzling balls, exhilarating hunts in the embrace of nature, enchanting picnics, intriguing card parties, or the enigmatic allure of masquerades. Such festivities, woven into the fabric of their lives, provided a much-needed reprieve from the arduous duties that defined their existence.

Throughout the final three decades of the nineteenth century, on the unforgiving frontier, army women and children continued to shoulder the burden of isolation, hardship, and fears that characterized their unique existence. These remarkable women were an oasis amidst the barren desolation, bringing comfort and refinement to the otherwise bleak landscape.

Read more: "My Army Life and the Fort Phil. Kearney Massacre: The Classic Account of an Infantry Lieutenant's Wife on the Great Plains During the Indian Wars"

01/13/2025

The Josephine was a legendary steamboat that embarked on a captivating journey in the Fort Benton trade. With a wooden hull stretching an impressive 183 feet long and 31 feet wide, this vessel was a marvel of craftsmanship, born in the heart of Freedom, Pennsylvania, in 1873. Its final touches were added in the bustling city of Pittsburgh. Fueled by the power of two boilers, its mighty engines boasted 15-inch cylinders and a formidable 5-foot stroke.

The Josephine, affectionately named after General David S. Stanley's daughter, the Josephine embarked on its maiden voyages, led by the experienced Capt. Marsh. It ventured to the majestic Yellowstone River, where it served Custer's Seventh Calvary, capturing hearts with its audacious spirit. The following year, in 1874, the vessel began its illustrious career in Fort Benton, only to return to the untamed beauty of the Yellowstone River in 1875 under the command of Capt. Grant Marsh. It ventured farther than any boat had dared, defying the currents and reaching the treacherous Hell Roaring Rapids, an astonishing 483 miles upstream from its starting point.

Like a fearless warrior, this riverboat joined the ranks of other steamboats that braved the Sioux-Indian wars of 1876, ferrying supplies for the courageous Generals Terry, Crook, Gibbon, and Custer. Even in the face of danger, the Josephine pressed on, undeterred by the Sioux's attack at Glendive Creek, while two companion vessels chose to retreat.

Yet, Josephine's adventure did not conclude there. In the 1880s, it was sold into a new chapter as a government snag boat, tirelessly clearing obstacles from the mighty rivers. However, after a respite, the vessel underwent extensive repairs, rejuvenating its spirit under the command of the visionary Capt. Gould, the Josephine found purpose again, engaging in government inspection work, until an encounter with Capt. Joseph Leach altered its destiny once again. Plans were set to outfit the Josephine as a packet boat. Alas, tragedy struck when the Josephine sank in the ice at Running Water, S.D., on March 8, 1907. Her engines were salvaged from the wreckage and shipped to Alaska for installation on a Yukon River steamboat.

01/13/2025

Although "The Emigrants' Guide to California" is a treasure and a fantastic piece of history for modern readers, it is imperative to acknowledge that those who traversed using it held a divergent perspective. Immersed in the annals of a personal diary from July 20, 1849, penned by traveler Bennett C. Clark, reveals the stark reality: "[we] came to the river and nooned -- grass only tolerable. We begin to be greatly disappointed in our calculations of finding good grass on this measly Humboldt [river] as Mr. Ware had prepared us to expect. Let no traveler hereafter be governed by Wares Gudie as it is perfectly worthless."

Below is a passage from "The Emigrants Guide to California by Joseph E. Ware, published in 1849, discussing suggested supplies for making the arduous journey along the California Trail.

"ESTIMATE of cost and suggested supplies for four persons traveling the California Trail with mule teams.

Wagon, harness, and 6 good Mules.
Wagon- $85.00
3 sets of harnesses- $24
Mules- $450 ($75 each)
Wagon cover painted with 2 coats $8.
Total for the team, $567.00

Flour - 821 1bs. $16.48
Coffee -160 lbs $5.25
Bacon - 725 lbs $36.25
Lard and suet - 200 lbs $12.00
Sugar - 160 lbs. $8.00
Beans 120 lbs. $1.60
Peaches and apples, 135 lbs. $3.20
Salt, pepper &c. 25 Ibs. $1.00
Total: $650.78

Cooking utensils, including tin plates, spoons, coffee pot, camp kettle, knives, and extras, $20.00

Total $670.78

Making the cost to each one of the parties $167.79

From which deduct the value of wagon, teams, &C. at journeys end $450

Leaving the cost of travel, Cost to each individual, $220.78

Cost to each individual $55.19"

01/13/2025

A dentist works on a patient c.1890s

In bygone days, dentistry in the United States was entrusted to barber-surgeons, a peculiar breed of practitioners. These multitasking individuals, who also wielded scissors for haircuts, brought forth a dubious legacy of dental care. Their treatments, regrettably, veered towards causing more harm than healing. Their unconventional counsel to patients bordered on the bizarre, such as the peculiar recommendation of employing the bill of an osprey to pick at one's gums to soar gums.

