The Victorians Didn't Even Like Pink!

A Back in Time Bucket List

2012-01-28T08:09:00.002-05:00

One of my favorite blogs to check every day is Shorpy.com, a photo blog with images that range from the 19th through the mid 20th century. The photos hail from all over the country, as best I can tell. Some are of individual people, while others might feature historic downtown city scapes, or great historic building interiors. Just the other day (and you have to read frequently to catch everything, as there are sometimes four or five posts a day) they posted a great image of a late Victorian hotel in Tampa, Florida. The post is titled "Magic Kingdom".

From Here.

Now I don't know about you, but I find the thought of staying in such a place pretty magical myself. Today it is still standing (thankfully!) but is now used by the University of Tampa, as well as housing a museum. It is now on my so-called bucket list of historic places I would like to someday visit.

The only problem is that I would really like to see it when it first opened, when it was a luxury hotel. I would love to take tea in the dining room, sitting in the French chairs that Mr. Platt and his wife (the owners) brought back with them from Europe. Such an adventure - which is obviously a dream - is the sort of thing I love to think about, calling such dreams my back in time bucket list. Meaning that if I could magically float through time and space, this lovely hotel would be one of my stops.

I know that such a list is silly, but I suspect that a lot of you have them. After all, don't all history nuts occasionally comment "Oh, if I could go back in time and see it for myself!"? My list is a long one, full of exciting internationally significant events, elegent 19th century hotels, and quirky mid-century tourist destinations. Among the rather diverse and sometimes peculiar things I'd love to go back in time and see are:

Prince Albert's 1851 Crystal Palace Exposition

From here.

The first of the grand old world's fairs, this expostion has been remembered in countless movies and books. I suspect, however, that none of them capture half of the magic of the real thing. These expositions were such amazing conglamarations of the odd, the advanced, and the beautiful. Chicago 1893, St. Louis 1904, Chicago 1933....I'd love to have seen them all.

Disneyland, c. 1960

From here.

This one might surprise you, but truthfully, there's nothing more American than Disney. I've been to Disney World twice, and though it's not high on my list to see again at the moment, I really did enjoy it. I've never been to the original, though. Can't you just picture me flying through the sky with Peter Pan in my stiffly crinolined skirt, circa 1960?

The U.S. Capitol Dome under construction.

From here.

As a Gilded Age nut, I tend to shy away from too much Civil War history, which is, in my opinion, drastically overdone. And while I would never have wanted to have seen the war firsthand, I do sometimes wish that I could go back in time and pop magically in and out of Washington D.C., where the U.S. Capitol's big dome was then under construction. It must have been so neat to see that dome being built.

Drayton Hall, 1800

From here.

I've had the pleasure of visiting Drayton Hall in South Carolina now twice. It is a magical National Trust property that provides wonderful insight into the Carolina Gold rice culture of the early 19th century. You can just feel the grandeur of the time seeping out of the walls of this old beauty, which is still breathtaking today. I can hardly imagine, though, how much more grand it would have been in its hayday. Sigh.

So now that you've seen some of my back in time bucket list, what's on yours?

28 Is Good

2012-01-26T03:48:00.003-05:00

Today I turn 28. I was born in 1984, into an age where people still talked on the phones with cords. When very few people had a computer. When texting wasn't even considered a word.

My youth group kids probably can't imagine it.

I have to say that I really love this stage of my life. I am blessed to have work that pays the bills, and hobbies that keep my hands and mind busy. I have my wonderful Bow Tie Man, who gets more and more wonderful every day. I'm still young enough to have my parents and old enough to enjoy watching the next generation coming up. I am happy. Content. Blessed.

When I was a little girl, I remember thinking that at this stage of my life I would be all grown up. I planned to marry at 25 (which was only four years off!) and start having kids at 27. In the meantime, I was going to be a star journalist, or maybe a novelist. I would drive a sports car, or maybe a 1957 Chevy. Teal and white. With tail fins. Just like what Barbie had.

And the funniest part? I wanted to live in a Victorian house (because I used to think that was a house style) that I would paint pink with purple trim.

No joke.

Isn't that funny?

Today, though, I'm happy to report that I do NOT live in a pink and purple house. And I don't have kids. (By choice, thank you very much!) And I'm not a journalist. Or a novelist. The only thing I write these days are blog posts, or the occational historical society newsletter. And I drive a Vibe that sadly lacks tail fins.

But that's ok. Because honestly, I have all I could want and more. Good friends (including all of you ladies). A warm (non-pink) home. My parents still here, with me. A loving, generous husband.

God is so good.

Claire!

2012-01-24T12:07:00.000-05:00

I could blog about old houses today. Or the cool vintage coat I bought last week. Or about the piles of yarn I purchased while craft shopping yesterday with my mom. But instead, I'm just going to share you pictures of Claire wearing the sweater I made her for Christmas. Because she is much more fun to look!

Thoughts from the Graduating Ladies of 1926

2012-01-20T13:36:00.001-05:00

I've recently had the pleasure of reading though a yearbook from 1925. Though not my grandparents book (this one hails from my current hometown, Lansing, not Owosso, where I grew up), the book is an excellent window into the lives of high school students that were their peers in age. I particularly enjoyed reading some of the quotes, as in those days, nearly every student had one next to their name. Some are common sayings that have survived into modern times (Rome wasn't built in a day!) while others were probably originals.

Some of my favorite quotes are found next to the pictures of women - girls - which seem to have come, perhaps, from girlish novels, maiden lady aunts or Mother's etiquette book. Many have are soft and feminine, contrasting strongly with our perception of the 1920s being a time of hard and fast women. They remind us that while culture may change from decade to decade, their are still plenty of old-fashioned girls in any age.

Here are some that I enjoyed.

"Her voice was ever soft, gentle, and low, an excellent thing in woman."

"A maiden quiet and demure."

"Mine's not an idle cause."

"Modesty has more charms than beauty."

"Cultivation is as necessary to the mind as food to the body."

"She has a voice of gladness, and a smile that glides into your darker musings."

"A more noble flower on earth was never sown."

"Blessed with a pleasant and unassuming manner."

"A loyal friend without pretense, a woman of worth and common sense."

"Thy modesty's a candle to thy merit."

"Her personality is a dwelling place for all sweet sounds and harmonies."

What Did They Wear Under Their Sweaters?

2012-01-18T10:01:00.000-05:00

Ok ladies, I need some help. I recently found a lace sweater pattern that I like online. The style of it very much reminds me of something from the 1940s, and I picture it looking like a dream with a 40s style suit, of which I currently have one and someday hope to make another (when I can again face the prospect of a jacket that has 16 pattern pieces, not counting the lining. Ugh.) My only problem is that if I made this sweater, I'm going to (obviously) have to wear something underneath it. But what? The default would of course be a camisole, of which I have plenty, but I fear that's not really historically accurate. Would a woman of that era have just worn a flesh colored full length slip? That seems a little weird to me, as then you have little bits of underwear showing.... I don't know! Can any of you offer any historically accurate advice? If you have a minute, and are willing to weigh in, here's a link to the sweater.

http://www.eatsleepknit.com/cshop/product/Everyday-Lace-Pullover/1026/

Thanks!

Making History Through Love

2012-01-16T12:03:00.000-05:00

Many of us, at one stage or another in our lives, wrestle with the desire to garner some sort of fame for ourselves. Not famous in the movie star sense, or the presidential/prime minister sort - but famous on a lower, though still important level. Some of us might dream of being famous authors. Maybe we dream of winning some sort of prestigious award.

The truth, though, is that most of us are normal, ordinary people. We won't become famous to the bigger world. We won't be written about in history books. We might, though, just become famous within our little worlds. Maybe you're known to make the best chocolate cake that everyone in your family demands for their birthdays. Maybe you're the jam lady - that's me at work and church. Maybe you give the very best hugs. Or are a fantastic decorator. Maybe everyone comes to you for counsel, because they find your advice impeccable.

Within our own little circles, we are all loved for something. And with that fame, we all manage to make our way into history. Sure, no one will ever write a book about me. But someday, maybe, one of my youth group girls will teach her daughter, or granddaughter, how to make jam, and relate memories of her old youth leader. In that way, I will live on. I will be, in a sense, immortal through the memories of the people I touched. Even when I'm gone - my legacy - my "fame" - my love - will live on in the hearts of a few people that I loved.

How do I know this will happen for you and me? Because it already has happened, a million times. Most of us are old enough to have lost people dear to us - parents, grandparents, maybe a spouse or child. Yet those people live on in our hearts, our memories, our minds. My grandfather, who was born in 1911, died in 1997. I had 13 years of my life to love him and learn from him. Thus a part of him still lives on - in me. As long as I'm alive, I'll still make his recipe for Spanish rice. I'll still display his pictures on my piano. I'll keep the Bible he left me. He will never appear in a history book. He was never famous. But he loved me, and I'll never forget that.

And there are countless others. I was inspired to write this post while eating pieces of pineapple dipped in Momma S' fruit dip. Momma S, if you're wondering, is the mother of one of my friends from high school. She shared with me her recipe for perfect fruit dip years ago - equal parts cream cheese and marshmallow fluff. Simple, perfect. And though I haven't seen her in years, whenever I make it I think of her fondly. Her love and kindness will live on, as long as I am here.

The more that I think about it, the more that I think this sort of "fame" - the kind we find in our own little worlds - is the best sort to have. Because the world eventually forgets even the most famous people. But we never forget the people who loved us. The mothers who made us birthday cakes. The fathers who taught us to fish. The teachers who introduced you to your favorite book. The Sunday School teacher who helped lead you to Christ. They are the true heroes of history. They loved us, and we will never forget them.

So go out today, and make some history. Love someone.

Pen Pal Love

2012-01-14T19:29:00.002-05:00

Did any of you have pen pals growing up? I never really did, though I always wanted one. It seemed so cool, and classy. To be able to write to someone in another country, or even another state, who wanted to learn all about you and your life.

The closest I ever came to having a pen pal was a short series of letters that I exchanged with a girl who lived in the Philippines. Her little sister received a gift box that my family sent many years ago through the Operation Christmas Child program. She was out of school at the time, around 18 or 19, and she wrote quite well in English. We exchanged a few letters, and then they abruptly stopped. The last note she had sent me contained a secret - she confided in me about a boy she liked, who attended her church. He was of a higher class than she, and was apparently far out of her reach. She told me about him because telling anyone of her Phillipino friends could have started trouble. I wrote back to her telling her that I would keep her secret. Sadly, no other letters ever came, and I have always wondered if her mother, or someone else accidentally saw my letter, and learned her secret. I've always hoped and prayed that a comment I made did not cause her any trouble.

One of the most successful and pleasant stories I know of pen pals comes from my husband's aunt. She has had a pen pal for decades. The woman with whom she writes lives in England. They became friends years ago, and have not only continued to write over the years, but they have each visited each other in their home countries at least once. They talk often, I believe, and are the best of friends, despite being oceans apart from each other.

These days when I hear her pen pal stories, and think of how fun it must have been for those two ladies, who have been friends since they were girls, to meet in person, I find myself thinking of you. I have such fun reading your blogs, and sharing little tid bits of our lives with one another. In fact just the other day, as I was preparing the packages for my giveaway winners, I found myself smiling as I wrote out the addresses of friends in the States, Australia, and England. How I would love to meet some of you, my dear blog friends, in person, someday. How fun that would be!

Holiday Hat Style

2012-01-12T16:08:00.000-05:00

Here are some more photos of some of my winter hats. I wore these two over the holidays - the blue for Christmas Eve, and the dark fur (no idea what it is) on Christmas Day.

My poor excuse for only getting the photos up now is that....well....um... I don't have one. But they are cute little things, and deserved a quick show on my blog. Even if it is almost a month later. Oops.

The Books I Will Read

2012-01-10T17:45:00.001-05:00

Some of you may be familiar with my friend Erin's blog, the Books I Should Have Read, on which she talks about the books she should have read earlier in her life, but never managed to get around to. This year, in lieu of making a New Year's Resolution that involves somehow reforming myself (not that I couldn't stand some work!) I decied to follow her example, and read certain titles that have intrigued me for awhle (in some cases, for years). Now these aren't the only books I'll read - far from it! - and they aren't new books. All of them are considered, in one form or another, classics. As of yet, though, they are classics that I've managed to miss, and I'm bound to fix that!

1) David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

Start with the biggie, right? And just as a disclaimer, this list is not the order in which I plan to read them. But this book as been on my to read list for a loooong time. By the way, if you're wondering, yes, Suzanne and I did fall off the Charles Dickens bandwagon at Martin Chuzzlewhit. It was So. Contrived. But I still really like Dickens, and as this is his most autobiographical book, it is must read for me. At some point.

2) The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

Yeah, I know. It's a kid's book. But the honest truth is that a lot of the books that I've really enjoyed - Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, Daddy Long Legs - fall under that category. As the only thing I really know about the Jungle Book is from the hands of (wince) Disney, I really need to attack this one.

3) Something by Faulkner

If you think Something is one of Faulkner's books, try again. I've read one Faulkner novel - A Light in August - in high school. And while I cannot tell you much about the plot ten years later (something about an unwed mother, I think), I remember really liking it, and thinking that I should read more of his work. So I will. Any suggestions?

4) Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Another English childrens classic that I've managed to miss. I've seen many adaptations of it, including movies, the stage show, and even Peter Pan on ice (you've not lived until you've seen a crocodile on ice skates), but I've never read the book. Shame on me!

5) Emma by Jane Austen

Gasp! Shock! Clutches pearls. No, I've never read Emma. And I've always considered that to be ok. I do like Jane Austen quite a bit, but I'm not a religious devote, as many are. I have made a point, though, of picking up all of her novels, though I have not yet read them all. At present I'm lacking two from my have read list - Emma and Mansfield Park. I did like the recent BBC version of Emma, as much as anyone can actually like Emma, and now it's time for the book. At some point.

What do you hope to read in the coming year?

Christmas Jammies

2012-01-08T09:53:00.001-05:00

I was not as good about giving homemade Christmas presents this year. Now mind you - I have great plans for next year (which are so easy to make when you're a year out!) - but this year I sorta fizzled.

Not that it had anything to do with all those clothes I made for myself to take to Rome.

Oops.

Even when the crafting is down, though, I knew that I still had to make one thing - my Christmas jammies. Just like my aunt, who made me Christmas jammies for years, I try to make my "nieces" and "nephews" (who are actually all, with the exception of Claire, the children of friends) a new pair of jammies each year for Christmas.

And here they are!

For Claire and Anna - two little girls from two different families - the adorable little girl green jammies.

For Brenton, who will be four in January! I cannot believe how fast this child is growing! He gets farm jammies to go with the book Otis and the Tornado.

