Christmas Tea, Period Clothing Exhibit, Very Successful!

Whew!
I thought of titling this entry 'three days in a corset' but decided against that, LOL! The Christmas Tea is over, and despite low attendance Friday night because of threatening weather, we had great traffic both Saturday and Sunday. As always, the House looked resplendent: Tony outdid himself downstairs with an all naturally decorated tree he and Jeannie spent hours on! Two of the rooms on the main floor were decorated by area antiquers/collectible vendors in a very warm, cozy, homey style that many visitors said they enjoyed a lot. The dining room was done in silver, white and gold by Debbie and Carol, and their inspiration and creativity was amazingly lovely. You can see a bit of the dining room in the photos, below.
The photos are of me (big surprise). The green and gold silk brocade gown (1781) was worn Friday evening.

The bottle green silk and black lace Victorian walking suit (1870's)was worn Saturday. 

The gold gown (1780) was worn Sunday.

But I must say that for me personally, the biggest thrill of this year's Tea was the reception given to the Period Clothing Exhibit by our visitors: they loved it. Even people who didn't know much about period clothing were fascinated. And to my delight (and relief) those who DID know about period clothing, like the head of the county's Historical Society no less, raved about not only the clothing, but the way we displayed it. Kudos to my 'partner in crime,' Nancy, who helped with the display!

Since the PCE was my baby, I was of course very pleased. We have even been asked if we would loan out some pieces to display at the county seat, possibly later this year. This would be free advertising for The Oldest House, so I'm considering it. Everyone seemed genuinely enthralled by the exhibit, and really impressed with the quality of the clothing, so I guess I did all right at those auctions!

Meanwhile, with the final event of 2013 concluded, we volunteers at the House have already started planning for next year. I was glad to learn that Debbie and Tony have a vision for the front room, and Carol has an idea for the dining room. The 'River Room' will likely hold House genealogy as it generally does, and also river related displays as in previous years.

This means MY creative talents can be poured into the upstairs (the ground floor Keeping Room is always kept in the style of 1781).

While I've acquired some summery pieces of period clothing to swap out with some of the heavier ones, which will change the look of the PCE, I had a brain wave last night and set about exploring a couple of avenues. I'm happy to report that, barring some unforeseen circumstance, we will not only have a seasonally appropriate display of (some) different period clothing when we re-open in May 2014, we will also have a special exhibit of wedding gowns from the Civil War period through the Edwardian Era.

I'm hopeful that a couple of local residents might loan us their grandmothers' gowns, if they are sturdy enough to be displayed, and if they are from 1910 or earlier.

That will generate local interest.

Meanwhile, the House itself will have three gowns and veils in its regular collection: a Victorian gown with leg of mutton sleeves, an Edwardian type gown and veil, and a late Edwardian gown and veil.

I'm planning on creating (I think, we'll see how much time I have) silk flower bouquets appropriate to each time period for each of the 'brides.' And I've found a reasonable source for some full body mannequins with heads: I'll probably buy three of these for the gowns to be featured on, and a couple more backless torsos for any of the really tiny gowns. (I'll just have to do the best I can with veils on these, which don't have heads. Possibly I can display the veil on one of the hat forms we have, placed next to the gown).

The bridal exhibit will be in the largest bedroom, where the Civil War dresses are now. I think I'll take the mourning outfit display apart and possibly make a Civil War/Victorian display in the hallway and at the top of the stairs. I don't want to crowd things too much, but I think I will have room to add a couple of things on hangers and maybe one standing mannequin.

The Civil War wedding gown we have in the House's collection will lead off the bridal display, with the others following behind in that largest room.

At least, that's my vision!

What do you all think? Let me know. I've got until April to acquire wedding gowns for the Permanent Collection as well as contact people to loan us heirlooms for a month or two for the special exhibit.

Downton Abbey Fabric!

       I saw it! It's gorgeous! It almost made me wish I knew how to sew...or quilt!
       Endless Mountains Quiltworks in Tunkhannock debuted the new line of fabrics based on the fabrics and styles used in the wildly popular Carnival TV/PBS series Downton Abbey this afternoon. For those of you who have been living under a rock for the past three years, Downton is an import from the UK, basically a costume drama, set in Edwardian England and carrying on through--possibly, according to creator Julian Fellowes--WW II.
       A dress form draped in a beige silk dress that had belonged to EMQ owner Jeanette's Great Aunt set the tone of Edwardian (1901-1914) elegance at the store this afternoon. And Jeanette and Carol did it up right, too: tea and little cakes were served at an elegantly appointed table large enough to seat the first dozen or so people who showed up for the 'Grand Reveal.' The other twenty people were happy enough to stand, surrounded by the beautiful fabrics and inspirational designs that grace the walls of EMQ.

       Carol and Jeanette had beautifully wrapped little gifts for everyone (a commemorative patch and a sachet of tea!) and they had even contrived a trivia contest. The winner snagged a beautiful quilted tote fashioned out of an art nouveau inspired teal based fabric from the collection. (Unfortunately, although I answered the question correctly, my entry was not chosen; but the girl who did win the tote seemed thrilled!)
       It was so generous of Jeanette to give this bag away, since it was a much coveted item given to the first 1000 shop owners at the Quilt convention in Houston this year where Andover Fabrics debuted the collection. Jeanette said she got up at the crack of dawn to be sure to be on line early enough to secure a bag!
       Andover Fabrics out of New York is the licensed US maker of the fabric line; they are associated with Makower Fabrics in the UK, who have the line in Downton's homeland.
Working with the costume designer for the programme, Andover has created four 'mood boards' for the Dowager Countess and the three Crawley sisters: Lady Mary, Lady Edith and Lady Sybil. Each has a different theme, and discrete overall colorways and prints: for example, Lady Sybil's 'board' has softer brighter colors like teals and peaches with art nouveau type prints, while the Dowager's 'board' is more stately and perhaps a trifle staid, in darker and blander colors like beige and navy and violet (pun intended).

       Jeanette pointed out that, as is historically correct, the Dowager is generally seen in 'half mourning' colors since she is a widow. Because her husband died several years ago, she no longer must wear black (even though it is a fashion choice for her quite often) but may wear softer yet still somber tones like navy,  violet and similar colors.
       And Sybil, of course, the youngest of the daughters of the Earl of Grantham and Lady Cora, gravitates towards more flowing, less structured lines and equally innovative prints.
       The middle daughter, Edith, appears to be turning into the businesswoman and possibly the suffragette of the family: her colors are bright and fresh and a bit bold.
       Lady Mary, the oldest daughter, wears a lot of classically inspired prints in clear, basic colors teamed with primaries like black or white/cream. One tip Carol shared with us that she learned from the costume designer for Downton is that if one watches Lady Mary, she is usually wearing burgundy or claret if the scene she is in is really crucial or important. I had no idea about that although I think I had realized that Lady Mary often wore that range of colors. So I'll be watching the series more intently now, to check on what color is being worn when!
       Additionally, there is the official Downton Abbey fabric itself: a cream based linen-cotton type cloth with milk chocolate colored pen and ink drawings of Highclere House, the famous residence where Downton Abbey is filmed, scattered throughout.