However, significant advancements in dentistry took place throughout the 1800s.

Here are some key milestones:
In 1816- Auguste Taveau developed the first fillings using a mixture of silver coins and mercury.
In 1839- Charles Goodyear discovered vulcanized rubber, which made denture bases more affordable for ordinary people. Previously, gold was commonly used for this purpose.
In 1840- Horace Wells demonstrated nitrous oxide for sedation, and Thomas Morton showcased ether anesthesia for surgery.
In 1866- Lucy Hobbs became the first female to earn a DDS degree after graduating from the Ohio College of Dental Surgery.
In 1871- James Beal Morrison patented the first mechanized dental drill, although it was slow and could take hours to complete a filling.
In the 1870s- baked porcelain inlays began to be used to fill larger cavities.
In the 1890s- Willoughby Miller described the microbial basis of dental cavities, leading to increased awareness about cavity prevention and the introduction of oral health products for home use by oral care companies.
In 1895- G.V. Black standardized the manufacturing process for silver fillings and cavity preparation.
In 1896- Wilhelm Roentgen's discovery of X-rays was adapted for use in dentistry by Edmund Kells. Additionally, Washington Wentworth Sheffield invented the toothpaste tube.

01/13/2025

Black and white portrait of the three members of the Reynolds family in Albany, TX. c.1898 (Photographer - ROGERS, EARLY)

In this mesmerizing portrait, the Reynolds family transcends time limitations, their collective essence captured in monochrome brilliance. Through their eyes, we glimpse a profound connection, an unwavering bond.

In the center, a man sits, commanding the scene with a persistent presence, his legs gracefully crossed.

On the right, a woman of grace and poise finds her place, seated humbly yet radiating an understated strength. Her countenance bespeaks resilience. Lower to the ground, she symbolizes humility, complementing the indomitable spirit of her beloved partner.

A young girl stands to the man's left, a beacon of youthful innocence and boundless potential. Her delicate hands, folded gently upon his knee, speak volumes of trust and adoration. She represents the bridge between the generations, the embodiment of their collective dreams and aspirations.

Cloaked in garments reminiscent of a bygone era, their attire echoes the modesty and refinement of the Victorian age. The man dons a three-piece suit, its charm heightened by the chain that adorns his button. The woman and the young girl, draped in high-necked, long-sleeved dresses, exude an air of timeless grace.

01/13/2025

Frank "Shorty" Harris (second from right) stands with other prospectors c. early 1900s.

The origins of this ghost town can be attributed to Shorty Harris and E.L. Cross, who were prospecting in the area back in 1904. They stumbled upon an abundance of quartz on a hill, with Shorty remarking, "The quartz was chock-full of free gold... a true treasure trove!" He confidently declared that the district would become the finest camp in Nevada. At that time, the only other inhabitant in the vicinity was Old Man Beatty and his family, living five miles away on a ranch. However, once the news of the discovery spread, a rush ensued, establishing several camps, including Bullfrog, the Amargosa, and Jumpertown, a settlement between them. A townsite was subsequently planned nearby and named Rhyolite after the volcanic rock found in the area.

The Bullfrog district boasted over 2000 claims, covering a vast 30-mile expanse. Among them, the Montgomery Shoshone mine showed the most promise. The town rapidly flourished, witnessing the construction of numerous buildings. One notable structure stood tall at three stories high, costing a substantial $90,000. A red light district enticed women from as far as San Francisco, while hotels, stores, a school (accommodating 250 children), an ice plant, two electric plants, foundries, machine shops, and even a miner's union hospital catered to the needs of the growing population.

The townsfolk of Rhyolite reveled in a vibrant social life, participating in baseball games, dances, basket socials, whist parties, tennis matches, and Sunday school picnics. They cheered on basketball games and indulged in Saturday night variety shows at the opera house. Adding to the town's allure, Countess Morajeski delighted locals with the opening of the Alaska Glacier Ice Cream Parlor in 1906. That same year, resourceful miner Tom T. Kelly constructed the whimsical Bottle House, a remarkable structure assembled from 50,000 beer and liquor bottles.

In April 1907, electricity arrived in Rhyolite, illuminating the town with newfound radiance. By August of the same year, a mill capable of processing 300 tons of ore daily was erected at the Montgomery Shoshone mine. This impressive facility had a crusher, three large rollers, numerous cyanide tanks, and a reduction furnace. The mine gained national recognition thanks to Bob Montgomery's bold claim that it could yield $10,000 worth of ore daily. Later, the mine was acquired by Charles Schwab, who reportedly purchased it for a substantial sum ranging from 2 to 6 million dollars.