And here's another look at Calvin's jammies, with the funny chickens.

The Winners!

2012-01-07T11:50:00.000-05:00

The winners for my 12 Days of Christmas giveaway are:

Lot 1 - potholders and dishcloths - JoLouise
Lot 2 - snowflakes - Sarah
Lot 3 - dishcloths - Di
Lot 4 - doily - Jane

I know that I've been in touch with some of you via real mail in the past, but just to make sure I have the right addresses, can all of you lovely ladies send me yours again? You can reach me at v r marvin at sbcglobal dot net. Thanks to all of you for playing, and for reading! I hope your treats find you blessed and happy in this new year!

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway

2011-12-30T10:01:00.000-05:00

Chances are if you are American, English, or Australian (as well as French or Scottish, from what I read), you've probably heard the song the 12 Days of Christmas. The song seems to have appeared in English (it's probably French in origin) in the second half of the 18th century. It celebrates an old tradition of giving gifts after Christmas Day, for 12 days, ending with the Feast of the Epiphany, which is on January 6th. Epiphany, if you're wondering, is the day when the Christian Church celebrates the arrival of the Magi (Wise Men) at the home where Mary, Joseph, and the Christ Child were staying.

Until the 19th century - I think - the tradition of giving gifts during the 12 Days of Christmas, or even just on the Epiphany, was pretty strong. Why and how we made the switch to just Christmas Day, I'm not entirely sure. I'm not a holiday historian. But that being said, you all know how I like traditions, so here we go with a 12 (or not quite) Days of Christmas Giveaway!

Here are the different lots. There are four. Please sign up for whatever lots you would like to be entered to win by number in the comments. Also make sure there is a way to contact you. And for heaven sakes, if you like them all, please sign up for them all! No need to feel greedy! These silly little gifts are just little treats I would like to give to you. If you put a link to the giveaway on your own blog, I'll enter you for your favorite lots twice! Just let me know that you're doing this either in the comments or via e-mail (v r marvin at sbcglobal dot net.) You can sign up until midnight, January 6th, American Eastern Standard Time. I'll announce the winners the day after.

Lot 1 - Kitchen Goodies - Includes 2 nine inch quilt block potholders and three hand knit dishcloths.

Lot 2 - Snowflakes - Includes four small (about 3 inches wide and smaller) crocheted snowflakes, perfect for a little post holiday but still winter decorating.

Lot 3 - Dishcloths - A half dozen hand knit dishcloths, all slightly different in design.

Lot 4 - White Snowflake Doily - A 10 inch round white doily.

Merry Christmas!

Two Sweaters for Claire

2011-12-27T08:23:00.000-05:00

When I decided to give sweater knitting a try about a year ago, I knew that I would want to try to make something for my then soon-to-be born niece. Over the course of several months I actually managed to get two little sweaters done - one a size one (the teal) and the other a two (the purple). One for now, and one to grow into.

I made the purple sweater using a pattern that my mom has. Judging from the hairstyles of the kids in it, it was probably printed in the 1970s. I found the construction of it very interesting, as it including facings, and the whole nine yards.

The teal sweater was a much more recent project - and in truth, it should have had sleeves. Knitting in the round, know, as this pattern required, is not my strength. I was thrilled when Bow Tie Man suggested that it might actually be cute with just the little cap sleeves. Claire will never know, and Leigh seemed to like it as it is, which made me happy!

Next up in Christmas present crafting - the pjs! And come back soon for a post holiday giveaway....

Green Shawlette - Done!

2011-12-22T08:09:00.000-05:00

I'm not going to lie - I'm very proud of this piece of knitting. It's my first attempt at knitting lace, and while not error free, I am very happy with how it turned out, over all. The pattern is called Ginger Leaves. I found it and purchased it at http://www.knitpicks.com/. While a bit confusing at first (I'd never done that sort of cast on before), a couple of trips to the yarn shop for help, some consulting sessions with my mother, and I managed to get on my way.

The yarn I used for it is a sock yarn by Three Irish Girls. I really love the subtle color varigation of it. It drapes well, and was a pleasure to work with. I suspect I'll be buying more if it for future projects

Chicken Jammies!

2011-12-20T08:07:00.000-05:00

On Sunday night we went over to Zach and Erin's house for a nice relaxing dinner. We spent the evening regaling them with stories of Rome, bragging about how close we were to the Pope - four rows away - and enjoying some yummy food. The best part of the evening, though, by far, was watching Calvin and Erin open their gifts that I made them. Here is Calvin sporting the new chicken pjs that I made him. He's so cute!

Incidentally, I actually made Erin pj pants to match Calvin. She is obsessed with the idea of getting some chickens. Thus the fowl themed gift! With any luck, she might post a picture of her and Calvin in their matching duds sometime on her blog. (Hint hint!)

Trust Me - It Really Does Taste Good

2011-12-18T06:47:00.000-05:00

Anybody know what that thing is?

Anybody?

Anybody want to eat one sometime?

If you're wondering - that thing - is a grilled cheese sandwich, made with homemade bread, sharp cheddar cheese. No surprises there. The stuff on top? Homemade grape jelly. Yum-my.

It's the salt and sugar thing, if you're wondering.

If you're grossed out, I'm sorry. But it's my very favorite lunch in the whole world. I learned to eat them from my grandparents and my mother. And no, I don't think they are weird.

As I've learned, though, that everyone else apparently does.

And just so you know, it does get weirder then this. Probably the most bizarre thing I eat is my goulash conglomeration. You take a piece of white bread (preferably homemade), slather it with peanut butter (preferably Peter Pan), and spread goulash on top. Eat with a knife and a fork. (By the way, our goulash is macaroni, ground beef, tomato sauce, and sharp cheddar cheese - very unHungarian).

You probably think it sounds completely gross. But I'm betting that if I saw you eating some of your favorite foods, I might think the same thing. Because the truth is that each one of our families has their own little idiosyncrasies, even when it comes to food. They are our little private traditions, passed down from generation to generation, sure to scare visiting friends, dates, and even our spouses.

What I'd like to know, is what are yours? I love me some jelly slathered grilled cheese, but what makes you moan out of happiness, while everyone else sticks out their tongues and crosses their eyes? I suspect that each one of you has your own little weird food tradition - you just might not have figured out yet that it's weird!

Quiet History

2011-12-16T08:49:00.000-05:00

Have you ever thought of how quiet history was?

Quiet, or even silence, is not something that we do well today. Sometimes I think we are at war with quiet. Our weapons are all those noise makers in our lives - the blaring tv, the singing radio, the dinging computer, the chirping phone. Each one of these pieces of modernity seems to be a part of a larger conspiracy to keep things noisy. To keep peace from our world.

The difference throughout much of history, though, was that silence was the norm, and we had to work to fill it. Think of all of those Jane Austen novels you've read. A woman was considered accomplished if she could carry on witty conversation, or if she could play the piano, harp, or sing. Dancing - a noisy, happy, social event - could only take place if there was music being played by someone, somewhere. There was a desire to fill the silence with sophisticated, happy things.

These sounds turned on and off as the people who made them were noisy or quiet. Now, granted, throughout much of history our homes were smaller, and we had many more people living in them, thus creating a great deal of human noise. The difference, though, was that those humans could be quieted, shushed. Put to bed, and "turned off", if you will.

And yes, I know that we can turn off the noises in our world too. And we do - sometimes. We can choose not to watch tv, to mute our phones, and avoid the radio. But there is still noise. Your furnace (or air conditioner) still hums, the clock still ticks.

Noise, noise.

How historically inaccurate.

A TV Show about 2011

2011-12-14T06:48:00.000-05:00

I am not the type of person who watches a lot of tv. I am, however, a person that is highly addicted to period pieces - be they movies, good tv shows, or seriels. In general, most of my tv consumption comes from the other side of the pond. Now, however, I've finally jumped on the bandwagon everyone else has been on for the last four years - Mad Men.

I didn't want to. I watched the first episode months ago, and hated it. The victim show, was what I called it. Then I had dinner with Erin on Friday night, and she convinced me to try it again. So I did. And now in the last three days I've watched four more episodes. And counting. Oops.

As I was sewing and watching tonight (Christmas pj production is under way, full speed ahead.), I started thinking about the smoking on the show. It's constant, as it often was in the 1960s. It annoys me, slightly, as I have never been able to figure out why someone would place something that is on fire in their mouth. But if you ask anyone who was alive at the time, they will tell you that it's right on. Historically accurate, as we say on this blog. So, it's in. (By the way, they don't smoke real cigarettes - herbals.)

It makes one wonder, though, what we'll "all" be assumed to do in 50 years, when they are making those tv shows (if we still watch tv) about the olden days of the 2010s. My personal opinion is that they will have everyone texting, constantly.

Do you agree? Let me ask - if you are still alive in 50 years, and were called in to consult for a tv show about how people lived in 2010, what would you say that "everyone" did back then?

I must admit that I'm really curious to see your answers!

Dinner with Fred Harvey

2011-12-12T10:50:00.000-05:00

I first learned about Fred Harvey a few years ago, when I was reading a filmography of Judy Garland, and saw a movie listed named The Harvey Girls. Some of you who are old film buffs may have seen it. I watched it, and though I wasn't terribly impressed, the movie led me to do some digging around about the Fred Harvey food system.

My passing interest in Fred Harvey surfaced again this summer, when Bow Tie Man and I, on our anniversary, found ourselves browsing a local bookstore in the effort to soak up some much needed airconditioning. (We only have a tiny window unit in our house.) While perusing the History section, I stumbled across a book titled Appetite for America: How Visioniary Businessman Fred Harvey Built a Railroad Hospitality Empire That Civilized the Wild West. I picked up the book on a bit of a lark, and boy, was I glad I did!

The Fred Harvey Company is, according to most historians, the first food chain in America. It all started when Fred, an Englishman by birth but American by immigration, decided to purchase a small train stop restaurant and drastically upgrade both the physical elements of the restaurants, as well as the food. With that one site, a small revolution began. Soon Fred was running a dozen train stop restaurants for the Atchinson, Topeka, and Santa Fe railroads. The Fred Harvey system, as it was known, brought cleanliness and simple elegance to restaurant eating, which in America's west had been slovenly at best. Fred Harvey restaurants served their food (cooked fresh from local products, as much as possible) on real china, on Irish linen tablecloths! That must have been something to see, in those dry, dusty, western towns!

One of the most interesting things I learned while reading about Fred Harvey, was how the idea of the Harvey Girl - a female waitress in one of Fred's restaurant's - came about. Apparently Fred, like George Pullman, first attempted to hire black men to work in his restaurants, but when this method proved to be unsuccessful (thanks to his racist patrons), one of his staff suggested that perhaps young women might have a more mellowing influence in the dining room. Fred agreed to give it a try - provided the girls meet certain regulations. They had to be single, from out of town (Harvey Girls were intentionally shuttled to new locations, in the attempt to hire women who were looking to work for awhile, not just a few weeks), and sign a six month contact saying they would not marry until their time with the company was done. All the girls lived in dormatories that were overseen by a house mother. An entire American subculture was born with the Harvey Girls, that lasted well into the 20th century, when Harvey Girl reunions were often held.

Another thing I found fascinating about the Fred Harvey system was its relationship with southwestern Indian tribes. Harvey loved the southwest, and purchased large amounts of Indian art for his restaurants. The company even went so far as to open its own Indian art museum. Though highly controversial by modern historical standards (pueblo buildings were faked and the Indians, called "living fossils" were paid to make traditional crafts in them for the entertainment of white visitors), the museum was the first of its kind in the country.

The book also makes the claim that the Fred Harvey system helped create the Spanish Colonial Revival Style of architecture, though their promotion of Pueblo and Spanish inspired buildings. The company actually built many hotels and restaurants as it grew, including the El Tovar lodge at the Grand Canyon. Interestingly, Fred Harvey was the first to really pursue large scale development at the Grand Canyon. They (I say they because Fred Harvey was both a man and a company) also worked hard to lobby the national government to make the Grand Canyon a National Park.

Overall, this book was a great read. If you're interested in the history of food in America, in the post Civil War period, in the American West, in American railroads, in the Grand Canyon as a tourist destination, even in Santa Fe/Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture, you'll like this book!

Please note - this is just a personal book review, no one asked me or paid me to do it!

Tonight Was Not a Wasted Evening

2011-12-09T22:13:00.000-05:00

One of my biggest struggles in life is dealing with time. I was raised by a mother who was a doer, and I am one myself. If I'm not always doing something, I feel as though my time is being wasted.

While this mind set can lead to a highly satisfying sense of accompliment at times, most often it leaves one feeling as though they are running on a hamster wheel. There's always another project to be done. Another meal to be made. More things to sew. And knit. And embroider. And crochet.

More. More. More.

Thankfully, I have a friend who has taught me that it's ok to just relax and enjoy myself sometimes. To take some time off. After all, as she says, we are only as busy as we allow ourselves to be.

And the truth is that there really isn't anything that has to be done tonight. So I can take a night off, and go out for dinner, linger over a conversation, and accomplishment absolutely nothing.

The irony? Nights like tonight, when I did just that, sometimes feel like the greatest accomplishment of all.

A Winter Dress

2011-12-09T08:43:00.000-05:00

A couple of Sundays ago I wore this new dress to church. It was born of two needs in my wardrobe - one for winter weight dresses (it's made of gabardine fabric courtesy of my mother's stash), and one for more purple in my wardrobe. Purple is, truly, my favorite color, though you would never know it by looking in my closet, which only contains a few purple garments. Instead, my winter wardrobe tends to consist of many reds, mixed with a fair bit of black, brown, and the occasional green. Hmm. Perhaps Erin isn't the only one with color issues....

In general I'm happy with the dress, though I quickly learned that a heavy, somewhat sturborn fabric like gabardine isn't the best for pleats. I do like that it is quite warm, though, and like any dress, an easy, one stop dressing experience. (Well, except for the hat and shoes.) I suspect that I'll be making more winter dresses. In fact, I do have some lovely burgandy gabardine courtesy of Mom as well....

San Giovanni in Laterano - The Pope's Home Church

2011-12-07T11:32:00.000-05:00

When most people think of the papacy, they think of the Vatican, and St. Peter's Church. Before I went to Rome, I was the same. But while there I learned something very interesting. The Pope's official home church - and the only archbasilica in the Catholic world - is actually a different church, named for St. John the Baptist. In Italian he's called San Giovanni.

This church has a very complex and interesting history. It is located on the site of one of palaces of Constantine the Great, who gave it to the church for their use. An obelisk in the couryard outside marks the spot where tradition tells us that Constantine the Great was baptised after his conversion to Christianity. As the first Christian Roman Emporer, Constantine legalized Christianity in the entire Roman Empire. Talk about significant historical places!