       On Andover's website, they have various patterns one can use to create Downton-themed quilts; however, some of the fabrics would make lovely outfits, either modern or period correct in design.
       Jeanette promises that her shop will offer a different Downton themed event or project every month for about a year. Making your own tote bag with Downton material might be an upcoming highlight, or making something less demanding, like a pincushion (that's probably more my speed!) Some of the costumes from Downton Abbey's third season are now on display at Winterthur in Wilmington, DE; a bus trip to view the exhibit might be in the works for spring 2014.
       Although Carol revealed that they had perhaps been a little unsure of how popular the new fabric line would be, the eager reception from the dozens of people who showed up to get a first look--and buy--of the bolts is certain to have reassured them.
       The fabrics all sell for $10+ a yard; packages of 'fat quarters'--which I had to ask someone to define--in each colorway are also available for easy creating of quilts or ensembles honoring one particular character from the programme. (Ah, yes, a 'fat quarter' is a quarter yard length measured in a more generous width than the usual, to make quilting squares. A typical quarter yard cut is nine inches by 44 inches; a fat quarter is 18 inches by 22 inches. So who knew? I learn something every day!)
       So if you're pining for the return of Downton Abbey (January 5, Sunday night, on your local PBS station) and you can't make a pilgrimage to Highclere itself, or Winterthur even, take a ride to Tunkhannock and immerse yourself in the lovely colors and sensational feel of the new Downton Abbey line of fabrics! While you're there, sign up so you are certain to receive notice of the special events coming up.
       Who knows? Maybe you'll even find me there one day, stabbing my fingers with the needle as I try to sew a Downton themed quilted placemat!

~DLC

And AGAIN...

Wow. Took a casual glance through what I was sure would be a perfect print proof of the second edition of A RIVER IN TIME and found a few errors!
Nothing egregious, with the exception of one verb/subject number disagreement in a phrase I had stuck in and hadn't really checked over. So I fixed that, and it was enough of an issue that I decided to send the file back for a second proof.
Before I did that, though, I went through the whole book AGAIN, and corrected some minor (really really minor) issues: stuff like single versus double quotations, making sure the apostrophe in front of words like 'tis is the right kind--in the font I'm using, apostrophes and quotes have little tails that go one way or the other, so it has to go the correct way! Exciting things like that.

So now that's done. I also made a change to the very, very end of the book--let's see if anyone spots this when the new edition is out there and being read. It took a bit of doing, but it's kind of a neat addition. And it may prompt more questions than answers!

That's it for now, sorry this is so short, but I expect I'll be posting again tonight after the Downton Abbey Fabric Show this afternoon.
~DLC

Sometimes, I Wish I Sewed!

Those of you who know me know I can sew on buttons, and sew up small rents in fabrics, depending on the fabric. But sew? No.
I remember suffering through sewing class in fifth and sixth grade. We made sleeveless 'shift' dresses: not exactly demanding, and mine came out all right although I didn't like the print I ended up choosing. But the tedium of sewing is what gets me: it seems that every couple of minutes I had to re-thread my needle because I had used up the prescribed 12-14 inches of thread the sewing instructor told us to use. And why did I have to baste a hem first, and then do the 'hem stitch?' Phooey! I could do just as well folding the material neatly and evenly and doing the hem stitch straight away.

Well, enough about my sewing skills: you get the picture. And I must say that I rarely wish I were a good seamstress--until just today.
I learned that a shop near me in Tunkhannock, PA has a new line of fabric in. The shop, Endless Mountains Quilts, specializes in quilts and quilting, as their name indicates. But they have expanded, and now sell all types of quality fabrics.
The fabric line they are getting in is--
wait for it, and sit down--
licensed DOWNTON ABBEY fabrics!
I spoke very briefly today with one of the sales people at the shop, and she said there are several lines within the overall fabric range: there's the Lady Sybil line based on her colors and style and fabrics, and I believe the Lady Mary line, the Lady Edith line, and possibly Countess Cora and the Dowager Countess as well! Maybe there are even fabrics for menswear.
If I sewed, I could make my own Downton Abbey style Edwardian clothing! I don't, and I've had great success with the outfits I've ordered from Recollections online. They are more than wonderful.
Maybe they should get their hands on some of this licensed DA fabric???

The 'grand reveal' as the shop is calling it, is THIS SUNDAY, November 17 in the afternoon from 3-5:30 p.m. and I plan on going. Not that I'm going to suddenly learn to sew or anything, but I want to see the fabrics, and see what they've come up with.
Apparently, the woman who has developed the range met with the DA people to be sure the fabrics were authentic and accurate. And since it's licensed, I imagine the new fabric range has the blessing of ITV and Julian Fellowes and whomever else is involved; that's good, because we want to avoid the 'Downton Abbey Jewelry' debacle that took place a couple years back.

So any of you in the Northeast PA area who are DA fans, try to set aside some time this Sunday to drop in at the Endless Mountains Quilts shop in Tunkhannock. It's in Tioga Plaza where the CVS and the Hallmark Store are. The woman I spoke with said they're even having tea and scones on Sunday...yum!
Maybe I'll see you there!
~DLC

A RIVER IN TIME, Second Edition

Hello dear friends and readers!
Well, it is pretty much finished: the second edition of A RIVER IN TIME. I'm pleased to say that instead of 42,000 words, it is now more than 54,000 words! I've added much much more authentic detail, whole scenes, made corrections, and in general turned the little novella into a real BOOK!
Next week I should be able to run through it one last time for any errors, and then it's off to the publisher. I anticipate a quick turnaround, so it should be available for the December Christmas Tea at the Oldest House on the 5th, 6th and 7th (I think those are the dates...it's the first weekend in December, Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday. I'll post more about the tea closer to then).

The second edition will also be available on Amazon, and as before the proceeds will go to the House.
I appreciate your support so very much, and if you do have the first edition, I would urge you to consider getting the second edition as well. Yes, it's the same story, but with more 'stuff,' things that, upon re reading it, I longed to know, I wanted to have in there. And I thought that if that was MY experience, having written the book, readers, too, might be glad to have more.

I am considering a way to make the second edition available to owners of the first edition at a reduced rate. Watch this blog, and also my twitter and Facebook posts for details about that.

But anyone who has not bought the first edition of A RIVER IN TIME, please wait just a few more weeks, and get the second, expanded edition.
And please, if you like the book, tell your friends.
Thank you. More later.
~DLC

'SHUT THE BOX!'