However, the tides of fortune took a turn with the financial panic of 1907, signaling the beginning of Rhyolite's decline. Over the following years, mines closed, banks failed, and newspapers ceased publication. By 1910, the mill's production had dwindled to a modest $246,661, and the town's population declined to a mere 611 residents. On March 14, 1911, the directors decided to close down the Montgomery Shoshone mine and its associated mill. 1916 the lights were finally extinguished, marking the end of Rhyolite's electrifying era.

Today, remnants of Rhyolite's bygone glory can still be found. Some walls of the three-story bank building remain standing alongside a portion of the old jail. The privately-owned train depot stands as one of the few intact structures in the town, as does the fascinating Bottle House, restored by Paramount Pictures in January 1925.

01/13/2025

Do You Know????
In the 1950s, what we now commonly refer to as gas stations were more aptly called service stations. These establishments played a crucial role in the daily lives of motorists, providing not just fuel, but a range of services that catered to the needs of car owners.
The typical 1950s service station was a beacon of convenience and reliability. Characterized by its distinctive architecture, many service stations featured canopies extending over the pump areas, allowing for fueling in all weather conditions. The buildings themselves often had large, inviting windows, with signage prominently displaying the brand of gasoline sold, such as Esso, Texaco, or Shell.
Upon pulling into a service station, a customer could expect far more than just a fill-up. Attendants, dressed in crisp uniforms, would promptly approach the car, offering a friendly greeting and a smile. Their service was comprehensive: they would pump the gas, clean the windshield, check the oil and other fluid levels, and inspect tire pressure. This full-service approach ensured that vehicles were well-maintained and safe for travel, reflecting the period's emphasis on customer care and attention to detail.
The interior of the service station often included a small office or waiting area where customers could purchase oil, windshield wiper blades, maps, and other automotive essentials. Some stations even had vending machines or small snack counters, adding to the convenience factor for travelers.
In addition to these services, many stations boasted fully equipped repair garages. Mechanics were on hand to perform a variety of maintenance tasks and repairs, from simple tune-ups and oil changes to more complex engine work. The service bays were usually located adjacent to the main building, filled with the tools and equipment necessary to keep cars running smoothly.
The 1950s service station was more than just a place to fuel up; it was a hub of activity and a pillar of the community. Stations often served as informal gathering spots where locals could catch up on news, share stories, and socialize while their cars were being serviced. The relationship between the attendants and their regular customers was often friendly and familiar, fostering a sense of trust and loyalty.
Reflecting on the service stations of the 1950s highlights a time when personal service and community connection were integral parts of the automotive experience. These establishments provided more than just gasoline—they offered peace of mind and a personal touch that modern self-service stations often lack.

01/12/2025

Telephone lines go up in Courtland, Kansas, 1903.

01/12/2025

A man on his Indian Scout motorcycle, 1930.

01/12/2025

Elizabeth L. Gardner, WASP pilot during WWII, Harlingen Army Air Field, Texas.

01/12/2025

Milkman dropping off and picking up milk, 1939.

01/12/2025

A police officer enjoys a warm cup of coffee and salutations on a cold winter day, 1920.

01/12/2025

These progressive high school girls learn the finer points of auto mechanics in 1927.

01/12/2025

Nettie Featherston in Childress in a 1938 photograph taken by Dorothea Lange. Nettie was the wife of a migrant farmer. She and her family were trying to get to California when they ran out of money in Carey, Texas, in 1937. A local cotton grower took pity on them and hired them to harvest his cotton. They were living in this small shack near Childress when Dorothea Lange drove up, talked with Nettie and took photos of her. Lange recorded the desperation in her face and in her voice. Nettie eventually moved to Lubbock and never made it to California, although several in her family did. In a 1979 interview, she said:
“Oh, it was terrible. And when you didn’t have hardly nothing to eat, and your kids would cry for something to eat and you couldn’t give it. We was living in a little old two-room house. And we cooked with blackeyed peas until I never wanted to ever see another blackeyed pea. I just prayed and prayed and prayed all the time that God would take care of us and not let my children starve…
“I must have said, ‘Well, if we’re dead, we’re just dead.’ That’s all I can remember because I don’t remember talking to her [Dorothea Lange].
“I never once thought about living this long [81 years in 1979]. Well, I just didn’t think we’d survive. You want to know something we’re not living much better than we did, as high as everything than we did then…
“Seems like I’m not satisfied. I have too much on my mind. It seems like I have more temptations put on me than anyone. Course, that’s what the Bible said, that’s the way we’d be tried out. And every time I ask God to remove this awful burden off of my heart, he does.”
Can you imagine living in this small shack in Childress back then? I would imagine it was not well insulated and the winds must have blown cold and bitter through it back in 1938.