Though named for St John the Baptist, the church, like all Roman Basicilas, is devoted to Christ the Saviour. Sts. John the Baptist and John the Evangelist get to share the devotion of the church as well. The artwork inside, though, reflects a much broader history of Christianity. Above the alter, a gorgeous Gothic work, St. Peter and Paul are jailed in a gilded jail, representing the time they both spent in prision in Rome before both eventually being martyered.

The art that I will always remember from this church, though, is found running all the way up the center nave. In the walls of the nave are great statues of the Apostles, each carved to show extreme motion and energy. These men all look as though they are about to stop off their platform and run out of the church, eager to preach the Gospel to the lost. I found myself very moved by these, as they are reminders of the brave men who walked the earth with Christ, watching him preach, teach, heal, and eventually, die and rise again. They are the same men who would work tirelessly to spread the Church throughout the land, despite severe persecution and the threat of death. In fact save John, the writer of the Gospel of John, the three letters from John, and the book of Revelation, all of these men would become martyers of the faith.

To see more pictures of San Giovanni, and of the trip in general, click here!

Santa Croce - Holy Cross

2011-12-05T11:31:00.000-05:00

One of the things that I enjoyed the most about Italian churches is that they are covered, from floor to ceiling, with art that glorifies God. It is almost as though the walls themselves cry out the Gospel, laid bare for every person entering the doors to see. And while I know that many who visit the churces today are tourists, more interested in taking photos then having a spiritual experience, I still think these walls, these buildings, these floors, can reach the hearts of those who who enter within. I know that my heart was moved, and my faith refreshed.

Today, another church in Florence - Santa Croce.

For a different take on Santa Croce, including photos of the famous people buried there (Dante, Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavalli - no joke) visit Bow Tie Man's blog.

Florence - The Best Part of Rome

2011-12-01T16:30:00.002-05:00

Don't get me wrong - I loved Rome. We had a fabulous time there, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. But I have to say that my very favorite place that we visited during our trip was actually Florence - or, to be more exact, the Duomo (cathedral) in Florence. And to be fair, I went with a serious appetite for seeing this building. See, I work in a domed building, and am slightly obsessed with them. I find the construction of them fascinating (as much as I can understand) and ever since learning about the famous Duomo dome, the first double dome structure in the world, I knew I wanted to go. So when, over a year ago, we started to seriously talk about going to Italy, I wanted to see Rome, but I also wanted to see the Duomo. And needless to say, I was not disappointed.

Understand why?

I'm not going to give you the full story of the dome, because I could not write it as well as others have. But there are two things about this dome that make it absolutely incredible. First, is the fact that it was self-supporting the entire time it was built. Even though it's masonry. That's huge. And secondly, the completion of this very dome - which I saw! - is considered by many historians to be the beginning of the Renaissance.

Yeah. That's one heck of a historical claim.

The interior dome fresco.

Fresco of Christ enthroned in heaven. And if you're wondering what the hole is doing there, that was part of the design long before it was frescoed.

The view looking down from outside. Cool, but really, really scary!

So I saw. I oggled. I climbed it, while clinging to my husband and hyperventilating (not quite, but you get the picture). I petted it. I did not throw up on it (which one person who went up before us apparently did). I stood on the interior balcony of it, frozen by the spell of the beautiful frescoes, my mouth literally dropped open at the beauty of it.

And when that was over, we climbed the bell tower next door. Because if 500 some steps isn't enough to climb, why not add another 400 some?

And last but not least, the baptistry. If you're shaking your head here in confusion, at one time in many parts of Europe anyone who was not baptised was not supposed to enter a church. Thus you baptised your children in the baptistry, and then walked them a few feet over to the cathedral for church. But I digress. This building is believed to have been built on the site of a pagan temple. It is much, much smaller then the Duomo, but is still amazing for the quality of the mosaic in its dome. It was truly, truly beautiful.

The funky things floating around Christ are seraphim.

What I Wore in Rome - Post 3

2011-11-30T06:28:00.000-05:00

And here's the last of the new things I wore on vacation. I did make a couple of other dresses, but decided not to take them, for a variety of reasons. The other days I wore things you've either seen before, or (gasp!) a few store bought things. Yes, it's true - I still do buy a few things in the store. But not too many.

This dress is a hybrid of two patterns put together. I wore a small crinoline under it while in Rome, as I didn't want to try and fit a big, puffy one into the luggage. Next summer I'm hoping to get some serious volume from this skirt with a bigger one. The fabric is a cotton, something I bought about a year and a half ago when I went to Kentucky for the big quilt show there. It was a steal - $3 a yard - which is why I bought six yards of it. This dress ate up about 5 yards of it, or so.

At the Aqua Ducts.

I've actually worn this blouse a few times since making it last summer, but kept forgetting to have Bow Tie Maqn post it. It's a pattern that looks boring on the package, but works up very nicely. Butterick 4132. I highly recommend the draped neckline if you're small busted, like I am. It helps add a little bit of imaginary curve there!

What I Wore in Rome (and Florence) - Post 2

2011-11-28T06:16:00.000-05:00

What I wore to the Appian Way. More fabric from Pat. This day was a very long one.....let's just say that it took us about four miles of walking along the side of a busy road before the green part of the Appian Way began. Ugh.

Florence! Oh my gosh, I am so in love with the architecture of this city. The churches, including this one, the Duomo, are gorgeous! You'll be seeing many more pictures of them in the coming posts! And at some point you'll be seeing more of this dress, which we forgot to get a good photo of. Ugh!

Me at the top of the Duomo dome, hanging on for dear life. That's the bell tower in the background.

Me in the bell tower, also hanging on for dear life. That's the Duomo dome behind me, one of the wonder's of Renaissance architecture!

At Santa Maria Maggorie in Florence. This dress is simple and very comfy - plus, no zipper! I highly recommend it. I't's Simplicity 4190 - a modern pattern. If you like comfy dresses, go pick this one up.

At Pompeii, which was a bit of a disappoint. It's a modern retro-looking pattern, See and Sew 5446. I will most certainly be making this pattern again as well!

What I Wore In Rome - Post 1

2011-11-26T06:16:00.000-05:00

Guess where we've been the last two weeks? We headed out for our trip to Rome on November 11, and came home this past Thursday, November 24. Friday was spent recovering, and today, Saturday, will be between baking and Christmas shopping with my best girlfriend, Alison, who is up for the holiday (Thursday was Thanksgiving here in the States) from Ohio. The jetlag is still lagging - hence the fact that I'm witing this post before 6:00 am, an hour I don't enjoy seeing on weekends. But as it's nearly noon in Rome, where my brain still thinks I must be, I'm up whether I want to be or not!

Rome was, as you might imagine, fantastic. That being said, Bow Tie Man managed to shoot nearly 5,000 photos, even when he couldn't take photos inside many of the buildings we visited. We saw many, many beautiful historical churches, and a fair bit of Roman ruins as well. I'll be posting about them on and off over the next several weeks. But in the meantime, here is the post I've been promising for so long, that includes many of the outfits that I made to take with us! Some of the photos were shot from the balcony of our hotel (the Sofitel), and others were taken at some of the places we visited.

My black and white gingham. You've seen it before, but it's still one of my very favorites. I wore this one to Palatine Hill on our first day.

A modern Vogue redo. This dress caused me great consternation in the making of it, but I do like the look. I wore this the day we went to the Colosseum.

The Vaitcan dress. This is made from the same pattern as the black and white gingham, except that the skirt is straight. This one is one of my very favorites.

Here's me mid climb of St. Peter's dome! Yes, I am terrified of heights, but the climb was totally worth it.

A detail of the Vatican dress. The fabric was given to me by a dear friend, Pat. I love how it has a border on it.

And of course, when at the Vatican, one must send Vatican mail! (Now if only those post cards would actually arrive!)

The dress I wore to meet the Pope. Ok - not really. But we did attend one of his Wednesday audiences in St. Peter's Square. If little non-Catholic me can say this, it was pretty stinking cool. At one point, when he was circulating around in his Pope-mobile, we were about four rows from him. Seriously. Which means that my list of people I've always wanted to see in person has now been cut in half - just the Queen of England to go!

More Rome outfits coming soon!

The Pink Sweater - Finished!

2011-11-25T07:18:00.001-05:00

So just in case you're wondering, no, I do not knit sweaters at super human speed. The sweaters I've posted here in the last few weeks are all things that I've been working on for several months, in most cases. And this is the last you'll see for awhile, as at present I'm busy with Christmas projects, which won't be revealed for awhile!

I have to admit that I'm not 100% happy with this sweater pattern. The pattern is called Plenty of Zip, and it is part of the Leisure Arts Wardrobe Favorites by Lisa Ellis. The body fits ok, but the sleeves are too big for my liking. If you happen to make this pattern, I would recommend knitting down a size, as I went up a bit, to make sure I would have room for a turtleneck. I should not have worried about it, though. It is very cuddly, thanks to the soft Mary Maxim brand yarn that I use. It will be nice this winter when it's cold.

Baby Seat, Circa 1900

2011-11-23T10:27:00.001-05:00

I think this chair is both really, really cool, and also slightly terrifying. I'm not sure that I'd subject Claire to sitting in it, but then again, it has lasted 100 plus years. (Which is more then we'll be able to say about today's baby furniture in 100 years!) It was on display the last time Bow Tie Man and I visited The Henry Ford museum, and as soon as I saw it, I knew I had to blog about it.

I love the spiderweb designs on the top corners, and I love the fact that you seem to be able to remove the seat from the swing and change it into a rocking chair. And I also love the fact that there are no pink elephants on it. I mean - really. (And I know I say this as a non-mom - judge away.) Does everything associated with babies have to be pastel and plastic?

And the best part? No batteries required!

The Onion Hat

2011-11-21T10:02:00.001-05:00

I wore this hat to church a couple of Sundays ago. It was the first time I'd pulled it out of the box, after receiving it as a gift from a friend at church. His wife had passed away a few months before, and this hat was one that she wore many years ago. I will admit that I wasn't entirely sure about it at first, as I've never been the 'feather hat' sort of person, but it struck my fancy that Sunday morning, and I plunked it on my head. After all, I've been wearing my silly little hats to church now for years, and it takes quite a bit to get someone to bat an eye at them now.

Leave it, though, to one of my youth group girls to officially christen the hat with a title. She came up to hug me at greeting time, giggled softly, and said "Your hat looks like it's made of onions!" to which I laughed. So that's what it is now - the onion hat.

After Christmas Shopping

2011-11-18T08:12:00.004-05:00

It may not make much sense to see a post with this name in November, but the truth is that every year, this time of year, I start to yearn for a little bit of after Christmas shopping. Not because I don't shop before Christmas - as the gift buyer in our family, I most certainly do. But this is a different sort of shopping. See, this time of year finds me scurrying to finish up gifts for Christmas, which means lots of crafting or other people. Which is fun - don't get me wrong. January, however, brings with it the chance to begin a new cycle of crafting, as the next family birthday doesn't hit until March, when Baby Claire will be one!

Here's a peak as to what is on my list to knit this next year - ideally. I will readily admit that these patterns are all challenging, and I may not be brave enough to try them all. Incidentally, if you see something you like here, these are all free patterns, so help yourself!

The Katherine Hepburn - Because we all enjoy how much (gag) I enjoy knitting lace. I'll make the longer, shown in raspberry yarn.

http://www.knittingdaily.com/media/p/30857.aspx

The Beatnick Sweater - 1960s Inspired. I love it, but am not sure I can handle all of that cabling.

http://knitty.com/ISSUEdf10/PATTbeatnik.php

The Marjorie Sweater. Would this be great in black?

http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring08/PATTmarjorie.html

Aprons in Women's Day Magazine, 1964

2011-11-16T08:00:00.001-05:00

I think I amuse the old ladies of our church with my retro styles and silliness. One of them brings me things, occasionally, that she is attempting to clean out of her house. Some of the things are a bit silly, but others, do strike my fancy. Like this spread of aprons, circa September 1964. Some of them are quite cute (tell me your favorites in the comments, please!), and I would love to someday replicate them as dresses, even!

The Impossible Has Happened

2011-11-14T09:51:00.001-05:00

Ready for a surprise?

Ready?

Ready?

Ok - here goes. I, Valerie Marvin, of this blog, have found a modern fashion trend that I like.

Gasp.

Choke.

Reaches for water glass.

Hellooooooooooooo- still there with me?

Now don't get me wrong - this isn't an exactly up to the minute trend. It's been out there for a couple of years in some parts of the country, but I didn't come across it until this past spring while browsing ravelry.com. (Anyone else out there spend an absurb amount of time of that site?) And I'm not entirely sure what it's called - the reverse shawlette? The lace bandana? I don't know, but I like it.

By the way, why did no one tell me that blue and green look great together before? I apparently had to live 27 years before I could figure this out!

Even though it's modern.

The impossible can happen!

Bringing Some Vintage Style to Your Wardrobe

2011-11-11T10:23:00.000-05:00

Though I have not always been a fan of fall, I find myself becoming more and more fond of the season every year. One of the reasons I love fall is that it brings about a change in wardrobe, from the light cotton sundresses of summer to the heavy, warm jackets, slacks, and suits of winter. It gives us ladies a chance to reevaluate our wardrobe strengths and weaknesses, and to set our sites on the pieces we'd like to acquire to spruce it up a bit. And it also gives us a great chance to add a bit of vintage style to our looks. If vintagizing your wardrobe is a fall and winter goal for you, here are some tips!

1. Put on a Pin
Over the last couple of weeks I've found myself watching old episodes of the Dick Van Dyke Show while knitting and doing some simple sewing. One thing that's struck me about Mary Tyler Moore's wardrobe on the show is the number of pins she wore. Whenever you see her outside of the home, dressed up for entertaining, she always has some sort of pin on the shoulder of her suit or coat. Vintage pins are inexpensive and easy to find at antique stores, and add a bit of polish quickly! If you put a pin on a coat, though, remember to wear it on the opposite shoulder as your purse, as you don't want it to catch on the straps.

2. Suit Up in a Suit
Back in the days when I shopped for clothes, I had a problem with buying lots of seperates. When I started sewing I inititally made the same mistake, but learned, over time, to begin to think in outfits, instead. Now, if I find myself with a great piece of suiting material, I buy enough to actually make a real suit - another staple of vintage fashion. Vintage styled suits can consist of either a matching jacket and skirt, or a matching dress and jacket. Either way, they are a great, quick way to look traditionally stylish!