Okay, those of you who are expert in all things Colonial probably know what the game 'Shut the Box' is.
I did not (which shows the depth of my ignorance) until a recent visit to Colonial Williamsburg where I went 'gamboling' one evening at Chowning's Tavern. The verb 'gambol,' which in todays verbiage is mostly applied to sheep and their ilk: 'the lambs were gamboling in the field,' and so forth. However, its meaning is the same: to run about and have fun. And yes, it is related to the verb 'gamble' from a common ancestral root word.
But since this blog is not about linguistics, back to the gambol.
In Colonial Williamsburg, and presumably in Colonial times, a 'gambol' meant an evening spent at a tavern engaging in games, sing alongs, music and so forth.
Sounds like fun, right? Particularly on those long winter nights when the sun sets so early and, with no 'modern' entertainments like TV and the internet, there wasn't much to do.
The game 'Shut the Box' is one to which I was introduced at the gambol I attended. Colonials and post Colonials played cards, and a number of other table top games, of which Shut the Box is one, and one I like quite a bit.
It's contained in a shallow box not much larger than a shoe box and consists of a row of numbered (1-12 in the game I played) flip tabs of wood mounted on a spindle of some kind, and a small open space in which to roll the dice.
Let's remember that games of chance featuring dice were extremely common in Colonial and post Colonial times, as were card games. (See the comment above about the absence of 'modern' entertainment.) Wagering was done, of course, but one need not wager to play Shut the Box or any other game.
The allure of Shut the Box is that it can be played alone, as a test of wits and skill to some extent. The strategy is pretty simple. And of course, the game increases in competitive--shall we say, 'fun?'--when it is played with two or more people, as you all vie to get the lowest score.
Ok, let me explain. Player 1 rolls the dice. Whatever number s/he rolls, s/he flips those tabs to make that total. For example, if one were to roll a 1 and a 4, one would flip tabs that add up to 5 in the 'box.' Or, one could just flip the '5' tab.
And here's the strategy: since the aim is to end up with no tabs, or at least the lowest numbered tabs remaining, the best strategy is to flip the highest numbered tabs first.
In the above example, then, player 1 would flip the 5.
This player carries on rolling and flipping tabs until s/he rolls a number s/he cannot flip tabs to match. For example, if s/he were to eventually roll a 9 and have, say, the 1, and the 3 and the 4 tabs left, that only adds up to 8, so that player is out. Also, if in this scenario s/he were to roll a 12, s/he would also be out because all the tabs left are less than the roll.
Player 1 adds up her or his total score, which is the numbers on the tabs left un-flipped, added together.
Then the next player takes her or his turn and tries to beat Player 1's score.
When I played, the lowest score I ended up with was 14, but I only played a couple of rounds and wasn't really concentrating too hard: I was having too much fun!
Board games like Shut the Box would probably have been played not only at taverns, but in homes during Colonial and post Colonial times. To that end, I've written a new scene in my book about The Oldest House,  A RIVER IN TIME, in which Izzy, Josh, Elizabeth and Sam play the game.
It's an homage to the evening of gamboling I enjoyed at Colonial Williamsburg, and I think it adds wonderful detail of authenticity and fun to the book.
The new, expanded second edition of RIVER will be out in December. More news on this later...
~DLC

PERIOD CLOTHING EXHIBIT!!!

Whew!
Nancy H. and I worked flat out yesterday afternoon mounting the new expanded Period Clothing Exhibit at The Oldest House. All I have yet to do is print out the informational cards for each room and each outfit, and it'll be ready.

That's one of the 'High Victorian' gowns, from about 1885. Done in a warm brown silk and cream lace, its leg o' mutton sleeves typify the style of that period.

Once we got the hang of dressing and displaying the dress forms (pun intended, LOL) Nancy and I had a system that almost fell into place without saying much. We work well together, and I am SO grateful to have had her help with this. She said she had fun, and I did too, once we got going.

My biggest fear was that the dress forms I'd purchased would be too big for the teeny tiny clothing. But we managed, although in a couple of spots we really had to work at it! Figuring out how to attach trousers to the male torsos was kind of fun, and my favorite part was adding the 'extras:' the beaded bags in the Edwardian room, the poke bonnets and caps in the Regency/Empire/Post Colonial room, the shawls and bonnets in the Civil War room.

That is the Regency/Empire/Post Colonial room, with the male work outfit and the antique steamer trunk full of undergarments: corsets, corset bag, chemise, camisole, knickers, etc. Nancy arranged them in the trunk, and I think she did a great job!

We had a members' meeting yesterday, too, after Nancy & I had finished up the display work and people seemed to like the new Exhibit. I think it totally changes the feel of the upstairs: as I'd hoped, and as I'd observed at Sonnenberg Mansion, hanging the clothing on mannequins or in this case dress forms really makes the rooms come alive. (Mannequins would have been nice, but they run into the $$$ and I preferred to spend my $$$ on clothing rather than fixturing).

I think my favorite outfit is the beige plaid Civil War Wedding Dress, because not only is it beautiful with its row of tiny mother of pearl buttons and fringed cuffs, I found a wedding ring shawl and a silk bonnet to match and the entire ensemble is just lovely! (Sorry, you can't really see the bonnet in the photo as the sun was coming in the window and YES, we are getting a shade for that window!)

Now all that's left is to print out the informational cards on each ensemble and for each room, and put them up, and the PCE will be ready for viewing!

If you are in the area, or if you visit the area of Laceyville, PA do let me know and I'll give you a special tour of The Oldest House. Also, please plan to attend our Christmas Tea on December 6,7, &8, 6-9 p.m. on Friday, and 1-5 at the weekend. This will be the debut of the PCE and the House will be decorated in its holiday finery and of course we'll have cookies and mulled cider as always.

Period Clothing Exhibit

Hello everyone!
Today I am bringing the boxes containing the mannequins and dress forms, along with a bag of crinolines and hoop skirts, to The Oldest House. I won't unpack anything yet, but I have to get this stuff out of my car LOL!
I've created signs with a distinctive logo for the PCE too, and one apologizes for the boxes and notes that the PCE will be expanded.
Although we aren't expecting to have hoardes of visitors in the next few weeks, as it's the tail end of our Open Season, those we do have visiting the House will still be able to see the PCE as it exists now (and as it has existed for this past year or so), and will also be among the first to know about the expansion!
I am hoping that seeing 'brick and mortar' stuff like boxes and bags, along with a sign explaining about the re vamped Exhibit, will whet people's appetites: this is more than just getting one or two new hats or dresses! I acquired close to 40 pieces of genuine antique clothing from 1830's through the late Victorian and Edwardian periods. Not all will be on exhibit immediately: I'm mounting a 'winter' display first, with the heavier items, shawls, etc. In the spring I'll switch out some of these with lighter clothing (I have an adorable late Victorian two piece blue and white outfit that would just be perfect for a picnic in the park) and that will be on display through the summer.
At least, that's the plan!
My fellow volunteer at The Oldest House, Nancy H., is going to help me with the display some time in the next few weeks so it should be ready for the Fancy Fair on October 18-19 as well as for the Christmas Tea on December 6,7, and 8.
We are really excited about it and hope people will make a special effort to come visit and view the new Exhibit!

