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Victorian Living 1840-1900

Free 1887 Almanac Ebook

We have scanned in the 1887 Agricultural Almanac so you can download it for free! This e-book contains helpful hints and tips, funny stories, recipes of the time and more. Here are just a few of the titles found Continue reading "Free 1887 Almanac Ebook" »

Calendar on Your Fingers

I couldn't resist publishing the following little "lingo", as it's called, from an 1887 Almanac. Someone long ago devised a special way to find the first day of the month. This dates before 1837 according to the narrative, so it Continue reading "Calendar on Your Fingers" »

Soapstone, Wash-Tubs and Sinks

Click on image to enlarge AMONG the mineral productions the usefulness of which has for centuries remained unknown, and only recently has become to be appreciated, is undoubtedly soapstone, by mineralogiss called steatite, and by chemists hydrated silicate of Continue reading "Soapstone, Wash-Tubs and Sinks" »

The Making of Beeswax Candles

What a variety of candles can be found today! The types of waxes have extended beyond the tallow and beeswax of our early ancestors to include parrafin, soy, and gel. There is even another type of wax which was Continue reading "The Making of Beeswax Candles" »

19th Century Diaries

Many of our 19th century ancestors kept diaries, scrapbooks or even autograph books. The reasons varied from person to person, but one article on the subject noted that it would be a wise idea to keep a diary of Continue reading "19th Century Diaries" »

Sweet Dreams - A Look at the Bed and Bedroom of the 1850's

This being a cold and snowy afternoon has me drowsy and looking over at my feather pillows and covers wishing to slip off into slumber. So with that said and the fact that we have had some recent articles on Continue reading "Sweet Dreams - A Look at the Bed and Bedroom of the 1850's" »

Painting the House Exterior in 1859

- Fawn [web equivilent #C8B08F] | Drab [web equivilent #A48D6B] | Dark Green [web equivilent #465141] Exterior Color.-For the outside painting of country houses, quiet, neutral tints should generally be chosen. The various shades of fawn, drab, gray, and Continue reading "Painting the House Exterior in 1859" »

Pig Latin, Goose Latin and all those Secret Languages

One of my favorite things to do is read articles from old magazines and periodicals. I find it intriguing to get a 19th century view on things, including their own recollections of their past. I was searching for articles about Continue reading "Pig Latin, Goose Latin and all those Secret Languages" »

Advice about the Woodburning Oven

In nine out of ten kitchens, when there is any cooking to be done the range is made red hot; when the cooking is done, the fire is left to go down to ashes, and is then raised by Continue reading "Advice about the Woodburning Oven" »

The Correct Thing In Good Society

In Shopping The Correct Thing For employees to be patient, cheerful, and obliging. For employees to remember that it is their business to wait upon customers, and to be civil to them. For a salesman to prove that he respects Continue reading "The Correct Thing In Good Society" »

Fashions for December - 1856

Exactly 150 years ago this was the fashion for December Click on image to enlarge FIGURE 1 is a dress of rich light-blue taffeta, with flounces of velours epingle, representing tangled beds of roses, in their natural colors. The berthe Continue reading "Fashions for December - 1856" »

The Correct Thing In Good Society

At The Writing-Desk The Correct Thing To use good jet black ink. To use handsome, thick, plain white paper. To fold and direct a letter neatly, and to put on the stamp evenly, and in the proper corner. To put Continue reading "The Correct Thing In Good Society" »

Cottage Furniture - Bedroom Set

Still on the topic of an early Victorian bedroom, it was suggested in the book The Architecture of Country Houses good furniture could be purchased from Edward Hennessey of Boston. It described a small bedroom set like this: "This furniture Continue reading "Cottage Furniture - Bedroom Set" »

Cottage Furniture - Wardrobe

When most of us think of the early Victorian era, we think of highly ornamental furniture and decor. However the book 'The Architechture of Country Houses' published in 1859, suggests that the highly gilded, ornate furnishings and details should be Continue reading "Cottage Furniture - Wardrobe" »

Improved Pipe-Wrench.

