Have you ever taken time to read through an old newspaper?
I did so quite a bit as I researched for A Time of Proving. Newspapers give an excellent feel for the writing style of the time and also provide insight into what occupied people’s minds.
Besides that, old newspapers can contain some real humor and practical advice–even on matters for today.
Let me share a sample of what I sifted through in my reading, complete with the paper’s spelling and capitalization.
There’s sure to be something for everyone whether you need advice about how to tell if a man is interested in you or if you just need a dose of old-time flavoring.
Excerpts from the Osceola Record:
“There are countless simple ways in which an unmarried daughter can add to the family income and taste the delight of having a sum which is her own without leaving home. Among these are keeping bees, poultry, silk or herb culture, fruit and vegetable gardening, the raising of hothouse flowers for city markets, and above all, the making of the best butter and cheese. Many a competency has been gained by some simple craft, learned for family use, and brought intelligently to bear on a city market, such as the making of old-fashioned bread, pickles, catsup, or cakes, cordials or jellies, innocent of soda and gelatine. Occupations such as these, too, are not interfered with by marriage.”
“Glass eyes for horses are now made with such perfection that the animals themselves cannot see through the deception.”
“Annoyance avoided–Gray hairs are honorable, but their premature appearance is annoying. Parker’s Hair Balsam prevents the annoyance by promptly restoring the youthful color.”
“For The Girl–If a young man truly loves you, he will always be somewhat embarrassed when with you. If a young man is not interested in you at first sight, the chances are five to one against you. If a fellow continues to glance at you, he is interested in you; if he hastily averts his gaze when you catch his eye, the chances are that he is a gentleman; but if, instead, he smiles at you, you may know that he is only a ‘masher’.”
“Joke–When a banker pooh-poohs anything you say, you can make up your mind he doesn’t mean anything by it. It’s just one of his sham–poos.”
Ad–A full stock of feathers, plumes, and wings, at Mrs. Hurst’s Millinery Store.
How to take a girl’s arm–The vulgar habit of clutching a girl midway between the elbow and the shoulder blade is indulged in only by the dudes; by a gentleman, never. The Southern gentleman of culture bends his arm at the elbow, the latter member resting on his hip, while his hand is allowed to run straight out in front of him. In the niche thus formed, the arm of the lady is allowed to rest. Her dainty hand, neither touching his broad palm nor any other part of his arm, is allowed to dangle gracefully at the side of his wrist. The support thus furnished the fair one is more secure than the old style of allowing the tips of the finger to rest lightly on the sleeve of the gentleman’s coat.
Did you find a favorite section? I have to admit I’m partial to the article entitled “For The Girl.” It’s good to know how to identify a gentleman from a masher, right?
Want to experience more 1880’s flavoring? Try out the Home to Osceola series.
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