We've also been working on a Souvenir Booklet for the House. I met with Debbie S. and Tony D. a couple weeks back and we did some editing and adding and changing to the basics I'd roughed out.
It's nearly finished now: just waiting for a picture from the new PCE to go in, and I'll send it off to the printers!
Last night at the Mehoopany Township meeting, I had a chance to chat with Mary Lee (Bowman) Goodwin. I was telling her about the House and she told me she'd grown up across the street from it, and spent a lot of time in the house next door to it, where her grandmother lived!
Fortunately for me, she related some absolutely charming anecdotes about the Morrisons, who lived in the house in the mid to late 50's, and I'll add in a couple of these to the Souvenir booklet.
Perhaps in the upcoming months we will hear from some others who lived near or visited the House prior to the Morrisons' tenure: I'd love to find someone who visited the Mauselles when they owned the House in the early 1900's!
So that's what I'll be doing today...and tomorrow, I'm at the House from 1-4 to give tours, etc., after lacing up my corset and donning one of my prettiest frocks!
(BTW, I tried out a new corset last week: ouch! I'll have to break it in, as I did the other one).
Later!

The 183 Year Old Cap

Hello friends!
Some of you may recall that I spent much of the summer acquiring antique clothing to expand the Period Clothing Exhibit at The Oldest House. I still hope to have that Exhibit mounted in time for The Christmas Tea. It may even be ready for The Fancy Fair!
But as I was bidding on dresses, men's shirts, hats, caps and other garments to donate to and display at the House, I couldn't help getting a couple of things for me.
Today, for the first time, I wore a little cotton cap from the 1830's along with my Regency/Empire dress, to staff the House. This little cap is just beautiful: all hand stitched, even the tiny tiny stitches along the border of the bavolet.
The what?
Yes, I had to look that word up too! It's French, and it means the little flap that hangs down at the back of a hat, bonnet or cap.
This cap has eyelet trim and tiny gathers at the crown. The minute I took it out of the tissue paper it had been packed in, I felt a kind of tingle, and even though I am not a hat person, I couldn't resist putting it on. And keeping it!
Today, as I walked outside with the cap on my head, I thought back and wondered when the last time had been that it saw the sunshine or felt a breeze blow along its light cotton material. It's in such good shape, I can only imagine that it was packed away long ago and has been periodically taken out to be oohed and aahed over, and examined, and then put away carefully once again.
I couldn't help smiling and thinking that the little cap was probably happy to be out and about again in the world. 
Here's a photo of me in the cap. I've changed my profile picture to this one on Twitter (@LadyCourville) and on Facebook (Deborah L. Courville/Deborah Courville)

Expanding the Period Clothing Exhibit

Apologies, dear readers, for being away so long. The acquisition phase, as I call it, of the new items to expand the Period Clothing Exhibit at The Oldest House, is now concluded. That doesn't mean I won't occasionally bid on something outstanding. But, with about 40 pieces all tolled, I think I have enough to make a really good exhibit, and also enough to rotate some of the items out seasonally.
The Oldest House is large for its time, but the PCE will be confined to the upstairs. There are three bedrooms and a large hallway up there, but they are already chock full of other displays, all worthy of attention.
The Period Clothing is meant to draw people in so they can get a feel for various time periods, and also to highlight what life was like during different time periods, not to overwhelm the other items we have in our collection.
Having said that, I will first apologize for not having any photos right now: the new items are all in my humidity and temperature controlled basement, and I'll post photos as I put them up. However, I will tell you that I will have a special 'corsets and caps' section which will include knickers, chemises, nightgowns and of course corsets and caps. Only one of these items is a reproduction: the rest are antique, most from about 1870. Some earlier!
There will be a 'Victorian' room, with a range of clothing from about 1840-1890, a special separate room devoted to Civil War clothing (1850-65) a small spot with reproductions of early clothing from the post Colonial and Regency eras, and another area devoted to post Victorian/Edwardian clothing. We will even have shawls, hats, fans, gloves and other accoutrements to round out the ensembles, and I hope it will look really great when I've finished.
I plan to begin working on the expanded exhibit immediately after Labor Day, and it will probably take a while to get it all just right. My goal is to have it ready for The Fancy Fair in late October. If not, I'll certainly have it up for The Christmas Tea, on the first weekend of December.
As I go along, I promise to post photos of my progress. So please, keep checking back.
Thank you!

"Stunning Civil War Regency Gown!!!"

Huh?
At least, I hope, dear Reader, you are asking yourself that question.
The title of today's post is a sample of some of the ludicrously wrong listings on eBay and other places. It's not eBay or the other places' fault: it's the vendors' fault, and clearly they have no clue about the history of women's fashion.
I don't know that much. My friend Bonnie at  www.vintagenouveau.com knows a lot more. But I've been learning and it seems that a lot of my work at The Oldest House has led me towards a greater knowledge of it.
We are fortunate at the House to have a few authentic pieces: two antique silk shawls - one is mine, the other is the House's. They probably date from roughly 1900 but certainly could go a couple of decades before that and are in quite lovely condition. Mine has gorgeous embroidery and tassels on it too! We have an authentic Prairie Bonnet from 1840 in a blue and white check. I would so love to have an appropriate dress to pair this with but so far...no authentic prairie dresses.
We have an 1880 lingerie dress, also mine, in white muslin cotton in very good shape. I have even worn it (when I was a bit thinner at the waist). We have a black Civil War top that goes over a skirt with beautiful braid and detailing. It may be a mourning piece, so common then. And again, I'd love to find a skirt to go with it.
And the prize of our collection is a plaid wedding dress from 1851, with a parasol in matching fabric. This is a dandy and though I don't have a hat or anything to go with it, it's got the parasol, and with the proper hoop skirt underneath, it is gorgeous.
So--we need a few more things to fill in. We also have a couple of tops that may or may not be original: one is a man's tailcoat which I picked up at a thrift shop and have worn myself. It's probably early 1900's. The other are two 'Spencer' jackets. I don't think either is from the 1795-1820 period when these were in fashion, but they look quite good, particularly the velvet one with the lace trim. So they'll stay. But I'd love to find a dress to go with them.
We have various gloves, fans and hand bags, none older than 1900 from what I can tell.
And aside from the bonnet, we have no original hats or mob cap type caps.