Click on image to enlarge The defects of many of the ordinary pipe-wrenches are that they are heavy, not easy of adjustment, apt to slip, and even sometimes crush the pipe. A pipe-wrench not subject to these drawbacks, but Continue reading "Improved Pipe-Wrench." »

Improved Porcelain Bath Closets.

For a number of years past there has been a steadily growing demand among the well-to-do class for a higher grade of sanitary appliances for the household, and the demand has extended not merely to the comparatively unimportant features of Continue reading "Improved Porcelain Bath Closets." »

Pastry

Pastry Having sifted your flour and weighed the butter or lard, the proportion of one to the other must be regulated by each person's notions of healthiness and economy. One third lard makes better pastry than if all butter Continue reading "Pastry" »

How to Plan a Convenient Dwelling.

Click on image to enlarge “WHEN we do mean to build a domicil, We first survey the plot, then draw the model; And when we see the figure of the house, We then compute the cost of the erection, Continue reading "How to Plan a Convenient Dwelling." »

Interior Decoration - Management of Colors.

PAINTERS, as a general rule, acknowledge but three primary colors—blue, red, and yellow; and whatever exception ninny be taken to such a statement on scientific grounds, there is no question that such a view of the subject does afford Continue reading "Interior Decoration - Management of Colors." »

Cleaning House Fronts

IN Paris, a municipal regulation requires the periodical cleaning of the house-fronts; and a due regard to the appearance of the buildings, from the street would suggest a similar practice in many cities on this side of the water. Continue reading "Cleaning House Fronts" »

The Manufacture of Cloth Buttons.

The Manufacture of Cloth Buttons. THE history of this manufacture is a subject of sufficient interest to claim a place in our pages, although we can hardly agree with the writer of the following, when he says that iron of Continue reading "The Manufacture of Cloth Buttons." »

Spring House Cleaning

Now comes the season of general cleaning, when all the corners and closets are overturned and hidden things are brought to light. Early in the months before the moths-millers show themselves all the woolen sheets, blankets, etc., are to be Continue reading "Spring House Cleaning" »

Wall Papers

If a paneled effect is desired for a room that is intended to be particularly dainty, .such as a boudoir, nothing would be prettier than to use a plain paper at the top and bottom of the wall, and to Continue reading "Wall Papers" »

Decline of the Paper Collar.

It is hardly twenty-five years since the advent of the paper collar. Prior to that time the average man wore neck-gear made from linen fabric, or was content to go without collars, except on Sundays and legal holidays. Then the Continue reading "Decline of the Paper Collar." »

Sanitary Science and Domestic Architecture.

By John Crowell, M.D., in the Popular Science News. NO. IV. Nearly every well-appointed dwelling has a room called the library, and it is quite apt to be located in some obscure and dark coiner or angle of the house, Continue reading "Sanitary Science and Domestic Architecture." »

Improved Window-Screen Frame.

The Stuart window-screen frame herewith illustrated, is manufactured by E. C. Stearns & Co., of Syracuse, N. Y., and has become an article in the leading wholesale and retail hardware trade. The unique appearance of this frame, and the Continue reading "Improved Window-Screen Frame." »

Stencil Designs for Ceilings, etc.

Click Image for a Larger View Until lately, it was the prevailing fashion, in all houses of any pretension to elegance of interior finish, to introduce more or less elaborate ornamentation of the ceilings with the aid of stucco, Continue reading "Stencil Designs for Ceilings, etc." »

Toilet Roll Holder

This Victorian toilet roll holder dates around 1891. It was originally in a blackened finish and it measures around 8" x 6 1/2". Continue reading "Toilet Roll Holder" »

Household Conveniences.

WE have received from our various correspondents quite a number of requests for us to publish something about the minor household conveniences. In compliance therewith we present the following details with explanatory illustrations, for which we are indebted to the Continue reading "Household Conveniences." »

The Rochester Lamp

Click Image for a Larger View The attention devoted to the construction of lamps, electroliers and chandeliers for gas and electric lighting, has had the effect of greatly improving the artistic merits of these fixtures, which afford so inviting Continue reading "The Rochester Lamp" »

Remodelled Hallway

Click Image for a Larger View We offer the accompanying illustration as an example of remodelling. In the original house the stairway was narrow and enclosed. This has been removed, and a new staircase in hard wood introduced, with Continue reading "Remodelled Hallway" »

IMITATING Dark Woods

The appearance of walnut may be given to white woods, by painting or sponging them with a concentrated warm solution of permanganate of potassa. The effect is different on different kinds of timber, some becoming stained very rapidly, others requiring Continue reading "IMITATING Dark Woods" »

To Fit a Key.