3. Put on the Pantyhose
Apparently, thanks to Kate Middleton, pantyhose are back in style again. Which is good, because despite the fact that I am not a huge fan of them, they are a must for dress and skirt wearers as the temps drop. Traditionally, vintage ladies always covered their legs, first with silk stockings, and then, post World War II, with nylons. Want to have some fun? Buy a reproduction pair with a seam up the back. I don't own any yet, but really, really want some!

4. Have Fun With Fur
Now I know that some of you may not be fans of fur, but the truth is that the look is pure mid-century style. Back in the pre PETA days, starlets and housewives alike draped themselves in mink, ermine, or, for the more budget minded, even squirrel when going out for an evening on the town. Now I know that for many of us a nice fur coat is out of the budget. But think about adding a little piece to your wardrobe this fall/winter, even if it is fake! One of my favorite looks is fur trimmed leather gloves, or maybe even a muff!

A Morning Affair with Music

2011-11-09T10:37:00.001-05:00

Every year, about this time in the fall, something inspires me to reignite my love affair with my piano. I like to play in the mornings, after I've dressed and breakfasted, just as Bow Tie Man is getting up. The house is still quiet inside, with plenty of shadows in the dark corners. In this peaceful setting the music comes slowly, carefully, wrong notes turning to right, melodies slowly escaping from the keys.

This morning was my first time at the piano in awhile. I tend to practice for two reasons, both of which are motivated largely by fear. The first is when a sub job at church is looming. There's nothing like the thought of 100 people listening, after all, to put the fear of you-know-what into you. The second is the prepare for my yearly grapple with 'Sleigh Ride', the duet my mother and I have played every Christmas since I was about 14.

With any luck, after a few timid mornings of plunking about, I begin to find my musical grove again at the keys. In truth, I should be a much better pianist then I am. I did, after all, take lessons for ten years. But those ended about ten years ago. And in the meantime, I've let my skills slide. Once upon a time, with practice, I could play relatively challenging classical pieces. My favorite was probably 'The Sunken Cathedral' by Debussy, my favorite composer for the piano. I used to be able to pound out those bass chords from memory, lost in the magic of the piece.

Today, on the other hand, I'm generally happy to play a hymn in the proper key, or trudge my way through the accompaniment of an old camp song. ('Seasons of Love', anyone?) At Christmas I consider it a success if I can play the chorus of 'Winter Wonderland' without looking at the page. But somewhere, deep down inside of me, I want to play more. I want to feel the music again, instead of just searching for the notes with desperate fingers. I want to be able to tackle those Debussy preludes, buried deep in my piano bench. I want to attempt those early 20th century rags that belong to my great-grandmother, who studied music at the Detroit Conservatory of Music over one hundred years ago.

I want. I want.

But that takes practice. And patience. And a musical work ethic that I haven't had in ten years. When I was good I used to play an hour a day. Today I'm lucky to play an hour a month.

Yet I wonder if, with a slight shift in priorities, I could change that. If could get back into the swing of things again, maybe just a couple of days a week.

I wonder.

Pardon Me Ma'am, But Are You Wearing A Dead Animal On Your Head?

2011-11-06T09:55:00.000-05:00

"Ahem." Clears throat. "Doesn't everybody?"

Ok - I know I'm a little far fetched here. But once upon a time, women did wear fur on a regular basis. I think the trend died out in the late 1960s, when hats and stoles fell out of fashion in the mod era.

This little pill box that I'm sporting came from the estate of my friend Erin's grandmother. It's a lovely piece, presumably, if the box is to be believed, purchased at the magical old Hudson's department store in downtown Detroit. The store, unfortunately, closed in the 1980s. But the magic of Hudson's lives on still, in little mid-century pieces like this one.

By the way, if you're wondering about the variety of fur I'm sporting, it's ocelot. Yes, that's right. Not only am I wearing fur (gasp! clutch pearls!), but I'm actually wearing an endangered species. (You should of seen the look of horror on the face of one of my youth group kids, who wants to be a zoo keeper, when she realized this on Sunday.) As it was killed, though, at least 50 years ago, I have a hard time with someone taking offense to it. Fur was once very fashionable - and still can be today.

Speaking of which, Bow Tie Man, wouldn't a little black fur cape or stole look lovely with this?

The Ubiquitous American Lawn

2011-11-04T10:30:00.002-04:00

The things you can find online are amazing, aren't they?

On Thursday afternoon I was settling in for my daily browse of the New York Times headlines, when an article titled "Sheep Lawn Mowers, and Other Go-Getters" caught my eye. Just the other night Bow Tie Man and I were regaling a work friend with his dreams of becoming a gentleman farmer, which includes someday owning sheep. Now I will readily admit that I know nothing about sheep, other then what I've learned from the presenters at Greenfield Village. The article, instead, got my mind going in other way - the history of the ubiquitous American lawn.

American lawns are, I've heard, a little weird. Very few countries have lawns like we do, from what I know. In most places in the world, if you live in the city, you have no lawn. And if you live in the country/rural area, you have fields. And outbuildings. And not a whole lot of lawn. So why in the world, then, do we?

(Now I'll pause to warn you here that I'm making this up as I go along. I've never taken a class on the history of landscaping, but I have picked up a few things about American landscape history here and there, in various articles and books.)

Personally, I would argue that we largely inherited our lawns, the very epitome of wealth (because who really needs perfectly useless grass growing around their house?) from the Brits. Ah - yes. Blame the mother country. Britain is, after all, a country where owning land was reserved for the few and the wealthy. Peasants rented their land from the area lord, and often planted every inch of it that they could with things to eat. Only the very rich could allow their land to sit fallow and grow nothing but grass. Thus the lawn is a status symbol, first and foremost.

Then again, the grass on landed estates did serve a purpose, as it was often the site of animal grazing. The only issue with that is that animals do not always leave behind the neatest, smartest looking grass. Thus if you really had money, you would want a person to cut the grass for you instead, thereby producing a neater, more uniform lawn. And flaunting your wealth.

On this side of the ocean, the first real green lawns, if you will, were actually community property. They were called village greens, and were located in the very middle of a village, often in front of the local church. These spots were again used largely for the grazing of local city animals.

For those who lived in the country side, lawns were recommended as a status symbol of sorts. In his mid 19th century publications, Andrew Jackson Downing, an amateur architect and landscape architect, praised lawns as symbols of civilization and advancement. The trend would continue through the 19th century, when even the city dwelling middle class begin to want their own green spaces. Unlike their country cousins, though, these city folk went a step further and fenced their lawns in, thereby decorating them, like the good Victorians they were.

By the 20th century, even the smallest, simplest houses owned by the working class came with lawns. A lawn was seen as a healthy place for children to play. Playing on the lawn became an important part of childhood, and suddenly, parents who could not provide a lawn for their children now shouted for city parks - the newest form of the village green. The only difference being, of course, that the creature playing on the green was named Jimmy the child, not Bessie the cow!

Over the years, the drive to maintain a perfect lawn has lead us down the road of gas powered lawn mowers, weed killers, fertilizers, and any other chemical you can imagine. Add to that the absurd amount of water some people waste maintaining their lawn, and you have a modern environmental problem. Some cities in the dry American west, in fact, now offer tax credits for NOT having a lush green lawn in front of their home. Others, instead, apparently just rent out the local sheep! (If you're confused by that last sentence, read the article I mentioned above.)

Do you have a lawn? And if yes, how much work do you put into maintaining in?

Wonderful, Wonderful Wolverine

2011-11-02T08:28:00.001-04:00

Do you ever have dreams so intense and realistic that when you awaken, it's hard to remember that the dream wasn't real? I do. Last night, I did. Last night I dreamt I was back at Wolverine, a tiny little camp in northern lower Michigan (that makes sense if you live here) that I attended for five summers between seventh and twelfth grade. In the opinion of many music teachers - including my own high school director - Wolverine wasn't much. Just 130 kids, a few high school choir directors from around the state, and one week in the summertime. But for many of us who attended, it was magic.

I first went to Wolverine when I was about 13 years old. I was an awkward teenager who didn't quite know how awkward she was. I had never been to camp before, but after winning a choir scholarship to camp, I packed up my bags and went. And there I found a love that last five summers. The music that we sang there seemed somehow different. Sure - the songs were Broadway show tunes, some religious pieces, songs about friendship, love, and losing. They really weren't really different from what many middle schools and high school choirs sing. But when you sang them with 129 other people who really, really loved music, and tried their best, those songs became magical. Beautiful. Special in a way that no other songs ever could be.

I'm not sure what it was, but something made Wolverine different from any other place I've ever been. It might have been the setting, in the woods. It might have been all of the friends I had around me - one year there were about 20 kids from Owosso who went. It might have been the directors, one of whom, Mr. Rudland, still ranks among the best I've sung under. It might have been the aerobics at 7 am in the morning with Mr B (though I doubt that).

Wolverine was the place where I found my head voice (don't expect that to make sense if you're not a singer). It was the first place that I was moved to tears while performing a concert. It's where I learned about human cinnamon rolls, the orange game, and the thrill of sneaking off in the woods for a walk with friends.

There are so many memories from Wolverine floating around in my mind that it is hard to make sense of them sometimes. It was years ago - 10 summers since my last visit, to be exact. And today there's nothing to visit - the camp no longer functioning, the spell broken. But it's still so raw and real to me when I dream about it, that I would do nearly anything to transport myself back, just for one day. Back to hearing Charbs playing the piano, back to learning dance steps with Mr. B. Back to singing, just one more time, under the direction of Mr. Rudland.

I close my eyes and I'm there again, the breeze blowing around us, the sound of young, earnest and beautiful voices floating heavenward.

An 'I Survived the Weekend!' Giveaway!

2011-10-31T09:55:00.000-04:00

And, it's Monday! Finally! Not that I generally find myself looking forward to Monday, but this past weekend was a busy one. Yesterday my friend Suzanne came over after church and we canned about 35 quarts of homemade applesauce. Friday and Saturday were spent in Owosso with my mother, putting together and then working a craft show at her church. We had a table of little homemade odds and ends that grossed a few dollars for the cause (making a payment on the church's new welcome center). I intended to take my camera and take photos to share with you all, but in good Valerie fashion, I completely forgot it. That's the problem of living with someone who constantly takes photos - you never remember to bring your own camera, and as Bow Tie Man didn't come along (because what man likes a craft show?), I have no pictures.

Sigh.

But I do have leftovers!

Which brings me to the heart of today's post - a giveaway!

Now you could look at this giveaway as an overly energetic crafter's attempt to rid herself of some items that she really doesn't need, and doesn't care to store, post craft show. Or, you could look at it as a genuine show of love and affection for her blog friends. After all, what's better then giving handmade goodies to the people you love to chat with online every day? (Did I sugar coat that enough?)

Anyway, here's what I'm offering today. (That's a hint, ladies, that there will be another giveaway or two coming up.) A ten inch (or so) white doily, crocheted by yours truly. The pattern is called Snowflake.

To enter once, leave a comment! To enter a second time, post a link to the giveaway on your own blog, and send me an e-mail (v r marvin at sbc global dot net) with a link to your post. All entries must be in by this Friday at noon, American Eastern Standard time. I'll post the winner this weekend!

My Sunday Hat

2011-10-28T09:35:00.000-04:00

The reason that it's been quite awhile since I've done a Sunday hat post is because I've been wearing my same summer hats for the last several months. Now that the cooler weather is back, though, I've got some great "new" (new to me) headgear to show off.

First up - a chic little hat from the early 1960s, I would guess, that's a giant black bow. It does have a veil on it, but as the veil is rather wrinkly, and as Bow Tie Man hates veils (he always tells me I look like a bee keeper in one), I just tucked it up underneath. This is a great little hat that will soon become a wardrobe staple, I think.

Two Finished Sweaters!

2011-10-26T09:40:00.000-04:00

Even though I finished this sweater a couple of months ago, I've not managed to have Bow Tie Man to photograph it until this past weekend. Since I was wearing a black dress, which goes with virtually anything, and since he was in a good mood, we did a photo shoot. So, in order of construction, here are the first two sweaters that I've made myself!

Here's a detail of the pattern. This one has even earned me what most people suppose to be the ultimate compliment "It doesn't even look homemade!" Because, you know, all homemade things are apparently supposed to look like crap. Grrr..

And lastly, because I'm always looking for an excuse to share more pictures of my little adorable niece (now working on her 7th month!), here we are at The Henry Ford Museum this past weekend. Isn't she adorable?

I Want To Live In A World....

2011-10-24T09:35:00.000-04:00

....where everyone lives in houses like this

....and vegetables are sold in cans wrapped in Aesthetic labels

....and real plate is used at every meal

.....and there is evidence of handiwork in every home.

The photos in this post were taken by Bow Tie Man at Greenfield Village this past weekend.

A Hint of Christmas

2011-10-21T09:27:00.002-04:00

Last evening as I picked a few things around the house, I found myself tucking a couple of doilies from my grandmother into the top drawer of our little chest that sits in the dining room. As soon as I opened the drawer, I found myself closing my eyes and breathing in deep. The smell that filled my nose was that of the Christmas candles that we used last year for our advent wreath. And oh, how sweet they smelled. Suddenly, everything I love about Christmas came rushing back, leaving me dreaming of this coming December.

Wrapping presents.
Drinking hot tea, with plenty of milk and sugar.
Candy cane Christmas cookies.
Pulling out Grandma and Grandpa's old Christmas decorations.
Setting up the nativity.
Dressing the tree.
Watching those funny little claymation Christmas specials, like Rudolph,
Buying and making present for the people I love.
Our traditional Christmas feast of meatballs and noodles.
Sewing pjs for our friends' children (and inevitably having my sewing machine malfunction along the way).
Lighting the advent candles every night for dinner.
Singing and playing the carols of the season.
The little Christmas village that sits on the piano.
Wondering at the fact that God came to earth.

Oh, how I love the Christmas season!

1960s and 1970s Knitting Patterns

2011-10-19T09:35:00.001-04:00

At present I'm in the midst of knitting my third sweater. I'm really starting to gain some knitting confidence (well, until I pick up this monsterous little shawlette on which I seem to be incapable of getting past row 18), and I really, really like the prospect of some new sweaters to wear. At present I'm at a very dangerous stage - just excited enough to start buying any sort of pattern that I like, though I'm not really good enough yet to actually make them.

Oh, Mother dear!

(My mother has been knitting since I was born. Needless to say, she has gotten many a knitting s.o.s. from me!)

That being said, I'm not soaking loads of money into patterns at this point....however I am more then willing to pick up some vintage patterns when they are marked $.25 each at my favorite used book source. Here's a sampling of what I found last week.

The basics. I really like the top right one, worn with a scarf. I wonder if I could pull it off without looking like a cowboy!