I've sent out an email to my friends and family who I think **might** have such things in their attics or basements, asking them to rummage through and let me know what they've got. Maybe I'll end up with some things that way, that can add to the Oldest House collection.

Additionally, I've been looking on eBay--and now we come to the headline of this post.
Really!
When I search for 'antique' or 'vintage' I am well aware that the two are different, with one representing older items than the other. Aside from the fact that seeing prom dresses like the one I wore listed as 'vintage' is a bit depressing (LOL!) there is the fact that many listers use these two terms together. AARGH. Well, which is it: antique or vintage?

The most common definition of 'antique' is more than 100 years old. Of 'vintage,' it's more than 50 years old. Of course, 'vintage' originated, as you might guess from the word, in the wine trade and generally should be mentioned with a year, whether you're referring to wine, a dress, or a hat. And many knowledgeable responsible vendors on eBay and other places do that: i.e., 'vintage 1890 hat.'

These are also not the people who will say something is 'Victorian-Regency,' which I discovered today while looking for an Empire/Regency dress to go with those Spencers I mentioned above. Again, AARGH. The Victorian period is 1837-1901. Those were the years Victoria reigned the UK and those are the years we call 'Victorian.' In clothing, you can stretch the end of the period by a few years because let's face it, just because the Monarch dies, doesn't mean the styles she inspired will go out of fashion. But the Edwardian Era came in in 1901 with the reign of Edward VII, and it ends, strictly speaking, in 1914. However, again, with fashion and some other things, a period can be extended for a very influential Monarch or person. So we commonly accept that the 'Edwardian' period in fashion started about 1880 and went through until the start of WW I, in 1914.This coincides with Edward's tenure as Prince of Wales; also, by 1880, Victoria was a very elderly woman, and perhaps no longer the fashion diva she had once been.

OK. So obviously 'Victorian' can mean just about anything in fashion, from dresses that aren't all that different from the high Colonial and Federalist styles with the wide skirts, panniers, and elbow length or longer sleeves,  to the tightly waisted, full round skirted short sleeved Civil War beauties we think of when we think of 'Gone with the Wind,' to the slimmer skirted long sleeved high necked dresses with bustles that started in the 1870's and went straight through with a slight detour into a Classical Greek phase, to 1914.
But a single piece of clothing cannot be both 'Victorian' and 'Regency.' Regency refers to the period from 1795 to 1820, and it is so named for George IV's formal Regency after the demise of George III who was King of England in Revolutionary days. Confusingly enough, 'Regency' is also known as 'Empire' because of the rise of the French Empire under Napoleon. It was his wife, Josephine, who popularized the 'new look' of the 'empire waist' (didn't you always wonder why it was called that?). Again this was an hommage to the Classical Greek and Roman styles as envisioned by people living in 1795-1820; it wasn't authentic, because back in ancient Greece and Rome, women, like men, wore togas. They are more like Saris than anything else I can think of and as a proud graduate of Girls' Latin School in Boston, I can tell you I owned a toga, hand made by my mother from an authentic pattern.

So Regency/Empire - think Jane Austen: those low necked or high necked short cap sleeved or long with a cap sleeved slim dresses that didn't need anything underneath beyond ones chemise, or 'shimmy' as Scarlett O'Hara calls it. (Blame my friend Carroll for the fact that I even know that). And by the way, the rarely used term 'Georgian' is really quite meaningless when applied to fashion, since it defines more an architectural style than a clothing style. This is due to the fact that, strictly speaking, Georgian refers to the reigns of the Kings George in Britain. This lasted from 1714-1830: more than a century! It includes the Regency/Empire period but also includes the Colonial period and post-Colonial or Federalist period which differed. The Georgian period was preceded by the Stuart period or the Elizabethan period and now we are back in the Renaissance and High Middle Ages. (Don't get me started, that's my favorite period in fashion, although my scholarship is in the early Middle Ages, where people basically wore sacks and long pieces of cloth in dull colors. Yech!)
After Georgian we have Victorian, and on from there.

Regency/Empire and Victorian are distinctly, vastly different styles. Unless you know this, you may be seriously confused and/or misled by the descriptions on eBay. Do you homework, of course: google 'history of women's fashion' and you'll find hundreds of helpful sites. Caveat emptor! But also, shame on those vendors who know so little, and don't care enough to learn, about what they are selling.

On the other hand, some times an informed buyer, which I like to think I am to some degree at least, can read a description, look at an item, and think, 'well, that's not Victorian, but it's exactly what I want, so if they don't know it's Empire/Regency, too bad.' I say, good for you. It does pay to search by period, but be sure to search periods before and after the one you're really interested in, as some items may be improperly listed.

So back to our 'Stunning Civil War Regency Gown.' It looked, from the photo, to be early Victorian, pre-Civil War, probably about 1836-1840. Maybe we oughtn't quibble over 16 years, but in fact the dresses looked very different in the Regency and in the Civil War era, and if the seller was trying to appeal to a wider audience, in my opinion, it didn't work. Listing the item that way just made it look like the vendor didn't know what s/he was talking about.

If you want to know more about women's fashion, do google it, and be sure to check out my friend Bonnie's site: she's doing some wonderful work out in California, and I miss her; she sure gets a hoot out of how involved I've become in vintage clothes.

And if you're passing through or near by northeast Pennsylvania, do stop at The Oldest House for a tour and to see our period clothing collection. You can email me at DLC18thcentury@gmail.com to request a tour, or to be sure we are open. Generally, we're there 1-4 Friday, Saturday and Sunday but not always, and tours can be arranged by appointment.

Founders' Day in Tunkhannock

Hello all!
Founders' Day in Tunkhannock was a big success, despite the heat (it's always hot on Founders' Day) and we had quite good traffic into the Wyoming County Historical Society. I sold 13 of my books (I gave one away, more about that later) and as I'd only brought 20 I thought that was quite good!
My good friend (and she is a VERY good friend) Carroll came with me to the signing, and even dressed up in 1781 garb. Actually, I think she rather enjoyed that part!

That's Carroll, in garb. Doesn't she look fabulous???

Anyway, as always, it was a real delight for me to meet people who are interested in history, and especially local history, whether they've read my book, A RIVER IN TIME, or not. It's a major thrill to meet 'fans' who have read the book, or come specifically to meet me, and there were several of those who stopped by during Founders' Day.

Carroll and I had a great conversation with Bob, who had read about the book and had come to meet me; he bought the book and later emailed me to let me know how much he enjoyed it--and especially liked a little twist I tossed in. Since RIT isn't really a 'guy's book,' it is more aimed at women and teenagers, I was delighted to get Bob's feedback.

The highlight of my day, which really was so great all in all from the graciousness of the folks at the Wyoming County Historical Society to the variety of people stopping by, to my friend's staunch support, was meeting yet another in my very fortunate series of Oldest House descendants.