When it is not convenient to take a lock apart to fit a new key, the key blank should be smoked over a candle, inserted in the keyhole, and pressed firmly against the opposing wards of the lock. The indentations Continue reading "To Fit a Key." »

Kitchen Furniture

NEVER have dark furniture for a kitchen. It shows the dust much more than light and requires double the care. Never have extra shelves or mantels painted dark if you can help it. If it is your misfortune to have Continue reading "Kitchen Furniture" »

Furnishing a House.

A newly-married young couple, just about taking and furnishing a house, anticipate a great deal of pleasure in the choice and selection of their furniture, carpets, paper-hangings, etc. Both being persons of good taste, they never for one moment imagine Continue reading "Furnishing a House." »

Bathroom Decor - Soap Dish & Faucet

Example of Soap Dish and Bathroom Sink Faucet - Taken from Manufacturer and Builder Nov 1880 Continue reading "Bathroom Decor - Soap Dish & Faucet" »

Plumbing Improvements.

Every one will agree that the ordinary arrangement of wash-basins and bath-tubs, consisting of a stopper and chain attached, is objectionable; the chain is often in the way, it will pull the stopper out when this is not desired, and Continue reading "Plumbing Improvements." »

Improved Kitchen Sink.

We represent on this page an important improvement in one of the most essential contrivances necessary in housekeeping, namely, a kitchen sink, which can also be used as a wash-basin, dish-pan, laundry wash-tub, and drainer. It possesses a valve, Continue reading "Improved Kitchen Sink." »

Kitchen Sinks.

THE sink is without doubt one of the most essential features in a modern kitchen, but at the same time it has, unfortunately, thus far been a neglected piece of manufacture, being made after a certain accepted form, without Continue reading "Kitchen Sinks." »

Plumbers? Cabinet Wood-Work. [Sink Cabinets]

ONE of the signs of industrial progress is the continually increasing formation of specialties in trades. Thus we have piano-makers? hardware, barrel-makers? tools, etc. At present we call attention to a branch of business established by Messrs. Win. S. Continue reading "Plumbers? Cabinet Wood-Work. [Sink Cabinets]" »

Julius Ives & Co [Lamps]

You can order a reprint of this company's catalogue atSirlampsalot Publications . The reprint includes 5 catalogues between the years 1868 to 1883. - Taken from Manufacturer and Builder Jan 1869 Continue reading "Julius Ives & Co [Lamps]" »

New Demand For Tin Plates.

After making a variety of experiments, extending over a considerable time, a Paris house has at last patented a process for the ornamentation of tin plates. By means of colors, prepared in a way which is as yet a secret, Continue reading "New Demand For Tin Plates." »

How to Build a Brick House - PAINTING, ETC.

In districts where the color of the brick is of a sombre hue, and not too bright a red, you need not resort to painting; it certainly is not necessary for the preservation of the material, and if left in Continue reading "How to Build a Brick House - PAINTING, ETC." »

Hints on the Color of Country Houses.

The choice of color for country houses requires the exercise of taste, judgment, and an eye for harmonious combinations. Keeping always in view the general effect, when the fancy begins to range beyond the safe line of the neutral tints, Continue reading "Hints on the Color of Country Houses." »

Black-Walnut Polish.

TAKE asphaltum, pulverize it, place it in a jar or bottle, pour over it about twice its bulk of turpentine or benzole, put it in a warm place, and shake it from time to time. When dissolved, strain it and Continue reading "Black-Walnut Polish." »

Transplanting Trees.

As soon as the foliage has dropped, transplant ornamental, shade or fruit trees. There will be a saving of one year?s growth between those planted now and those in the spring. In taking up trees, great care should be taken Continue reading "Transplanting Trees." »

The Art of Washing Clothes.

INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 20, 1849. Messrs. EDITORS?The remarks in your excellent paper of Dec. 15th, upon washing and labor-saving soap, induce me to send for insertion the following recipe, which I have followed for a long time with complete success 1 Continue reading "The Art of Washing Clothes." »

The Albee Champion Router.

This valuable machine, by reason of the multifarious functions it is capable of exercising, will be found a most desirable addition to the outfit of the wood-working factory. In a former issue of this journal we gave some account Continue reading "The Albee Champion Router." »

Interior Decorations.

IT is a singular fact that amid all that is being constantly written upon matters of art but little is said in reference to the interior decoration of ordinary country or city dwellings. By ordinary we mean dwellings that cost Continue reading "Interior Decorations." »

Old and New Fire Grates.

THERE is a constant tendency toward the revival of old fashions, old styles, and old methods. These are improved, it is true, just as the crinoline of modern belle is a very different affair from the hoops which encased Continue reading "Old and New Fire Grates." »

French Sash Windows.

These windows, so very elegant in appearance, and convenient in domestic architecture, have long labored under the disadvantage of not being weather-tight; and, as the same form of window properly prevails in English Gothic and Italian styles, it has Continue reading "French Sash Windows." »

The Selection of Wall-Paper.

ONE of the most important features in the decoration of the interior of dwelling-houses is undoubtedly the adorning of rooms by means of wall-paper. In this respect people do not always exhibit good taste. It is therefore proposed to make Continue reading "The Selection of Wall-Paper." »

The History of Windows.

THE origin of the word window is suggestive of the primary intention of that very essential feature in building. It is derived from the Welsh wyntdor, which means a passage for the wind; showing clearly that time first office of Continue reading "The History of Windows." »

Children?s Toys.

IT is by no means a matter of indifference what toys are put into the hands of children, since their young minds receive permanent impressions from the objects with which they are surrounded in early years. We think a Continue reading "Children?s Toys." »

Portable Wainscoting.

Click Image for a Larger View IT is always a peculiarity of all valuable inventions that no sooner are they once explained than every body wonders why nobody ever thought of a thing so very simple before; and to Continue reading "Portable Wainscoting." »

Plank Walls for Cottages.

In localities where lumber is plenty and saw-mills conveniently near, the strongest, most weather-tight walls, as well as those most easy of construction, are formed of plank of any thickness, and three and four inches wide, laid alternately on their Continue reading "Plank Walls for Cottages." »

A Woman's Idea of what a Kitchen should be.

To begin with, I would have a kitchen well lighted; yes a great deal of the broad, expansive sunlight soming in boldly, as if it had a perfect right to be there. That would, of course, necessitate large windows. And Continue reading "A Woman's Idea of what a Kitchen should be." »

A Cabinet Refrigerator.

A FEW days ago, while passing up Sixth avenue, we saw at the store of Mr. Lesley?No. 605?a very neat and useful little article with which the readers of our home department can hardly fail to be pleased. It Continue reading "A Cabinet Refrigerator." »

Designs for Brackets.

CHASTE yet neat ornaments add much to the appearance of any building, while nakedness on the one hand, and meretricious display on the other are equally displeasing. In very few of the brackets which are seen attached to houses Continue reading "Designs for Brackets." »

Wooden Floors?How to Cleanse them.

This is a very important matter in a country like the United States, where there is so much change of domicile, and that particularly in a city like New York on the first of May. Floors dirty enough to make Continue reading "Wooden Floors?How to Cleanse them." »

Improved Sanitary Appliances. (Water-Closet)

We exhibit in the accompanying illustration one of the recent improvements in water-closets manufactured by the J. L. Mott Iron Works, of 88 and 90 Beekman street, New York, one of the leading houses in this country in this Continue reading "Improved Sanitary Appliances. (Water-Closet)" »

The Modern Bath-Room. (1885)

Click Image for a Larger View We have pleasure in being able to lay before our readers, from advance sheets of a new catalogue about to be issued by the J. L. Mott Iron Works, of 88 and 90 Continue reading "The Modern Bath-Room. (1885)" »

A Modern Bath-Room Interior. (1884)

Click Image for a Larger View The accompanying illustration, which represents a bath-room interior fitted with the latest and most approved modern conveniences and sanitary appliances, forces directly upon the mind a realization of the great progress that has Continue reading "A Modern Bath-Room Interior. (1884)" »

Bath-Room Interior, with Approved Modern (1883)

Click Image for a Larger View The attention that of late years has been bestowed upon all matters relating to public and domestic sanitation, has given us not only healthier towns and dwellings, but has had the incidental advantage Continue reading "Bath-Room Interior, with Approved Modern (1883)" »

Shall our Houses be Painted or Plastered?