Very lovely, though I don't know what color I would make it in. Not canary yellow!

A nice simple, cozy sweater for lazy Saturdays.

And here's where I need your help. What colors would you recommend for each one?

What Would You Put In A Museum?

2011-10-16T21:35:00.000-04:00

I've spent a lot of time lately thinking about what sort of historical museum I would have, if I could magically create exactly what I wanted, where I wanted, full of objects that I love. And I will tell you, that I'm having a hard time getting my mind around it. Personally, I think that a good museum is one part sound history, one part entertainment, and one part nostalgia. Or maybe even a part and a half of nostalgia.

I always loved visiting the Henry Ford Museum as a kid and hearing my parents tell stories about staying in those little concrete Holiday Day Inn cabins and motels, or eating their very first McDonald's meal, ever, while standing next to neon lit arches with the old McDonald's hamburger man. Knowing that my parents experienced those things made them all the more magical for me, and really made that history come alive.

As I age, I find that I am also developing a nostalgia for the things of my childhood. I find myself thinking about the objects and personal history stories that I want to someday share with my niece Claire. And I can't help but wonder what sorts of things I should be writing down and recording for her someday. Or, on a bigger scale, what I should be recording for that someday museum, that's out there in a dream cloud somewhere.

So let me ask you. If you were to create a museum designed to attract people with a deep love of and nostalgia for 20th century things, what would you include?

Hi. My Name is Valerie, and I'm Scared Of Vogue Patterns.

2011-10-12T21:43:00.002-04:00

I am not exactly a brave person. I'm scared of many things.

Finding a cockroach in my shoe at work. (When you work in the basement of an 132 year old building, it could happen.)

The chance of getting bed bugs.

Hot food.

Spike heals (I have no balance!).

Sports - any sports. I'm basically afraid of them all.

And Vogue patterns.

In general, I am not one to confront these fears, prefering instead to avoid them all at any cost. Except for the last one. Because while I am deathly afraid of Vogue patterns, I also happen to love the artfulness of their designs. Particularly their vintage line.

The problem, though, is that it's getting to be sewing crunch time for Rome. I only have a few more weeks before we fly out, and I'm down to three things I want to sew before we leave. All three are complicated reproduction patterns, two of which are vintage Vogue.

And then just for the heck of it, one from Decades of Style, that I plan to make out of $20 a yard green silk. Because I'm so brilliant.

Gulp.

So if I'm not around here very often in the next few days, you know why. I'll be off trying to slay those vintage sewing dragons.

It's Over! And Even Better, It Was A Success!

2011-10-10T21:31:00.000-04:00

If you've ever spent several months of your life planning an event that had the potential to be a complete crap shoot, you know exactly how I feel right now. Last Saturday night was the Historical Society of Greater Lansing's silent auction, which as society president, has taken up a great deal of my life for the last six months. I am absolutely thrilled to report that it was a rousing success! I've heard nothing but good things from the people who attended (over 100!) and am very happy to report that we seem to have made a significant profit on the event, particularly considering the fact that it's our first year!

And I do want to thank all of you who encouraged me along the way, who donated items for the auction, who bought tickets, purchased items, and in general listened to my whining, moaning, and groaning over the last few months. I could not have survived this process without your support! Thank you very, very much!

By the way - if you're wondering what we're doing with the money we raised, it will be used to begin work to establish a local Lansing area historical museum. Because despite being the capital city, we don't have one. And there's a group of us who think that fact needs to change.

Step one - accomplished. Steps 2-99 - stay tuned!

The Modern Great Hall?

2011-10-06T23:43:00.001-04:00

Last night as I was stitching away on a jacket I found myself watching one of the episodes of The Tower, an eight part documentary about the Tower of London that showed a few years ago in the UK. The episode that I was watching was all about the historic use of the Tower as a palace, which ended around the time of the Tudors. This part of the Tower is now largely gone, so they had to travel to a few other locations to show what parts of it may have looked like during the Tudor period, including the Great Hall.

See, life in the Tudor times was very different. Most people lived in homes that had two rooms at best. One was called the hall, the other would be called the parlor. The hall was for living - cooking, eating, rearing the kids, manual work, and all the rest. The parlor, if you were fortunate enough to have one (and not have your cow living in it, as poor farmers then often shared their homes with their stock), was set aside for sleeping and entertaining. It was a "special" place.

The concept of a hall, of course, even existed at the top of the ladder. The Great Hall in a palace was where the big feasts were held, where people danced, and often, where the servants slept at night. The hall was where the court "lived", though they of course at seperate, more elite rooms for the king such as a presence chamber, or even sleeping rooms. Yet every day, though, he still returned to the hall to make merry. It was the space for living.

Over time, though, the trend was for the more wealthy to split up their big common spaces into seperate rooms. And it continued to be, right up through the 19th and into the 20th century. The more rooms you had, the more privacy you had - a luxury of the rich. More rooms also meant that you had the money to heat and decorate them. Plus, your life was complicated enough, between living, dining, entertaining, reading, sleeping, bathing, etc. that you needed different rooms for all of these activities. See how they are very much a status symbol?

What stuck me, though, is that it seems as though for the last 50 years or so, we're actually going back in the opposite direction. Sure, we don't call them halls anymore, but don't you think the same concept is there? Do all of your living/eating/working, etc. in one big room? For awhile we called them family rooms. But now I don't even know if the word room is even used. Instead, the first floors of new homes are simply living space, which flows from one area to the next to the next, with few walls and no doors seperating the cooking area from the dining area, to the living area, etc.

Out of curiosity, how does it work at your house? Do you prefer rooms, or are you more of a modern great hall sort of person?

Because I Can

2011-10-04T06:42:00.000-04:00

I think most of you would agree that there are houses (the average) and houses (the special). I happen to live in the first - as do most of you, I suspect. But out there are a very few lucky people who live in the houses that take one's breath away when you walk past.

What makes a house is often the detailing and ornamentation. As is the case in this beautiful home, located in Austin, TX. I saw it when I was visiting there a few years back, and have never stopped admiring it. It's as though the homeowner said to the builder, as the house was being finished, "Let's put as much cast iron ornamentation on as possible. Just because we can." And the builder took him at his word.

Gorgeous.

Yarn, Books, and Fabric

2011-09-30T23:13:00.000-04:00

I often find myself struggling with the fact that the blog posts that I like to write (diatribes about history) and the posts I like to read (about things like books, craft projects, etc.) are sometimes quite different. So here's my attempt to lighten it up a little bit, and give you a sneak peak into the little pleasures that are stealing my extra minutes right now.

No, it's not orange. It's actually a bright, pretty rose color.

Among the things that are making me completely and totally happy right now is this project. It will be a zip front cardigan when it's done. I've finished the back, and am currently knitting one of the front sides. The yarn is soft (and was cheap!) and nice and bright - perfect for those cold winter days when you need to reach for another layer. And I must admit that I am rather proud of the fact that I have not yet had to call my mother and beg for help with any parts of this pattern (yet!) - a first for me!

Moving on, let's talk about books. I picked up this book at the library at the suggestion of my best girlfriend, Alison, and finished it in less then 48 hours. It's a novel about a girl who grew up in the foster care system, who finds her pleasure in, and communicates using, the Victorian language of flowers. It doesn't sound that good, but it really is. I do recommend it.

Sorry about the funky photo, the jacket is in progress and a bit hard to lay out flat. Plus, I stink as a photographer!

I know it's been awhile since I posted about any sewing. No, I haven't stopped, but yes I have slowed down, considerably. I still have a stack of things I would like to finish pre-Rome, though, including this project, a jacket. It's a modern pattern, but I think it has a 1960s look to it. Here's the fabric I'm using - a nice black and cream plaid I bought on clearance at Joanns.

The Driehaus Museum

2011-09-28T21:04:00.003-04:00

If you ever find yourself with an hour or two to spare in Chicago, stop by the Driehaus Museum. Built in the last quarter of the 19th century, it is the most beautiful 19th century home I've ever seen on this side of the ocean. It is truly lovely, on a scale that one doesn't often see in this part of the world.

The exterior of the building is stone, which has, of course, darkened considerably over the years, thanks to Chicago's pollution. As a part of the restoration of the home, which was undertaken by Chicago businessman and philanthropist Richard H. Driehaus in 2003 and completed in 2008, the stone was cleaned. On the cloudy day when we visited, though, it still appeared somewhat dark in color.

The dining room, which was awash with warm honey colored woods. The home is absolutely jam packed with gorgeous woodwork, carved at a level that I've never seen before firsthand.

The mantle in the music room. Like many museums, the Driehaus Museum does not allow flash photography, making it difficult to capture well. If you enjoy these pictures, I would highly recommend visiting the museum's website, which is awash in lovely photos and interesting information about the house's history.

A closer look at the amazing woods found in the dining room. As luck would have it, Mr. Driehaus, the home's current owner, is also said to be the largest private collector of Tiffany glass in America. The home is filled with many of his pieces, including, I believe, this standing lamp. Needless to say, it's probably worth more then my home and its contents.

Moorish inspired tilework in the smoking room. The color in these tiles was absolutely amazing.

The woodwork in the music room. I love how the blossoms seem to be growing right out of the grain.

Bedroom wainscoting, from the second floor. There are actually four different inlaid patterns found in just the wainscoting of this one room. I've never seen this much attention paid to the woodwork in a bedroom before.

And let's not forget the bedroom mantels. This one made me smile, as the little onion domes on it remind me of Russian Orthodox Church domes.

And let's not forget the main hall, which contains 17 types of marble. At the base fo the staircase there are giant lamps, which sit upon these lovely brass dragons.

Another look at some of the marbles, lit by beautiful sconces.

And lastly, my favorite feature of the home (I think - so hard to choose!), the beautiful stained glass dome, found in the old conservatory. The light coming through this was simply breathtaking.

The Chicago Theatre

2011-09-26T22:05:00.001-04:00

A moment ago I wrote a long, rambling, not-very interesting blog post about the Chicago Theatre in downtown Chicago. Bow Tie Man and I visited it a few weeks ago, and found it to be absolutely lovely - a true picture palace. Instead of that post, though, I'm going to do something different. If you're interested in a history of the building (it opened in 1921), go here. If you're interested in some architectural eye candy, there are photos below. They tell the story of this grand old place much better then I can tonight.

The hallway from the State Street entrance.

The entryway. Yes, it really is that lovely in person, too.

Elegant plasterwork and once of many lovely chandeliers.

The theater's interior.

And for my mother, the original theater organ. Doesn't that look like it would be fun to play?

My Sentiments Exactly

2011-09-23T18:48:00.000-04:00

One of the many things that I completely adore about the 18th and 19th centuries is the level of workmanship that young girls and women achieved with their needles. I seriously doubt that I could ever work a piece of embroidery like this on linen. But oh, how I have contemplated trying!

How blest the Maid whom circling years improve

Her God the object of her warmest love

Whose useful hour's (sic) successive as they glide

The book, the needle, and the pen divide.

This sampler is found in a recent edition of Antiques and Fine Art, my favorite antique eye candy magazine. I knew as soon as I saw it that I had to share it with you all, particularly considering the sentiment expressed on it.

How very lovely, and how very well put.

Claire At Five Months!

2011-09-20T09:28:00.001-04:00

At present I'm feeling a little bit frazzled, to say the least, in regards to life. This is one of those weeks where one or the other of us has something going on every single night after work. This is not, needless to say, a recipe for happiness and contentment.

So to bring you some happiness and sunshine, I thought I would share this picture of my little niece, who is now about five months old. She seems to have life down right now - eat, sleep, laugh, cuddle, and play. How I envy her!

Sewing Room Pictures - Only Four Months Late

2011-09-18T00:24:00.000-04:00

So remember when I told you that I was going to repaint and kinda redecorate my sewing room? Well, the painting happened over Memorial Day weekend. And then we bought the frames for the wall art on our anniversary (July 1). And as those went up a couple of weeks later, I guess you could say the room's been done for awhile. And I'm just getting up pictures. Oops.

Now in a perfect world, this room you're looking at would be clean. Clutter free. But it's a sewing room. The only clean, clutter free sewing rooms I've ever seen are not used. And as this one is very heavily used (though not as much as I would like right now due to a certain silent auction that's eating every spare moment of my time!), it's never completely clean and clutter free.

By the way, if you're forgotten what it looked like before (and who could blame you) the walls were a light purple that had almost faded to pink. The artwork on the walls showcased some Mackinac Island prints - now hanging over my desk at work. And the book shelf was A. GIANT. MESS. Now all the books are organized by type of information - architecture, home interiors, domestic history, Michigan history, U.S. history, public buildings, etc. And then there are the Nancy Drews on top, because I'm a complete addict. And my quilting books, knitting and crocheting patterns, etc. are all on the far left. So this really is an improvement.

My favorite part by far is the new wall art. These are 5 x7 scans of some Vogue mid-century reproduction patterns that have been out in the last few years. We scanned them, reproduced them photo quality, and then Bow Tie Man matted and framed them with Hobby Lobby frames. Because he's wonderful.

The American Dream - History or Reality

2011-09-15T07:02:00.000-04:00

As every single one of you living in this country (and all the rest of you around the world who receive a steady stream of American politics on your newsfeed) know, it's time for another series of presidential elections in this country. And as our country struggles with many issues, there's an underlying question out there. Does the American Dream - that anyone, anywhere in this country should be able to do better for him/herself then his/her parents did - still exist? Or is it just a piece of history?

That's a big question.

And a very political one.

And as my job requires me to be non-partisan.....

Yes, that's right. My husband works for legislators and runs campaigns, but I'm non-partisan. It's a weird world.

Anyway.

So I'm just going to talk about my situation a bit, and then ask you to weigh in. What do you think?

I was born the child of Midwest America. I'm of Western European ancestry (Very British and some German), descended from families that have lived here since at least the last third of the 19th century. My father was a factory worker in the auto industry, and my mother was a teacher, and then a school aide. I grew up in a world where we owned our own (small) home, bought new cars every five or six years, and went on summer vacations, all be they generally in our own state. I would argue that for our part of the world, we were very middle class.

My parents generally did alright for themselves, particularly considering their roots. My maternal grandfather was a butcher. He provided well for his family, but there were no summer vacations. My paternal grandfather was a factory worker who did alright, eventually saving up the money to build his own home and cabin (with my father). Neither of my parents ever thought of themselves as poor.

Another generation back, though, the story changes.

My great-grandparents were a mixed bunch. Two had post high school education. Most of the others didn't finish high school, an eighth grade education making do. They were farmers, factory workers. One was a tenant farmer who was unable to pay the rent. One of my great-uncles remembers moving every month or so as a child, because his father couldn't afford to pay a month's board, no matter how mean the house.