I was honored to meet the greatx5 grandson of Samuel Sturdevant, Sr.--and he had come specifically to meet ME! He even waited while I finished up chatting to another fan!

Turns out he is back in the Sturdevant homestead, that was built in the early 1800's I believe, and we had a wonderful talk about the House, and about his ancestors and I was just so tickled to meet him! He did intend to buy a copy of RIT but I gave him one, because, after all, his ancestor was in a very real way the sinē qua non for the book, so how could I charge him for a copy?

Sean is the fourth direct descendant of House owners I have met, and I hope to see him again soon, since he now lives quite close to where my own home is located. The other descendants were, of course, Louise Smith Palm, the 5x granddaughter of Dr. William Hooker Smith, another gentleman who was also descended from Dr. Smith but through a different branch from Louise's, and two grandchildren of the Gordon Morrisons. These last were, with their brother, the last children to live in the hHouse, as part of the last family to use the House as a private home. They left in 1972 but visited two summers ago and I was the lucky one to give them a tour!

It's such a privilege to be able to 'touch history' in this way, as well as by preserving the House and developing new displays, and delving into its history.

With summer half gone, it's nearly time to think about NEXT year's displays...and I have been. I think I'll use the winter to acquire some vintage clothing and a couple more dress forms, and populate the House--at least the upper level--with them. I was so impressed by the way the Sonnenberg Mansion did their displays that I thought I might try that with our little slice of Americana.

Well, enjoy A RIVER IN TIME! Remember, these warm, sultry days are just like the one when Izzy went off looking for shade and a breeze and ended up back in 1795! (So be careful what tree you stand under).

Oh yes, one more thing; well, two. I've been re-reading RIT and am considering issuing a second edition with some textual emendations. There will be a small ( I think at this point) amount of added content, and one correction to the only 'typo' in the book. Probably will do that in October, the book's one year anniversary.

Additionally, someone asked me why I used an oak tree for Izzy's adventure when there isn't one in real life at The Oldest House. Well, the answer is two fold: one, I really did want to separate fact from fiction, so using a type of tree that doesn't exist at the House seemed like a good choice. And the second reason goes back to my work as a mediaevalist. In Anglo Saxon times, the oak tree was sacred, and the space at its base (or along its trunk if you don't mind a bit of poetic extrapolation) was a particularly special spot. The crepuscular hours between night and dawn, or between day and night, were when magical things were wait to occur in this spot.

Of course, Izzy wouldn't be wandering around outside the House in modern day at that time of night or at the crack of dawn, so I did omit that detail. But other than that, that's why I chose an oak tree.

Thank you

Deborah

Opening Weekend & 'A Simpler Thyme' at The Oldest House

It was a lovely weekend at The Oldest House. Because of work for the newspaper, I won't be there tomorrow, Sunday, for the final afternoon. However, I was there both full days on Friday and today, and we had several visitors each day.
I have to be honest: I would have liked to have had twice the number of people we had visit The House. However, I'm grateful because most of the people who visited were really really interested.
And I sold SIX books! That's more money for The House!!! (The royalties go to The House)

The story of A RIVER IN TIME, if it grabs you, is irresistible, and I hope all who bought books today will be excited to read them, and visit The House again to tell me what they thought!

Today I was going to wear the lovely green/peach 1836 ensemble I wore Friday, but it looked even chillier than it had been Friday, so I opted to take my Victorian Riding Habit for a trial run. Unfortunately, I had opted not to wear a corset and by the time my costume change took place I had no time to get into mine, and no time to search out the veiled riding hat and crop that go with the habit.
So I arrived sans hat and corset but on time, and looking okay, if not quite as spectacular as I could have.

I promise to post photos of myself in both of these outfits, as soon as I have a photographer available to take decent portraits.
I will say the huge, wide riding skirt with room at the back for a bustle (on order, never fear) was trickier in some ways to negotiate than the pannier topped 1781 era skirts. Ah well!

I've posted photos previously on this blog of the finished vintage clothing display, and of the nursery/children's room, and 'Izzy's Room' and so on. Also of the new '1836 General Store' display, all of which I curated with help from the other volunteers.

Debbie and Carol took care of refreshing the exhibits in the other rooms, which I call 'History & Heritage.' They highlight important families in Laceyville and/or in the House, like the Laceys, the Christians, and the Morrisons. They also feature a number of the antique quilts we own--several donated by Margaret Lacey just months before she died.

Here is the gracious Dining Room with quilts, art of The House, and the spectacular Christian Family Spinning Wheel!

I hope you've enjoyed seeing the photos of The Oldest House, dressed in its finery for the 2013 Season. 

Please join us some weekend this summer for a tour (1-4 Friday, Saturday and Sunday) or for one of our Monthly Events, and 'Come Back in Time with Us."©

WHAT DO YOU BUY?

Hello everyone!

The title of this post was the customary greeting from shopkeepers to prospective customers as they entered a store back in the 18th century. Direct, perhaps, but one can imagine it said with a genuine curiosity, and a real desire to be of assistance--something that is sometimes lacking in today's retail world--and then it seems to fit.

Some of you may know that this year at The Oldest House I have been mounting a new exhibit in the front room of the House: recreating a General Store from 1836. Why 1836 you ask, when the House was built in 1781? Because Gen. Bradley Wakeman, who bought the House in 1836, ran a small general store at the House; it was successful enough that he soon moved the shop up to 'town,' what would become Laceyville.

Part of the joy of volunteering at The Oldest House is undoubtedly the ability to visualize a display or exhibit and then have that vision become a reality. I had a very clear picture of what I wanted our '1836 General Store' to look like. I think some people wondered if I would be able to pull it off--and to be honest, there were times when I thought that, too. But my doubts were fleeting and for the past few months I have been asking anyone and everyone I know--even total strangers--for items I thought might work in the display. 

Today, as I put the finishing touches on the room, that vision came to life, and I want to take this moment to thank all the people who offered collectibles or antiques, or who dug items up from cupboards and closets and gave them to me for this exhibit.

It looks amazing!

Researching what General Stores were like back in the 1830's was quite interesting, and appealed to my studious side as well as my retail experience. A list of average prices of common goods back in 1836 as well as a brief history of Wakeman, the House and his General Store will inform visitors to the House's 1836 Store this year.

Because we are dependent on donations to keep The Oldest House running, we do offer a small selection of House themed items and old fashioned gifts, and the money we make from these goes in our General Fund. This year, the 1836 General Store provides a natural segue into our own little corner shop. We have unique hand painted etched tin ornaments and evocative old fashioned bullseye glass disks as a memento of the House that visitors can take home with them, and I wanted to make these beautiful pieces catch everyone's eye: so a sampling is hung in the window.