Of course, says the American Builder, everybody knows, or ought to? know, that walls and ceilings are finished with plaster. But everybody may not be aware that plaster has the property of absorbing moisture. This, perhaps, will not take place Continue reading "Shall our Houses be Painted or Plastered?" »

Improved Domestic Sanitary Appliances. (Tub)

We illustrate and describe herewith some representative specimens of a very superior class of domestic sanitary appliances and conveniences, which are manufactured exclusively for the J. L. Mott Iron Works, of this city, by Messrs. Joseph Cliff & Sons, Continue reading "Improved Domestic Sanitary Appliances. (Tub)" »

To Clean Kid Gloves

Item for the Ladies. To clean kid gloves, have ready a little new milk in one saucer, a piece of white soap in another, and a clean cloth folded two or three times. On the cloth spread out the glove Continue reading "To Clean Kid Gloves" »

How to Paper a Room.

SEVERAL lengths of paper should be laid one on another upon the floor or bench, allowing the fair edges to project over, so that the paste may not touch the figured surface. The back should then be smartly brushed over Continue reading "How to Paper a Room." »

Color in House Interiors.

The principles of the proper use of color in house interiors are not difficult to master. It is unthinking, unreflective action which makes so many un-restful interiors of homes. The creator of a home should consider, in the first place, Continue reading "Color in House Interiors." »

CUT FLOWERS.

The first thing to be considered in arranging cut flowers is the vase. If it is scarlet, blue, or many-colored, it must necessarily conflict with some hue in your bouquet. Choose rather pure white, green, or transparent glass, which allows Continue reading "CUT FLOWERS." »

Dress Goods.

IT seems as if there could be nothing new in fabrics, so great has been the variety before; but beautiful new goods, with soft twills, fine diagonal reps, rough surfaces, and wrought figures lie temptingly on every counter. Cashmere will Continue reading "Dress Goods." »

Improved Sanitary Appliances. (Kitchen Sink)

We have had occasion in former articles to describe some of the admirable novelties in sanitary appliances for the household made by the J. L. Mott Iron Works, of this city. Of the several improved appliances of this nature Continue reading "Improved Sanitary Appliances. (Kitchen Sink)" »

Decoration of a Dining-Room.

The following suggestions applied to a breakfast or dining-room may be of service: The flat of ceiling a vellum tint, cornice of the same, but deeper in tone, in pleasing contrast with the ceiling. The prominent members of the cornice Continue reading "Decoration of a Dining-Room." »

Bouquet

MATERIALS REQUIRED : Sheets of colored tissue-paper of light yellow, orange, rose-color, red, light and dark violet, deep crimson, purple, light and dark blue, and white, two of each; also a fourth as many sheets of light and dark Continue reading "Bouquet" »

Home Decoration - The Hall

"The Hall" The hall being the index to the whole house, due care should therefore be given to its furnishing. Light colors and gilding should be avoided. The wall and ceiling decorations now mostly used are in dark rich colors, Continue reading "Home Decoration - The Hall" »

Home Decoration - The Kitchen

"The Kitchen" It is a remark too often made that this or that "is good enough for a servant." If all knew that unpleasant surroundings made unpleasant servants and ill-prepared meals, we think more pains would be taken to have Continue reading "Home Decoration - The Kitchen" »

Home Decoration - Dining Room

"Dining Room" The dining-room should be furnished with a view to convenience, richness, and comfort. Choose deep rich grounds for the walls-bronze-maroon, black, Pompeiian red, and deep olive-and the designs and traceries in old gold, olive or moss green, with Continue reading "Home Decoration - Dining Room" »