Today Bow Tie Man and I own (sorta) our own home. We bought our last car - new - and paid it off shortly after. We've been to Europe once, and are going back in the fall.

On paper, we don't look like much. Our house is in an old downtown neighborhood that has seen better days. We work for the state - not exactly the employer of millionaires. We don't go out for dinner often. We're normal (ahem), average people. Not very different from our parents.

On the other hand, though, we're both college educated, at higher levels then our parents. We work white collar jobs - some of our parents did not.
It's a much better life then what my grandfather grew up in, never knowing where home was next month.

That being said, I guess my answer to the question I posed earlier is yes. Yes, the American Dream lives on - at least in my life.

The real question, though, is do you agree?

More Art Nouveau Loveliness (and some Elephant Hide)

2011-09-12T08:48:00.001-04:00

Because I didn't want to cram my last post too full of pictures, here are some more shots of the Art Nouveau details in the Laurium House, including - no joke - elephant hide wallpaper in the dining room. Now that is conspicuous consumption.

Main staircase.

Ceiling detail.

Wall detail.

Front parlor over the fireplace. Embossed and gilded leather.

Ceiling detail.

Dining room fireplace.

And here's the elephant hide wallpaper. It's so hard to not reach out and touch the stuff!

Heavy English style beamed ceiling.

Elephant wallpaper plus heavy beamed ceiling.

Side board sliding window.

The Laurium Manor - Up North Opulence

2011-09-10T09:10:00.000-04:00

As I have indicated here on my blog before, Michigan's Upper Peninsula is very different from the rest of the state. Today many people see it as a bit of a backwoods sort of place where one might want to have a summer cabin, but might not want to live year round due to the snow, the solitude, and the lack of luxury associated with it. Yet once upon a time, just over 100 years ago, regions of the UP were swimming in mining money, made in the copper and iron mines. And the result, as you might imagine, was some pretty spectacular homes.

When we were up north a few weeks ago, we stayed at the Laurium Manor Inn, a bed and breakfast. I had visited the house as a kid, and was delighted when I convinced Bow Tie Man that it would be the best choice for our lodgings. Today the B&B consists of two buildings. We stayed in the Victorian Hall building, which was built, ironically, five years after Queen Victoria had died. (1906) It is large home that resembles an immense four square with a wrap around Colonial Revival porch.

Here are some shots of our building.

Built for Norman MacDonald in 1906.

Windows at the stair landing.

Front parlor. Bow Tie Man and I spent a very pleasant evening reading in here, and decided that we wouldn't mind taking the room home with us.

Front parlor window.

Front parlor molding.

Front parlor window.

And then here is the manor home itself. I found myself absolutely amazed at the fact that it is all Art Nouveau inside. Art Nouveau, a French style known for its sinuous, curving, natural lines, was barely a blip on the architectural history of America. And to find it in such abundance in as remote a place as the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan - wow. Let's just say that the original family who built this place (or their architect) were right in style.

Built for Thomas and Cornelia Hoatson in 1908.

Drawing Room/ Music Room

Drawing Room Ceiling, a Small Dome.

Drawing Room Ceiling Corner. Yes,that plaster worked is highly textured.

Drawing Room Light Fixture.

The best part of the place had to be the stained glass. The original pieces were sold off years ago by a former owner of the house who just happened to be an antique dealer. The present owners are having the pieces made one at a time to replace the originals using photos taken before the removal of the glass.

Obviously still missing the big center pieces. This set of windows is at the landing of the main staircase.

Gorgeous, huh?

Quilt Binding Weather

2011-09-07T09:09:00.001-04:00

If you're a quilter, you know that summer is not exactly the best time of year to bind quilts off by hand. Spending multiple hours trapped under a heavy, warm quilt is not exactly my activitiy of choice when the temperature is in the 80s and 90s. Which is why I was so thankful this weekend when the highs were in the 70s and 60s instead, thus allowing me to finish this little quilt, made of scraps from another project, while watching a Ginger Rogers movie.

And since I was already hand sewing, I decided to finish off these potholders as well. There are 20 of them total. These will be out for sale at the craft bazaar being held at my parents' church this coming October. Each one is 9" square. I'm thinking that I will price them at $3 each, or 2 for $5.

Next up on my list - finishing the assembly of a sweater for me and a Christmas present for my sweet niece Claire. Pictures of the sweater coming soon!

Shades of Blue Shawl

2011-09-04T18:55:00.008-04:00

This will be going to Rome with me. And it will be making plenty of appearances after that, worn kerchief style over a turtleneck, or draped over my shoulders as a shawl in spring.

If you crochet, you can find the pattern for this lovely shawl free on ravelry.com. It's called the Elise Shawl, and it is super easy to make. Just make sure that you use a nice silky yarn that will drapes well. I made this one and another (for the auction) during our trip up to the UP.

Incidentally, if any of you were interested in buying this, I might be willing to sell it and then just donate the money to the silent auction. If you're interested in this option, let me know. I'm thinking I would price it at about $40. All of the money would go to the Historical Society of Greater Lansing.

The Victorians Did Like Yellow and Brown

2011-09-02T09:05:00.000-04:00

We discovered this delightful little (former) church up in Lake Linden, in Michigan's UP. I know nothing about it's history, other then that it was probably built between 1875 and 1895, and that it's beautiful Stick architecture. It instantly caught my eye when we came upon it, on a little side street. It now appears that it might be a private home. Needless to say, I barely resisted the urge to go and knock on the door, and try to score a peak inside.

Every wooden shingle, every window - they are all there and in great shape. Someone must truly love this little building.

And as you might imagine, nothing made me love the church more then the paint colors on it. Oh dear, dear church owners, you have it all right. No, the Victorians didn't like pink - but they loved deep yellows, oranges, and browns!

Purple and Green Dinner Table

2011-08-30T20:01:00.001-04:00

Purple and green on the dinner table, plus silver wedding china, cut glass goblets from the thrift store, and Victorian Aesthetic silver. A very, very nice way to celebrate a family birthday.

Sock Lust

2011-08-28T11:18:00.001-04:00

Do any of you ever get craft lust? The sort that leads to spending vast amounts of time on the internet, meandering about the blogs of professional crafters (who are these women? how does one get that job?) and moaning softly with desire over patterns?

Oh. My. The patterns that are out there.

I am certainly a member of the craft lust crowd. And unfortunately, as my crafting has grown from quilting to apparel sewing to crocheting to knitting (someday to be joined by tatting), my craft blog lustiness has grown.

And grown.

And grown.

Now I will give myself credit in that I don't normally buy a lot of the patterns that I adore. Well - I buy some of them. But I at least have enough self control that I will first bookmark them, and then revisit them over a series of weeks or months, during which I will check back to make sure that I am really truly in love with (and therefore willing to pay for) that pattern. Sometimes yes, sometimes no.

And then there are those patterns that are free.

Hmm.

The only problem, though, is that I am not yet a talented enough to actually make those patterns. Because some things just scare me.

Like socks.

There is an entire world out there online devoted to sock knitting. They are beautiful. They look warm and cozy. They are relatively small projects.

But they are knit in the round.

Scary!

And they require awful things like heel turns.

Even scarier!

Thus the fact that I've never even tried one.

Sigh. Someday this must change.

Ten Things That Made Me Smile This Week

2011-08-27T21:38:00.000-04:00

I have a confession to make. When I started this blog, I always intended it to be about history, architecture, and the like. And I do love writing about those things - don't get me wrong. But I also know that I love reading your blogs, my dear friends, and learning about you. About your daily troubles. About your pleasures. About your projects, your plans, and your dreams. About how God is impacting you. It is so amazing to me to see how He works in the lives of all of us, no matter where we live, or where we are in life.

That being said, I'm going to make a little blog change. I'm still going to write about history and architecture, as those are things I love dearly. But I'm also going to just sneak in a little post here and there that is about me and what makes me smile. Because I want you to know me better, and so I can bear witness to how God is blessing me and teaching me.

So - Ten Things That Made Me Smile This Week.

1. A chat with my very, very best girlfriend, Alison. As we live in different states I only see her a few times a year, making chats all the more valuable.

2. The fact that one of my youth group girls, Chelsea, knows how to zest an orange at the age of 14. (This is a skill that I didn't learn until college - gulp!) That girl can cook!

3. This yarn. I bought it at this cute little yarn shop I recently discovered. I cannot wait to knit it up!

4. Cool morning walks to work.

5. The anticipation of a good novel. I just started North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell. I think it will be absolutely divine.

6. Two - count them - two (!) dresses finished for Rome. (Pictures will eventually be posted.)

7. The thought of making a baby quilt for a friend due in February. Any suggestions for blocks that I might try?

8. More donations in for the auction!

9. Watching episodes of Lark Rise to Candleford.

10. A batch of Ann Squares (a family treat), made by my mother.

What's made you smile this week?

What's Wrong With This House Answers

2011-08-26T13:54:00.000-04:00

First of all, I have to congratulate you guys! You did a very good job with spotting the historical inaccuracies on this house. All but one of the problems was mentioned. The only one that several of you mentioned that wasn't right was the dormer. Houses of this style (Second Empire, an import from France) often do have dormers on their mansard roofs.

House Problems/Inaccuracies

1. The color. Blue paint wasn't really used on exteriors, due to rapid fading issues, until the 20th century. This house probably dates from 1860 to 1875 or so.

2. The size of the porch. Instead of this honker, the house should have a little stoop with a small overhang.

3. That red tiled roof. Roofs of this sort were VERY popular in the early 20th century, but not the 19th. It should have slate tiles on it. The main color would have been black, with many some colored tiles thrown in to create flower patterns. The curve of the roof is correct, by the way.

4. That second floor door. I suspect this may have been put in when the house became a rental (note the multiple mailboxes). While one occasionally saw a second floor door on a 19th century house, I don't know that I've ever seen them on a Second Empire before.

Thanks for playing ladies! Good job all around!

What's Wrong With This House?

2011-08-24T07:01:00.000-04:00

Good morning! It's time to play another round of "what's not quite right with this house". Now first of all, don't get me wrong. This house is in pretty good shape. It does, however, have some glaring historical inaccuracies. You job is to list as many as you can in the comments! I'll be back with some answers in a couple of days. Good luck!

A Reason to Love the UP

2011-08-22T10:14:00.001-04:00

When I was about 11 or 12 years old, my parents and I took a vacation to the Upper Peninsula. Though I had already crossed that magical bridge called Mackinac many times, this would be my first time really going deep into the heart of the UP. I was excited. The excitement, however, didn't last too many miles in, as I soon discovered that the entire UP seemed to be covered with nothing but trees. Even the towns - those names that I searched out so eagerly on the map - weren't very big. Many, in fact, were nothing more than a bar, a restaurant, and perhaps a junk shop (antique store would be a very kind description). Needless to say, 11 year-old me was very disappointed.

When Bow Tie Man and I met back in 2002 (when I was -ahem- a fully grown adult of exactly 18), we soon discovered a shared love of old buildings. My taste was more along the domestic side, as I loved 19th century homes. His ran more towards the nautical. Together, then, we decided that we would make it a goal of visiting Michigan's lighthouses, which are, in many ways, the best of both worlds. Our adventures in search of these lighthouses took us far and near, creating a lovely backdrop for three years of dating, and six (and counting!) years of marriage.

To finish up the project, though, we knew that we would have to take a trip way up to the UP, where a plethora of lighthouses are located. Such a trip would have to wait, though, until we had the time to dedicate a few days to the journey, as the farthest lighthouse on the UP's northern shore is about 9 hrs from our house. And along the way, we would need to stop and see some of the UP's courthouses, as visiting all 83 of these in Michigan was a new goal that we added in to our travels over the years.

This time when we went deep into the UP, I looked at it with the eyes of someone a little bit older. While the hours upon hours of trees along the highway were still rather boring (nature girl I am not!), I did enjoy seeing all of the little old buildings that dot the roadways. And I loved - LOVED - some of the treasures we found along the way, including the City of Marquette.

Marquette, like many Upper Peninsula cities, was in its heyday back in the late 19th, early 20th century when the UP was full of miners and lumbermen. Back in those days, the UP was the place to go to make a fortune. And unlike many UP cities, where the population is now just 10% of its peak, Marquette has stayed nice, thanks largely to the presence of Northern Michigan University, the UP's largest university. Today it's still beautiful and vibrant, just as it was 100 years ago.

The city is a site for tree-weary eyes. Full of 19th century architecture, it is a great example of historic preservation. And the jewel? Well, most people would probably cite the cathedral, which I blogged about here. For me, though, it was the courthouse. That's what you've been seeing pictures of in this post. Isn't it a gem? I dare say that it is one of the very nicest in the state. Stained glass, Italian marble stairs, original tile floors - what's not to love?

What might surprise you non-Michiganians, though, is that you might have already seen this courthouse, albeit in black and white. This lovely building was the setting for the 1959 Jimmy Stewart film Anatomy of a Murder. Bow Tie Man blogged about the movie here.

What a beauty!

Historical Society Cemetery Walk 2011

2011-08-19T10:36:00.001-04:00

If seeing old tombstones and learning about local history is your sort of thing, come visit me on Sunday! I'll be one of the hosts at the Historical Society of Greater Lansing's annual cemetery tour. This year we're touring St. Joseph Cemetery on W. Willow Rd. in Lansing. The walk begins at 2 pm, and will last about an hour. Stop by here for more details!

The Arts and Crafts Chair That I Almost Want to Own

2011-08-17T21:52:00.001-04:00

This is an awesome chair.

Except for the fact that it's Arts and Crafts. And the fact that sitting on it is basically like sitting on a bareboard of oak.

Not that I sat on it......

Averts eyes. Gulp.

It's still pretty cool, though. That drawer is the perfect place to stash a half embroidered pillowcase with accompanying hoop, skeins of floss, etc. All tucked away and waiting for the next time you can sit down and sew!

The Cathedral in Marquette, Michigan

2011-08-14T13:51:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time, churches were the biggest, most beautiful buildings in any town. They were built with the very best that we had, so that all of the glory might go to God, who gives us the gift of creativity.

Such churches were designed to envoke awe, and remind us that God is more awesome then we can ever imagine.

Such buildings draw from the best of history, incorporating traditional building practices and time-tested styles.

Such buildings were filled with symbols of the faith, to remind us that we are a tiny part of a large Christian community that has grown and changed throughout time. In these buildings we find inspiration from the stories of the saints and of Our Lord.

In these buildings we bury those who devoted their lives to the goal of the Gospel. Above you'll see the tomb of Bishop Baraga, missionary to the Indians in Northern Michigan.

These buildings also remind us of our historical ties to one another, from church to church.