01/12/2025

This heartwarming photograph, taken by the renowned photographer Nina Leen in May 1950, captures a tender moment in Richmond, Virginia. The image depicts children helping a kitten drink from a bowl of milk, showcasing the innocence and simple joys of childhood.
The photograph exudes a sense of nostalgia, transporting viewers to a time when life was simpler and the bond between children and their pets was a cherished part of daily life. The children, likely dressed in the typical attire of the 1950s, display expressions of care and delight as they assist the tiny kitten. The scene is set outdoors, perhaps in a backyard, adding to the photograph's wholesome and natural ambiance.
Nina Leen, known for her work with LIFE magazine, had a unique ability to capture the essence of human and animal interactions. This particular image is a perfect example of her talent for portraying everyday moments with profound emotional depth. The photograph not only highlights the children's empathy and kindness but also serves as a timeless reminder of the joy that animals bring into our lives.
In the context of the 1950s, this image reflects the post-war era's focus on family values and the ideal of a nurturing home environment. It offers a glimpse into the lives of children growing up in mid-20th century America, where such simple pleasures were an integral part of their upbringing.
This photograph by Nina Leen remains a beautiful and evocative piece, celebrating the innocence of childhood and the enduring bond between humans and animals.

01/12/2025

Nicky and Alix with Their Daughters

In the early 20th century, a photograph captures a serene and intimate moment of Nicky and Alix with their daughters. Nicky, formally known as Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, and Alix, or Alexandra Feodorovna, were the last Emperor and Empress of Russia. Their family, with its deep bonds and moments of affection, offers a poignant contrast to the tumultuous times that would soon engulf them.

Historical Context:

Tsar Nicholas II, born in 1868, ascended to the throne in 1894. His reign was marked by significant political and social upheaval, leading to the Russian Revolution of 1917. Alexandra Feodorovna, born Alix of Hesse, was a German princess who married Nicholas and became a devoted wife and mother. Their marriage was a true love match, which was somewhat unusual for royal unions of that era.

Family Life:

The couple had five children: four daughters, Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia, and one son, Alexei. The family was close-knit, with Nicholas and Alexandra deeply involved in their children's lives. Despite the grandeur of their status, the Romanovs led a relatively simple family life, often documented in photographs that show them enjoying each other's company in private moments.

Nicholas II (Nicky): Known for his gentle nature and dedication to his family, Nicholas often appeared happiest when surrounded by his wife and children. His love for Alexandra and their children was evident in the countless letters and personal writings he left behind.
Alexandra Feodorovna (Alix): Alexandra, though often perceived as reserved and withdrawn in public, was a doting mother and a loving wife. She faced many challenges, including her son's hemophilia, which caused her great emotional strain.
The Daughters: The four daughters, collectively known as the Grand Duchesses, were raised in a loving and protective environment. Each had distinct personalities: Olga, the eldest, was thoughtful and responsible; Tatiana was elegant and poised; Maria was known for her beauty and kindness; and Anastasia, the youngest, was spirited and mischievous.
A Moment Captured:

The photograph likely depicts the family in one of their more tranquil moments, perhaps during a summer retreat at one of their residences such as the Alexander Palace in Tsarskoye Selo or the Livadia Palace in Crimea. These settings provided a peaceful escape from the political pressures of St. Petersburg and allowed the family to enjoy simpler pleasures like walks in the gardens, playing games, and spending time together.

Visual Details: The photograph would show Nicholas and Alexandra in elegant yet comfortable attire, reflecting their royal status but also their preference for personal simplicity. The daughters, in their charming dresses, would be seen close to their parents, indicating the strong familial bond.
Historical Reflection:

This photograph takes on a deeper significance given the historical events that followed. The Russian Revolution of 1917 led to the abdication of Nicholas II, and the subsequent Bolshevik takeover marked the end of the Romanov dynasty. The family was placed under house arrest and eventually executed in 1918, a tragic end to a family that had once symbolized the stability of the Russian monarchy.

Legacy:

Today, the image of Nicky and Alix with their daughters stands as a poignant reminder of the personal lives behind the historical figures. It humanizes the last Romanovs, showing them not as distant monarchs but as a loving family caught in the currents of history. Their story continues to captivate the world, symbolizing both the end of an era and the enduring nature of familial love.

Conclusion:

The photograph of Nicholas II, Alexandra Feodorovna, and their daughters is a touching portrayal of a family whose private joys and sorrows were overshadowed by the monumental changes of their time. It serves as a historical testament to their bond and a poignant reflection on the fragility of life amidst political turmoil.

History Buff Zone

01/13/2025

01/13/2025

01/13/2025

01/13/2025

01/13/2025

01/13/2025

01/13/2025

01/13/2025

01/13/2025

01/12/2025

01/12/2025

01/12/2025

01/12/2025

01/12/2025

01/12/2025

01/12/2025

01/12/2025

01/12/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Videos

Shortcuts

Share

Category