Home Decoration - The Chambers

"Chambers" The walls of bedrooms should be decorated in light tints and shadings, with a narrow rail and deep frieze. Most housekeepers prefer rugs and oiled floors to carpets, but this is a matter of individual taste. Rugs are as Continue reading "Home Decoration - The Chambers" »

Home Decoration - The Library

"The Library" The walls of the library should be hung with rich, dark colors, the latest style in wall paper being a black ground with old gold and olive-green designs. The carpet comes in Pompeiian red, with moss-green and Continue reading "Home Decoration - The Library" »

Home Decoration - The Sitting Room

"The Sitting Room" The sitting or everyday room should be the brightest and most attractive room in the house. Its beauty of decoration should not be so much in the richness and variety of material as in its comfort, simplicity, Continue reading "Home Decoration - The Sitting Room" »

Home Decoration - The Parlor

"The Parlor" The furnishing of the parlor should be subject to its architectural finish. The first things to be considered are the walls and floor. The former may be decorated in fresco or papered, according to the individual taste and Continue reading "Home Decoration - The Parlor" »

A Little About Calling Cards

I love the form of etiquette used by the Victorians. One way they kept social graces was by calling cards. I have a book on etiquette and when I ran across the chapter on Making Calls I was rather surprised Continue reading "A Little About Calling Cards" »

Transferring onto Glass

Colored or plain engravings, photographs, lithographs, water colors, oil colors, crayons, steel plates, newspaper cuts, mezzotints, pencil, writing, show cards, labels, or in fact, anything. DIRECTIONS. Take glass that is perfectly clear (window glass will answer) clean it thoroughly; the Continue reading "Transferring onto Glass" »

Plant Baskets

An ox-muzzle, flattened on one side and nailed to a board, as in Fig 44, filled with spongy moss and feathery ferns, makes a lovely ornament; while suspended baskets holding cups or bowls of soil filled with drooping plants Continue reading "Plant Baskets" »

Rustic Frames

Take a very thin board , of the right size and shape, for the foundation or "mat;" saw out the inner oval or rectangular form to suit the picture. Nail on the edge a rustic frame made of branches Continue reading "Rustic Frames" »

General Observations on Cakes

It is an excellent plan for the mistress of a household to keep always a tire*, high in the neck, with short sleeves, for herself or her domestic to put on, when either bread or cake is to be made. Continue reading "General Observations on Cakes" »

Kitchen Pepper Sauce

Mix in a fine powder one ounce of ginger; of cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg and Jamaica Pepper, half an ounce each; ten cloves and six ounces of salt. Keep it in a bottle. It is a pleasant addition to any Continue reading "Kitchen Pepper Sauce" »

Sweet Potato Waffles

Two table-spoonfuls of mashed potato; one of butter; one of sugar; one pint of milk; four table-spoonfuls of wheat flour. Mix these together and bake in a waffle iron. Continue reading "Sweet Potato Waffles" »

Chicken Salad

Roast or boil either chickens, turkey or veil; remove all the skin and gristle, and chop it very fine. Put the lettuce into cold water. If made with celery, it should be slivered very fine, and put into iced water Continue reading "Chicken Salad" »

Sweet Potato Pudding

Boil or bake the potatoes; rub them through a sieve. Three pints of milk; thirteen eggs; three pounds of potato; a little butter; nutmeg, cinnamon, and mace; a tea-spoonful salt. This pudding may be made in a less expensive manner, Continue reading "Sweet Potato Pudding" »

Tomato Sauce

Skin the tomatoes; stew them till tender; season with pepper; a bit of butter; a few cloves. Let these boil together. Strain it and serve hot. - American Matron 1851 Continue reading "Tomato Sauce" »

Cranberry Sauce

Pour boiling water over the cranberries; this instantly swells all the good ones, and makes it easy to pick out decayed ones. Stew the fruit, until soft, in a very little water. When soft, add sugar to your taste. - Continue reading "Cranberry Sauce" »

THE SECOND BABY.

BETWEEN the first baby and the second what a falling off is there, my countrywomen! Not in intrinsic value, for the second may chance to be ?as pretty a piece of flesh as any in Messina,? but in the imaginary Continue reading "THE SECOND BABY." »

FRECKLES.