And most importantly, such buildings point us to the Cross. Because, indeed, if there were no Cross, there would be no Church.

Home Is Where Your Convict Is

2011-08-12T09:28:00.002-04:00

Did you know that in the 19th century, most sheriffs were provided with a home by the county that they served? And did you know that attached to the back of that very same house was the county jail?

Because - you know. Home is where your convict is.

I've never quite been able to wrap my mind around these places. While terribly practical on one hand, these houses/jails go completely against everything the Victorian home represented. After all, what sort of personal oasis is a house with bars on half its windows? And who really wants to bring up their kids next to convicts?

Counties liked these structures, however, because they were cost saving, in the sense that you already had protection on the premises from the sheriff himself. They generally made the houses big enough to be attractive, as in the case of this lovely old home, located in Luce County (Upper Peninsula) MI, which is now a museum.

Counties also saw these structures as a good deal, because generally speaking, most sheriff's had wives. And the county saw that wife as a free source of labor. Yes ladies, that's right. If you were married to the sheriff, you had to cook, clean, wash, and nurse all of the prisoners.

Good times.

The really scary thing is that one of these places still exists. No joke. It's in Eagle River, the county seat of Keweenaw County, Michigan's northernmost county. It's the only sheriff's residence/jail combo still being used today. In fact what you cannot see in this picture is the guy in the orange jumpsuit, out weeding the sheriff's flowerbeds.

And just in case you're wondering, the answer is yes. The sheriff's wife is still required to cook dinner for the convicts every night.

The Indian Silk Dress - Done!

2011-08-10T21:36:00.001-04:00

The really, truly unfortunate thing about being given several free pieces of silk is that I'm becoming seriously addicted to it. Very. Addicted.

Here's my latest silk creation - a dress that will go to Rome with me. I'm completely in love with it. The only bad thing is that it's too warm right now to put it on and model it. So instead I'm posting a picture of it. Sorry about the shine, by the way. This fabric is not easy to photograph.

By the way, I have a little more history on this fabric. As I told you before, it was a gift from my friend Susan, who is originally from England. She was given it by an aunt who did quite a bit of globe trotting back in the 1960s or 1970s. She suspects that her aunt bought it right in India.

Very cool.

By the way, in the next few days I'm hoping to post quite a bit about a trip that Bow Tie Man and I took this past weekend to the Keweenaw Peninsula, located at the very tip top of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. We saw some pretty cool things up there, incluiding an Art Nouveau mansion, an old copper mine, and some amazing turn of the century churches.

In the meantime - hope you all are well! I apologize, by the way, that I haven't been commenting on your blogs as much as normal. I've been having some issues with blogger again, and haven't been able to post any comments on several of your blogs. Regardless, though, I'm still reading along and enjoying them thoroughly!

More Vintage Patterns for Claire

2011-08-08T18:23:00.000-04:00

I love having a niece. She's cute. She's cuddly. She loves to hear her aunt Valerie sing to her - even when it is in Latin.

And .......she gives me another excuse to buy more vintage sewing patterns.

Cause you know - I really need them.

Cough, cough.

Here are my latest purchases, found at a delightful little antique shop over in Lansing's Old Town.

Too cute.

Our Historical Society Starts A Blog

2011-08-06T17:55:00.000-04:00

Just in case you were looking for a new blog to follow, here it is! The Historical Society of Greater Lansing now has its own photo blog, found here. The blog will feature information about Lansing history as well as both modern images of historic places, as well as historic Lansing area images. If you'd like to contribute a photo, please drop us a comment, or let me know! Please stop by and check it out!

QR Codes Meet the Cemetery

2011-08-04T13:35:00.001-04:00

One of the things that I love most about living in the modern world is the fact that technology is making history easier to reach and understand. And nowhere is this more true than in the world of genealogy. Thanks to websites like ancestry.com, we can trace our families around the globe with the click of a few keys and a mouse. It's awesome stuff.

And now, it appears, technology has also hit the cemeteries where our family members are buried. Those little qr codes - the spotty box things - are now appearing on headstones! How awesome! If you have a qr capable phone (which isn't me, yet), you can scan these little boxes and pull up a treasure trove of digital images and information about the people buried in that spot. How stinkin cool is that?

If you'd like to read more about it, click here and here to get started.

Incidentally, if you were to die today, would you want one of these on your headstone? If yes, what sort of things would you like it to link to?

Death To the Traitors ala Henry VIII

2011-08-02T13:35:00.000-04:00

Warning: This post contains some pretty disgusting descriptions of 16th century English torture practices. Not appropriate for little ones and those who have touchy stomachs.

At present I'm in the middle of reading Alison Weir's The Six Wives of Henry the Eighth. I've made it through the reign and death of Anne Boelyn, and am now playing witness to Henry's courtship of Jane Seymour (Does anyone else who watched Dr Quinn want to giggle every time they say that name? I do!). From now on, I expect that most everything I read will be new information to me, as I've never known much about Henry VIII past the Anne Boelyn stage.

Like Weir's other books, this title is packed full of interesting cultural information such as fashion. For example, Weir reminds us that mourning for adults in Tudor times could consist of either black or white clothing. She also keeps her readers up to date on which sort of head gear (Juliet style caps, for instance) which queen wore. And she taught me that it was Queen Katherine of Aragon, Henry's first wife, that brought the farthingale to England, which was essentially the first hoop skirt. Cool, huh?

There's also a darker side to this book, though. Henry's age was in many ways a very dark time when death reigned supreme, both for the upper and lower classes. The death penalty was then in full swing throughout the world...and oh my gosh, did they have cruel ways of killing people. And I'm not just talking drawing and quarters. I'm talking about hanging criminals above roaring fires, letting them slowly roast to death over a period of hours, one organ at a time. Or boiling criminals to death in water. Literally. Throwing a human into a pot of boiling water.

Did you know that they did that sort of thing?

Ugh.

It makes you realize just how brutal history was, and how very fallen we all are.

Lookee See What I Made!

2011-07-30T09:00:00.001-04:00

Of all of the old fashioned domestic arts that I've tried to acquire, knitting has probably been the most difficult for me. Crochet has pretty much worked in my mind from day one (though there are still stitches I hate - grr clusters!), but knitting is another story. While I've gotten my knit purl rhythm down, I'm still a nervous nelly when it comes to trying new things, such as cableing.

And don't even get me started on the horrors of a dropped stitch.

Unfortunately, though, I like things with cables in them. Or patterns, like this one, that use a cableling technique. Needless to say, the first few rows that involved cableing involved my mother pulling off the road twice in the midst of a short roadtrip to console and fix.

That's why I am totally proud to show you this - the completed back of that same sweater! Not only is it done, but I'm almost finished with one of the front side panels as well. Yay for progress!

A Message Brought To You by the Historical Society Grand Pooh-Bah

2011-07-27T09:10:00.000-04:00

So, I'm officially outing myself on a bit of personal info. Yes, I am a member of the local historical society. Yes, I get suckered into things. Yes, I'm on the board.

Yes, I'm the president of the board.

Surprised?

Nah. You guys all know that when it comes to historical things, I'm a complete sucker.

That being said, I've taken it upon myself to take on a rather large project as society president. What is that project, you ask?

A fundraiser.

(You think you know where this is going, don't you?) :)

You see, our society started back in the 1940s. At that time, the founders were interested in two things - promoting local history through education, and creating, someday, a museum.

Well, apparently someday has come. And it is now time, almost 70 years later, to raise money for a historical museum.

Our fundraiser will take place on October 8, at one of Lansing's swankiest downtown buildings, now owned by Comerica Bank. The evening will consist of a tour of the bank (including a peek into the vault!), light munchies, and a silent auction.

The auction part is where I need your help. I need ideas for businesses to approach for donations. To give you an idea of the sorts of things I have already, they include gift baskets, event tickets, gift certificates for lessons, services, and meals, jewelry, zoo passes, museum memberships, and so on. What sorts of things would you be willing to spend your hard earned money on? What kind of businesses do you think would donate? I accept any and all suggestions.

I also need suggestions for things that I could donate. I don't have a lot of time to do crafting between now and then. As far as handicrafts go, my mother-in-law is donating a quilt made in very kid friendly colors. I've thought of donating a large already made doily, though I don't know if anyone would buy it. I've also thought about donating a basket of kitchen items, including some homemade pie filling, jam, and jelly. Would you bid on that sort of thing, if you were here? What else would you want to see?

The other thing that I need to do is sell some tickets. Individuals are $15, couples $25. Now I know that for most of you, you're totally exempt from this, as you live several states/time zones/countries away.

But some of you do live in my city.

:)

(Hint! Hint!)

If you do want to attend....and make me very happy......go here and click on the words Fall Fundraiser at the top. You'll find a ticket form there.

And in the meantime, please leave comments with those much-needed suggestions!

Some Terrible 19th Century Medical Instruments

2011-07-25T19:36:00.000-04:00

Does anyone else out there find it remarkable that some human beings actually managed to survive historic medical treatments? Here are some medical artifacts found at the Post Hospital at Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island. I'm not entirely sure which one is worse - vote in the comments!

Exhibit A - A 19th century catheter. Can you say ouch?

I've now attempted to flip this picture four times, and have been completely unsuccessful. Sorry - I give up!

I really hope they sterilized these in between patients.

Exhibit B - A cupping kit. Cause, you know. The way to make people healthy is to heat up glass cups until they are HOT and then give people giant blisters, which you might poke with an unsterilized needle.

Blech.

Exhibit C - The Many Ways to Let Blood. Because the best thing for someone who is sick is making them anemic.

Is it just me, or do some of these look like slightly rusty pocket knives?

My oh my. Aren't we happy to be alive today!

A Peak Into My Sewing Room

2011-07-23T07:52:00.000-04:00

I know that I haven't been very good about sharing sewing projects lately. A lot of this has to do with the fact that I'm currently making lots of clothes for Rome, and I don't think I'm going to put up photos of them until much closer to the trip, or until I actually wear them for the first time, which will be in Rome.

Here are three pieces that are on my pile to stitch, once the weather drops another couple degrees and I can touch fabric without having it stick to me.

By the way, anyone know what language the tag on that middle piece is in?

P.S. Thanks to my friends Lisa and Susan for the gifts of fabrics one and two!

When It's Hot, I Get Brain Rot

2011-07-17T20:22:00.000-04:00

This may be a rather slow week at the blog office. I should blame my potential lack of posts on the projects I'm attempting to tackle, but in truth, it's really the heat. At present we're (insert HUGE amounts of sarcasm here) enjoying temps in the 90s, which is this Northerner's version of h-e-double hockey sticks.

In fact just in case you don't really get just how much I hate the heat, I'm going to let my niece share her opinion of it with you. I think she speaks for both of us in this picture.

Love that little girl.

My History Too

2011-07-15T09:23:00.000-04:00

This past weekend, I attended a baby shower for my cousin Missy, who is due to have her firstborn, a son, this coming September. At the shower I sat near her grandmother, my mother's first cousin, Bev. Bev, who has long been a fixture in my life, is Catholic. As we were chatting about this and that, I told her that Bow Tie Man and I are going to Rome in the fall. She smiled as I prattled on about how excited I was to visit the Vatican, and attend a mass in St. Peter's cathedral (hopefully said by the Pope!). I laughed a bit as I said it, as I'm Baptist, and needless to say, most Baptists don't attend masses very often!

On the car ride back from the shower, I told my mother about the conversation, and asked her what my grandparents would have thought about their granddaughter being so excited to go to the Vatican. My grandparents, born in 1911, were of a generation that did not always care for the mixing of religions, or even denominations. Though they had family (My grandmother's brother Tom married a Catholic girl, Eleanor. Tom and Eleanor were Beverly's parents.) that was Catholic, they at times were a little bit apprehensive of the denomination. In fact, in 1960, they were among many Americans who could not bring themselves to vote from a young Senator from Massachusetts for President, simply because he was Catholic, and might have a bit too strong of an allegiance to the Pope, a foreign head of state.

Mom's response interested me. She replied to my question by saying that had Grandma and Grandpa ever gone to Rome (which is something that they could have never have afforded to do), they probably would not have visited the Vatican, because they would see it as having no real connection to them.

This got me thinking. The Vatican, no connection to a Baptist?

To me, though, the connection is very strong.

The Vatican is built in Rome, at the site where St. Peter is said to have been martyred. The tradition of his death at this location is accepted by both Christians and non-believing scholars alike. Early Roman Christians would often visit the spot, considering it to be an important landmark in their history. In fact, the spot was so revered, that when the Emperor Constantine built his very first church - said by some to be the first true church building in the world - he built it there.

Not only that, but when Constantine built that first church, he built it in the shape of a basilica - an old style of Roman building that was secular in nature. The one change that he made to the traditional shape, though, was that he added a nave, creating the traditional cruciform plan that has been used in church construction until the (disgusting architecture of the) second half of the 20th century.

The spot a great saint was martyred, the place where the first Christian church may have been built, the spot where Christian architecture was born. That's all pretty cool.

And if you look a bit further, more layers of history are added.

From Rome, of course, Christianity spread to the Byzantines. Here the Christian Church would take on new symbols and liturgies. And eventually, here the church would split, when, in 1054, the Christian Church divided into two factions - the Latin Catholic Church, and the Greek (Eastern) Orthodox Church. The titles change, but the Gospel continues to spread.

Then, in the 1517, a German Catholic monk writes something he titled his Ninety-Five Theses, and Protestantism is born.

Early Christianity, then Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. Three different sorts of Christianity. But all part of the same story.

And in November, I'm going to see a very beautiful, very important part of it.

Yes, the Vatican is a piece of Catholic history. But as a Baptist, I believe that it's my history too.

Ye Olde Economist

2011-07-12T08:37:00.000-04:00

Don't you love it when you see something that brings an instant smile to your face? That was my reaction yesterday when I pulled the latest edition of The Economist out of our mailbox. And since it is a historical sort of humor, I had to share it with you.

Apparently, this is what America would have looked like in the 1770s if there had been computers.....

If you can't read all of the writing, click on the image for an enlargement.

19th Century Gothic Meets Rural Michigan Pt 2

2011-07-10T10:16:00.000-04:00

To follow up my Gothic post from the other day, here's another couple of Gothic houses found in rural Michigan. These are located over in Michigan's thumb region, near the tip of the thumb and the Lake Huron shore.

In answer to your question, Jenn, yes. People certainly did paint their homes creams and other neutrals during this era. Gothic Revival homes were generally built in American in the 1840s, 1850s, and into the 1860s. They followed Greek Revivals, which are a young America's attempt to mimic ancient Greek architecture. Greek Revivals were often white or cream, and I'm sure that the color trend continued, despite the change in house styles.