Through the good will of my friend Lori and her husband, we acquired a beautiful black bearskin: in my mind, I had envisioned a corner of the room with hides and/or skins, barrels, burlap sacks and a muzzleloader or musket. Lori's bear is the show stopper of this section, and the gift of some lovely burlap sacks from a complete stranger I met at a municipal meeting completed my vision.

The addition of a checker board atop a barrel to invoke that iconic image of two 'old boys' playing draughts or 'checkers' or even chess in an old fashioned General Store was the inspiration of another House volunteer, Carol. A third volunteer, Debbie, loaned us her checkerboard and voilà! The scene is set.

Our little 'corner shop cupboard' has sachets, jams, more tin House ornaments,  bullseye glass and also small wooden Houses and notecards with an image of the House. Both of these latter items were made for the House by the late Francis Ace; his son and daughter in law own Laceyville Hardware and donated many beautiful items for the exhibit, too. 

Of course, copies of my book A RIVER IN TIME that is inspired by and set at The Oldest House, are also on offer, and I am donating my royalties to the House. If I happen to be staffing the House when visitors stop by and they wish to have their copy signed, I am always happy to do that.

So you see the 1836 General Store really has come to life! 

I continue to be amazed by the willingness of the community to help. When I spoke up at municipal meetings or just in general conversation and asked if anyone had any big old barrels or burlap sacks, or any other items that might fit in with the display, folks I didn't know were happy to say, 'yes, I'll help.' I do think, though, that they thought I was a bit odd to be so excited about an old wine barrel (and two big, beautiful old tins, too) or empty burlap or flour sacks. It doesn't matter: as long as they stop by the House this open season and check out their contributions to the exhibit.

A lot of the items in our 1836 Store were sourced from The Oldest House itself, too: it's remarkable what you can find if you just go looking for it!

We open our 2013 Season NEXT WEEKEND May 17,18,19 with A SIMPLER THYME. We will have potted herb plants for sale (proceeds, of course, go to the House), and the entire House will be open with all displays and exhibits finished and ready for inspection. Our 30-some antique and vintage quilts are also displayed throughout the House, and be sure to check out the bedrooms and our re-vamped Historical Clothing exhibit on the top floor! We will even have refreshments available: I think Debbie is planning one of her usual delicious light repasts, so visitors will have plenty of reason to stick around, visit and enjoy the House.

I'll be on staff both the 17th and 18th, giving tours, and sharing the wonderful history and heritage of the House and all who have lived in and cared for it. Please join me, if you can, and 'Come Back in Time With Us©' at The Oldest House, Old Main Street, Laceyville, PA 18623.

A General Store in 1836

     I spent most of my morning today back in 1836, starting to set up the display for the '1836 General Store' which will occupy the front room of The Oldest House during the 2013 Open Season. Our Opening Weekend is May 17-19 when we have A SIMPLER THYME, so there's not too much time left until the display has to be done.
     (A SIMPLER THYME is an herb sale and quilt display of the 40+ antique quilts owned by the House. Proceeds from the sales of the herbs go to the House.)
     It's a good thing we got the upstairs organized during the winter months, when we were closed.

     So this morning, with a few more items donated by Laceyville Hardware, I tackled setting up the Store, at least as I envision it.
     I clearly saw one corner with hides and skins of various sorts, and large barrels, and maybe a gun, powder horn, and similar items. Handmade nails might have been for sale, as well as other tools. Possibly the Eel Fork or Spear owned by the House will find its way into this corner of the 'Store.' It would certainly have been a useful item for someone living near the Susquehanna to own, as eels were plentiful and frequently featured cooked, salted or pickled, as a meal choice.

     That's a pepper tin on the left, loaned by the Cappucci family of nearby Mehoopany. The smaller brown container without a lid is a salt barrel. The barrel that the bear head is resting on is an old wine barrel, also from the Cappuccis. And the bearskin is from Lori Phinney Mislevy and her family.
     In another section on built-in shelves in this room, I thought fabric and things one might use in a home would look good: dishes, candlesticks, etc. Lanterns, oil lamps and other types of small home furnishings would have stocked the shelves, as well as rugs, and rug beaters. A lot of these items I sourced from The Oldest House itself, but other active Members have pitched in and brought candle molds, lanterns, crocks and jugs.
     Back in 1836, especially way out here in a relatively unsettled area of Pennsylvania, a General Store would have sold things like flour, sugar, salt, and pepper, and maybe some spices too. Most people would have grown their own herbs, but more exotic items and things that could not be grown here, like black pepper, salt, ginger and cinnamon, would likely have been carried by a General Store. So too, most people would have grown their own flowers and vegetables and saved the seeds from year to year to sow again. However, a small selection of seeds might have been offered.

     Local farmers could have had eggs, cheese, cream and milk to sell, although most people probably had a milk cow and some chickens and so would have their own dairy products.
     Books would have been a special order, but a General Store would likely carry quills and ink. They might also have the latest newspaper--which would probably be at least a week old! And no General Store would have been complete without a small group of oddly shaped and colored bottles and vials: the tinctures and cures of the day, possibly sold on consignment for an itinerant peddler.
     Pins, needles, ribbon and other sewing paraphernalia including patterns would have been available, too. There might even have been 'penny candy.'
     We have one cupboard filled with House related or House themed items for sale: wooden Houses originally carved by the late Francis Ace, note cards with a sketch of the House, postcards of the House, hand painted engraved tin ornaments of the House, and my book A RIVER IN TIME, which is set at and inspired by the House. All proceeds from the sale of these items--including my book!--go to the House. One corner of our '1836 General Store' features all these items and more for sale, so visitors this year will be able to actually buy something in our '1836 General Store.'
     I've got more to do yet and a few more items to collect, not only from my own house, but from members of the community who have offered items for the display.
     However, I hope the photos, above, give you an idea of what one of our new exhibits will look like this year. And I hope you make a trip to The Oldest House to discover Wyoming County's historical treasure.
     The schedule of events for 2013 is below. I am usually there on Friday afternoons, so I look forward to meeting you, and giving you a tour!

The Oldest House

2013 Event Schedule

‘Come Back in Time With Us’©

A Simpler Thyme- herb sale, quilt exhibit 17,18,19May-10-5;10-5;1-5

Susquehanna Celebration- river themed events & talks

21,22,23 June- 1-5;10-5;1-5

Music with the Morrisons- a musical weekend

19,20,21 July -1-4&7-9;10-9;1-5

Art at the Oldest House-art sales, exhibits & more

16,17,18 August - 1-4;10-5;1-5

Muzzleloaders’ Rendezvous -early american outdoor life & weaponry, artifacts, displays & demonstrations

5 & 6 October - 10-5 both days

***Held at Black Walnut Legion

The Fancy Fair - varied selection of antiques, collectibles, artwork, and hand crafted gifts; bake sale

18 & 19 October - 9-5 both days

The Christmas Tea-an early american christmas on all three decorated floors

6,7,8 December - 4-8;10-5;12-5

Light refreshments available at all events; lunch available at the Fancy Fair & Muzzleloaders’ Rendezvous.