-The favorite cosmetic for removing freckles in Paris is an ounce of alum and an ounce of lemon-juice in a pint of rose-water. Taken from Godey's Ladies Book 1855 Continue reading "FRECKLES." »

TO RENOVATE TORTOISE-SHELL COMBS.

Taken from Godey's Ladies Book 1855 -When plain tortoise-shell combs are defaced, the polish may be removed by rubbing them with pulverized rotten-stone and oil. The rotten-stone should be sifted through muslin; then polish with jeweller's rouge, or with sifted Continue reading "TO RENOVATE TORTOISE-SHELL COMBS." »

MILK OF ROSES

Taken from Godey's Ladies Book 1855 MILK OF ROSES is made thus: Put two ounces of rose-water, a teaspoon of oil of almonds, and twelve drops of oil of tartar, into a bottle, and shake the whole till well mixed. Continue reading "MILK OF ROSES" »

ELDER FLOWER OIL FOR THE HAIR.

Taken from Godey's Ladies Book 1855 -Take of the best almond or olive oil, one pound; elder flowers (free from stalk), two ounces; place the flowers in the oil in a jar or wide-mouthed bottle; let them remain forty eight Continue reading "ELDER FLOWER OIL FOR THE HAIR." »

TOOTHACHE.

Taken from Godey's Ladies Book 1855 -A correspondent (to whom we are obliged) strongly recommends the following simple remedy for toothache, from her own experience of it benefit. It is simply two or three drops of oil of juniper used Continue reading "TOOTHACHE." »

HAIR BRUSHES.

Taken from Godey's Ladies Book 1855 -To clean hair-brushes, put a spoonful of pearlash into a pint of boiling water, then fasten a bit of sponge to the end of a stick, dip it into the solution, and wash the Continue reading "HAIR BRUSHES." »

TO MAKE SCENTED BAGS.

Taken from Godey's Ladies Book 1855 -Take a Florentine orrisroot a pound and a half; calamus aromaticus, half a pound; yellow sandal-wood, a quarter of a pound; gum-benjamin, five ounces; cloves, half an ounce. Beat the whole into powder, and Continue reading "TO MAKE SCENTED BAGS." »

TO RESTORE HAIR.

Taken from Godey's Ladies Book 1855 -Hair, when removed by illness or old age has been restored by the following simple means; though they are not likely too prove efficacious to all cases. Rub the bald places frequently with an Continue reading "TO RESTORE HAIR." »

Home Decoration - Overview

Taken from Useful Information for Ladies 1897 "Overview" The chief features to be observed in house furnishing are color, form, and proportion. All stiffness of design in furniture should be avoided. Do not attempt to match articles, but rather carry Continue reading "Home Decoration - Overview" »

On Colors...

Taken from Miss Beecher's Housekeeper and Healthkeeper 1873 Much of the beauty of furniture is secured by the tasteful combination of colors. There usually should only be two colors in addition to the white of the ceiling. Blue unites well Continue reading "On Colors..." »

On Curtains...

Taken from Miss Beecher's Housekeeper and Healthkeeper 1873 The cornices to your windows can be simply strips of wood covered with paper to match the bordering of your room, and the lambrequins, made of chintz like the lounge, could be Continue reading "On Curtains..." »

Walls and their Coverings

Taken from Scribner's Monthly May 1872 In the old days of wainscots, when every room of any pretensions to elegance was banded with light or dark wood to height of three or four feet from the base, it was far Continue reading "Walls and their Coverings" »

Floors

Taken from Scribner's Monthly September 1871 WHEN Mr. Ruskin chronicled the "Ethics of Dust," he should have devoted a large portion of his space to the modern floor. The popular theory of a floor, reduced to practice, amounts to this: Continue reading "Floors" »

A Few Feet Under

According to Dr.Harmon K. Root, in his book entitled 'The People's Medical Lighthouse' published in 1852, there were some offensive burial proceedures occuring. He first makes light of how the secrets of the ancients in embalming thier dead remained a Continue reading "A Few Feet Under" »