Many Gothic homes, like this one, are wooden, sided in either horizontal clapboard siding or the then-popular vertical board and batten siding. Their high gothic peaks and arches work well in wood, but were slightly more difficult to execute in brick. Hence the slightly wider peaks on the house below, located in the same small town.

My favorite thing about Gothic Revival houses are the vergeboard, or bargebard (both are proper), found along their eaves. Cut out of wood, the vergeboard adds a delicate, lacy trim to the homes. It's almost as though someone started, in the 1840s, gluing bits of lace onto homes, only to keep up the same pattern, elaborating more and more, throughout the end of the 19th century!

A Look At Home Libraries, Through Victorian Eyes

2011-07-08T10:46:00.001-04:00

It can be easily argued, I think, that the Victorians were the first real collectors in the modern sense. Heck, some of them even were hoarders! They had the three things that every people group needs in order to collect: 1. Disposable Income, 2. Well-Rounded Interests, and 3. Easy access to a lot of goods. And collect they did. Dead animals, exotic furnishings, knick-knacks, sea-shells - they loved it all, and collected it all. In abundance.

While many of us today hate the thought of cluttering up our homes, Victorian style, there's one Victorian collection that has lingered on in the American home - that of the home library. The Victorians were, up to that time, the most literate people that had ever walked the planet. Thanks to increased education and the availability of cheap printed materials, suddenly nearly anyone who wanted to could own books, subscribe to magazines, and consume newspapers. And oh, how they did!

Average Victorian families might have had a dozen or two well-thumbed, much beloved books that occupied a shelf or a small table in the parlor. Such collections consisted of titles such as The Bible (often filled with family information), text books (often passed down from one sibling to the next), home medical guides, a novel or two (think Uncle Tom's Cabin), and maybe a picture book. Richer families devoted entire rooms of their homes to their literary collections. In fact, it is in the Victorian era that the term "library" begins to appear on house plans and architectural renderings in abundance.

Why did the Victorians collect books? Well, to start off with, books were still a status symbol of sorts. Sure, most families might have a few titles, but rooms full of books still bespoke wealth. They also spoke of education, which the Victorians admired. The Victorians were, in fact, great self-educators who loved to read, attend public lectures, and travel in order to expand the horizons of their knowledge. This is the era, after all, of the self-made millionaire, ala Andrew Carnegie. The son of poor immigrants, Carnegie garnered much of his education by reading books at his local library - something that encourage him to later, as a wealthy man, fund the erection of scores of libraries around the world.

Today, I think that we can learn something from the Victorians desire to accumulate both public and private home libraries of educational books. My own library, which consists of books about architecture, the history of home interiors, Gilded Age America, Russian history and culture, and Michigan history, has begun to grow in a new direction of late. Long a devote of English literature and a Anglophile, I've decided to beef of my collection of British history. Among the titles that I've recently acquired are books about the death of Queen Victoria, a biography of Prince Albert, and a guide to culture under the Stuarts. While such books might not be of interest to many, I like to think that the Victorians would approve!

Grandma and Modern Priscilla

2011-07-06T07:43:00.001-04:00

Last week, while helping my mother clean out her kitchen, I discovered one of my grandmother's old cookbooks. I let out a little shriek when I saw the title, the Modern Priscilla Cookbook, as sitting at home on my book shelf, I already had a different Modern Priscilla book

Modern Priscilla books are, I think, off-shoots of the once-popular Modern Priscilla magazines, printed from the late 19th century through about the first third of the 20th. The timing of the magazines actually fits that of my great-grandmother (Mabel) much better than my grandmother (Virginia) as she graduated from high school in 1901, married, and had children in 1908 and 1911. Her homemaking years were thus right in line with Priscilla, which was a woman's magazine devoted to the domestic arts, particularly needlework.

Grandma's (Virginia's) Modern Priscilla cookbook dates to 1924, when she would have been in her first year of high school. I do not know if it might have been used as a text book (as all girls then studied home economics), or if it was simply something that her parents' bought her as a gift. Perhaps her mother, Mabel, was a Priscilla reader, who simply wanted to pass along some of the good recipes that the book offered.

Since unearthing it, I've spent some time pouring over the recipes within (including one for friend calf brains). It seems that Grandma's favorite might have been the Eggless Chocolate Cake, found on page 67. If the stains surrounding the recipe are any indication, this recipe was used many, many times.
Also since then, I've found myself leafing though my Modern Priscilla homemaking guide again. Though this book doesn't have a date in it, I suspect, from some of the homemaking tips within, that it was probably published in the 1910s or 1920s as well. The best part is that now, when I read the book, I pictures my grandmother, a young lady and aspiring homemaker, pouring over its contents as well, dreaming of the improvements that she might be able to make to her future home!

A Simple Summer Dress

2011-07-04T12:04:00.000-04:00

One of the many things that I find fascinating about history is the way that world events shape clothing. Take, for example, something as simple as cotton. While cotton has been around for thousands of years, it wasn't really available in huge cheap quantities until the invention of the cotton gin by Eli Whitney in 1793. Sure, the Brits had been spinning it by machine since the 1730s (thank you Industrial Revolution!), but it wasn't until the gin came about that cotton became a material for the masses.

White Britain had the mills to make the cotton, the cotton itself came from, of course, other places. The British got their cotton from a variety of places, including the American South (until the Civil War, when American cotton prices tanked due to the North's ability to blockade Southern ports), Egypt, and India. Thus as the British Empire grew, and more and more cotton was being grown for British mills, the price of finished cotton came down, allowing average people the means to buy significant amounts of cotton. And thus, those lovely Victorian dresses, which featured pounds and pounds of ruffles, tucks, flounces, and pleats!

See, isn't history fascinating?

Today cotton is still grown in the States, as well as in India, China, Central Asia, and some parts of South America. It is still one of the world's cheaper textiles, it can be purchased in nearly any country in the world, in one form or another.

For me, it's my summer fabric of choice. In fact, just this last Sunday I wore a new cotton sundress to church. I bought the fabric for it on a discount rack at Joanns, for $3 a yard!

Nineteenth Century Gothic Meets Rural Michigan Pt 1

2011-07-01T16:39:00.001-04:00

I apologize for the lack of verbage (or maybe that's a good thing?) on the blog this week. I'm off of work, and am in the midst of multiple projects, including helping my parents organize bits of their house, knitting three sweaters (more info coming soon), and a bunch of sewing.

In the meantime, I'm sharing with you some pictures of a lovely house located one town over from my hometown. Called Corunna, it's our county seat. It's a tiny little burg, but it has some great 19th century houses, such as this one, in it.

This house is like many you'll find in rural Michigan. It's basically a relatively plain house, but the owner, who obviously had some money, was interested enough in national trends to put on some then-trendy details, such as the vergeboard and center balcony.

If I had to guess, I'd say the woodwork probably wasn't black, but some other dark paint color. Still, though, I like the sharpness of the black against the brick.

Eight Reasons I Wish I Could Travel Back to 1953!

2011-06-29T13:38:00.001-04:00

Found in the McCall's Magazine, March 1953. Isn't that last one just di-vine?

A Summer Dress and Hat

2011-06-27T19:15:00.000-04:00

I may have shared this dress with you before....I'm not sure. I made it before I started blogging. It has princess seams, which explains why the dress even exists. It's actually made of left overs from a quilt back. As you can see, my fabric estimating skills are not exactly top notch.

With the dress I wore one of my big summer hats. It's comfy and versitle, as I can unpin the pink flower and add other colors to the white, should the mood hit me.

Have a lovely week!

Lighthouses

2011-06-25T07:57:00.000-04:00

Since Bow Tie Man and I met nine years ago, we've made a goal of visiting all of Michigan's lighthouses. That sounds easy, until you realize that Michigan, with it's two peninsula's, has scores of them. At present, we've visited a great deal of them. The ones we are missing are those that are along the northwestern half of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. We hope to get to some of those later this summer, when we would like to take a trip to the Kewenaw Peninsula.

Also keep in mind that many of the lighthouses aren't on shore. Those that are are generally (no always!) easy to get to. Those that aren't.....well, that's another story. Last weekend we took our little kayaks and paddled out to this one, located a couple of miles off shore. While it was a beautiful day, the trip was still exhausting. Let's just say that my little (read: scrawny) arms were barely up to it. Here's a shot of the Port Austin Reef lighthouse, located just off the tip of Michigan's thumb.

After the kayaking was done, we piled in the car and drove over to the Point Aux Barques Lighthouse. This one is done up as a little museum inside, and is open to the public. While the exhibits were rudimentary, I did enjoy the experience, as there is no better way to understand an old building then to actually get inside it and wander around. I'm very thankful and proud that so many of Michigan's lighthouses are opened to the public, thanks to the diligence of countless volunteers and history lovers around the state, who serve as their guardians and caretakers.

By the way, if you're looking for more info about our lighthouse journies, check out our "home" page here. If you're wondering, Point Iroquois is my very favorite.

Doilies and Doilies and Doilies

2011-06-22T21:35:00.000-04:00

Since the new year started, I've been a little bit doily nuts. I've completed eight doilies since December (three for gifts). Eight. And I'm happy to report that will I have yet to develop arthritis in my hands, I do have some really funny crochet callouses. Yup. That's me. The 27 year old with the old lady hands.

Last Sunday I decided to attack the non-starched pile and go to work. Here are some of the finished products.

At this point, I'm trying to get myself on the Christmas gift band wagon, which means no more random doily crocheting for awhile. Instead, I'm hoping to soon burst onto the knitted sweater scene (which will, undoubtedly, create more funny old lady callouses!). Because, you know. It makes sense to crochet doilies made of thread cotton during the coldest months of the year, and then work with heavy yarn during the dredges of summer.

Yeah, I know. I'm not the smartest wanna-be old lady crafter.

Oh well.

Bored? Are You Kidding Me?

2011-06-20T22:45:00.000-04:00

Today was one of those days when I got to stay home from work. The occasion wasn't exciting - just a couple of doctor's appointments (everything's fine...just routine stuff), but the day has been enjoyable, nonetheless. As you might expect, I've found plenty of things to keep me busy, including hand hemming a dress, cooking an elaborate supper (moussaka), and starting to sew a short-sleeve jacket, running errands, and listening to some lectures (while sewing) about ancient Rome. Cause you know - that's my idea of fun.

The day has absolutely flown by. It's been simultaneously relaxing and pleasant, with plenty of accomplishments. Just what I like.

Along the way, though, there was a bit of a blip, in the form of a phone conversation with a friend. A teacher who is off for the summer, she was complaining about being bored.

Bored.

To be honest with you, I'm not sure that I can remember the last time that I was good and bored. If I had to guess, I would say that my last attempt at long-term boredness was when I was first working. Fresh out of college (which I attended year round for three years with the goal of getting out and getting married!), I found myself with empty evenings and nothing to fill my time. Tv wouldn't do it for me. Instead, while rummaging around one night, I found some quilt blocks that I had began to hand quilt years ago. And suddenly, a new hobby was born.

One thing lead to another, and quilting became garment sewing, then crochet, knitting, and the like. Add in some grad school along the way, as well as making dinners and baking for church, as well as learning to can, and you've got the last few years of my life. A life full of industry, the old fashioned way.

In fact now that I sit down and think about it, I think that one of the things that I admire most about our fore bearers (including those lovely Victorians!) was the fact that they knew how to entertain themselves. As the first large group of people to have considerable amounts of spare time, they kept themselves busy.

Today, in contrast, all society requires of us is laying upon the sofa, watching television shows so we'll have something to discuss at the office tomorrow with our similar sedimentary co-workers.

Now that's boring.

For me, I prefer some good old-fashioned busyness.

A Christening Gown

2011-06-19T21:49:00.000-04:00

A darling Christening dress that includes cut-work, pintucks, and custom embroidery. So very, very lovely in the afternoon light.

The Very Thorough Victorian Language of Flowers

2011-06-16T21:13:00.001-04:00

Among the many things that I love about the Victorians is their thoroughness. As the first large group of people to have too much free time on their hands, they managed to dream up uses for absolutely everything.

Take, for instance, the famous Victorian Language of Flowers. Because social constrictions were rather - constricting - Victorian women created a sort of silent language using flowers. Suddenly, giving someone an innocent bouquet was as useful as writing an entire letter. If one knew how to read the flowers correctly, one could instantly assume the feelings of the giver towards the receiver.

What I love about this flower language, as exemplified by my 1873 Copy of The Household Cyclopedia of Practical Receipts and Daily Wants, is the absolutely insane thoroughness of it. There are literally two and a half small typed pages of dozens and dozens of flowers, including some that have rather unflattering meanings. Here's a sampling of some uses for the more bizarre flowers with their accompanying meanings.

Looking to get rid of that nice but not-your-type boy next door? A sweet bouquet of Rose Acacia will do the trick! (platonic affection)

Are you too subtle too tell your sweetheart that you are (cough!) dying of consumption? Give him some Anemone (sickness)

Not sure how to tell your wife the house is a mess? Present her with a bouquet of Flax! (household industry)

When you're not sure how to tell your best friend that Dr. Periwinkle's new wrinkle cream isn't working, just give her some Tree of Life! (old age)

For the enemy you love to hate - a bouquet of Hemlock. (You will cause my death.)

"I'm so sorry honey! I don't know why Junior is starting to resemble our next door neighbor! Here...have some nice Cardamine." (paternal error)

The Cocktail (and Accompanying Fashion) - An Exhibit

2011-06-14T20:09:00.000-04:00

One of the many reasons that I love NPR is the fact that they spotlight new museum exhibits opening across the country. Here's a write-up about one that I would absolutely love to attend. It's all about the culture of cocktail parties, and includes great fashion (including jewelry) from the 1920s through the 1980s. Even if you couldn't care less about ever having a drink, do yourself a favor and at least click through the slide show. The hat in slide twelve is worth it, if nothing else.

And the answer is yes, by the way. Had I been alive in the 1950s, I so would have tried to have worn it. :)

Wintery Pillowcases

2011-06-12T23:05:00.001-04:00

When you stop and think about it, the motifs on most home linens have been, traditionally, spring and summer related. Flowers. Song birds. Butterflies. Bare shouldered ladies out for a summer stroll.

The truth, though, is that we use our linens during all seasons, both the warm and the cold. Which is why I was so excited to discover these pillowcases for sale last fall.

I quickly snapped up a pair, and invested several hours working on them throughout the past winter. I did actually manage to finish both the embroider and edging on them when there was snow on the ground, a couple of months ago. I did not, however, remember to blog about them until now. Oops! If you're suffering from a dirth of sunshine and high temperatures, just think of them as a promise that winter will indeed return!