The Oldest House is a living museum owned and operated by the Laceyville Area Oldest House Society, a not for profit 501(c)(3), and is supported solely by donations and GENEROUS GIFTS FROM THE COMMUNITY. OUR STAFF IS ALL VOLUNTEER.

A Fresh Look at 'The Good Old Days'

     For any of you who may not know, The Oldest House in Laceyville, PA was built in 1781. While many of us think of that time as a more gently-paced and gracious existence, I've been reading quite a bit lately about the late 18th and early 19th century and I'm beginning to think that perhaps our perception is not completely accurate.

     The decade or so before the turn of the 19th century set this country as well as many others on an ever quickening road to progress, development, and what we view today as modern life. To us, life in 1781, or even in 1795 when my book, A RIVER IN TIME takes place, seems very old fashioned: candles and oil lamps, no running water, corsets!, no refrigerators, no electricity, no power tools or appliances. But many things we think of as essential elements of modern life already existed then, and more were to come, very quickly.

    The year Dr. William Hooker Smith built The Oldest House,  steam piston engines, seed drills, tuning forks, diving bells, fire extinguishers, mercury thermometers, even primitive electrical capacitors like Leyden Jars (invented in 1745) were in existence. The spinning jenny was invented in 1767 and a spinning frame the following year. Both of these things would revolutionize the production of material and set the stage for the importance of cotton farming in the southern U.S. Although in 1781 Dr. Smith’s wife Margery probably had a maid or two who helped her spin wool, flax and hemp, cloth and thread production was rapidly morphing from a ‘cottage’ industry to one that could make or break a country’s economy.

     By the time Dr. Smith was living in The Oldest House, the electric telegraph had been invented. Ben Franklin had invented bifocal glasses, and maybe Dr. Smith wore a pair! Cummings had invented a flush toilet although they weren’t in common use. Parachutes and hot air balloons had been invented, too, although initially these were perceived as entertainment and slightly crazy diversions, and not recognized as the precursors to air travel.

     By the time Dr. Smith's son sold the House, and the 1791 addition was added (the 'leanter'), the steamboat and the gas turbine had both been invented. William Murdoch invented gas lighting the next year, with the cotton gin, ball bearings and the first new (and modern) method of preserving food following very quickly. 

     In 1799 Alexandro Volta invented a primitive battery. 1804 saw the first locomotives, 1810 the first tin can and in 1821 Faraday invented the electric motor. In 1823 Macintosh invented a water repellent fabric, which became a raincoat that still bears his name. And 18 years later Goodyear learned how to vulcanize rubber, leading to all kinds of new applications and uses for the substance. Again, hard rubber and specialized fabric would be crucial elements in one of the early 20th century’s biggest technological achievements: the airplane.

      Curious and intelligent minds were busy inventing the combine harvester (1834), the propellor (1835), the sewing machine (1846). Stethoscopes, miner's lamps, electromagnets, modern matches, a modern wrench...all of these and more were invented in the early decades of the 1800's.

     All of this speculation, experimentation and theorization must have made conversation among the learned and the news-hungry quite fascinating: the world was changing, faster and more drastically than ever before. Even if people in most of the countryside, and certainly in rural areas like Braintrim (it wasn't Laceyville yet), continued to do things as generations before had done, they could sense that changes were coming. People may have still gone most places on horseback or by carriage, or rowed and paddled boats and ferries, but they had heard about steam engines, and steam boats, and steam trains. People may have still spun their own wool, but news of different types of fabrics and ways of weaving and producing cloth would have found them. People may have used outhouses, but news of flush toilets and city sewage systems would have been discussed. People may still have read by candle light or oil lamp but experiments with electric lighting, such as Davy's arc lamp in 1809, would have been on the horizon nonetheless.

     Even if most or all of the early experiments failed, the fact that people were questing to produce new methods of doing things, moving things, preserving things, and communicating things must have made the early decades of The Oldest House exciting times.     

     This year at The Oldest House one of our exhibits on the Main Floor will re-create a General Store as it might have been in 1836. Research shows that the man who owned The Oldest House at that time, Gen. Bradley Wakeman, did in fact run a General Store at the House for a short while. He later moved into 'town:' what would become Laceyville, and operated his store there. 

     Just like today's local stores--I think of the Hardware store in Laceyville, actually--the General Store back in 1836 would have been the place to get fresh news from both far and near. Wakeman would have had the latest newspapers from perhaps Wilkes Barre, or Philadelphia, or New York. Perhaps he would have even carried one of the new ‘literary journals,’ like the Princeton Review. He certainly would have had some copies of Godey’s Ladies’ Book for the fashionistas of the day. Wakeman would have ordered books for the readers among his customers: newly published works like Emerson’s Nature, or Hawthorne’s Twice Told Tales, Bulwer-Lytton’s The Last Days of Pompeii, Davy Crockett’s Autobiography, even poetry by Longfellow.

He would have heard about Macintosh's strange new fabric that made water bead up and run off: it's doubtful he would have carried any of it, but how can we be certain? Likewise, although he carried oil lamps, candles and their ilk, Wakeman might have read about the experiments in gas and electric lighting, and maybe would have taken pride in being the first to offer one of the ‘new fangled’ lamps to his customers!

     Although he probably carried a selection of produce from local farms, he no doubt had heard of the combine harvester and perhaps even the Frenchman Appert's new way to preserve the bounty of the harvest. By the last decade of the 1700's the first method of preserving food in glass jars sealed with thick wax had been invented and tested. By the early part of the 1800's, it was widely used. Later improvements, of course, would make home canning a national pastime by the first decades of the 20th century. 

Since it was one of the few in the area, it was likely that Wakeman’s General Store carried a little bit of everything, and equally likely that people would ride or walk for miles to get there. Because it was so much more than a store! Like taverns and coffee houses in larger towns and cities, the General Store that Wakeman ran at The Oldest House was very likely a place for people to exchange ideas and news, as well as a place to shop. The expansion of the United States to the West, and the first rumblings of abolitionism would have inspired and informed conversations, too, just as the plethora of experiments and new devices and methods would have. 

This Season, please join us at The Oldest House, where we hope you will find that sense of excitement and fascination that Wakeman’s General Store must have engendered back in the 1800’s. Imagine yourself back in a time when no one was jaded about the country’s future, when the horizon seemed limitless and when people really could achieve their dreams.

We open for the Season on May 17 and are open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1-4 p.m. through the summer. Special events are held every month, on average, and tour guides in authentic reproduction 18th and early 19th century garb will be on hand to entertain and enlighten.

“Come Back in Time with Us” at The Oldest House, Main Street, Laceyville, PA.

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