House Hold Hints circa 1800s
There is no doubt that families of the 1800s had to possess a great deal of not-so-simple knowledge to conduct what we think was "the simple life". It is amazing how many of the remedies and practices are as good today as in yesteryear.
There is a delightful book called "Grandmother's Household Hints" by Helen Lyons Adamson, published in 1965, although the hints are 19th century. I found this book going through my mother's treasures recently and thought it would be a great addition to this site. There are 100s of hints and more than this site will hold, so let's just start with a few and add to them each month!
Example of Past HouseHold Hints
How Come All the Guys Have Beards? - This month's hint comes to us via a reader who sent me information on the history of barber shops and cutting hair. Although we consider a good haircut and/or shave personal hygiene, it wasn't so in the past. Many believed that it was instead a sign of vanity and a waste of money. Since pioneer life was a hard one with little room for wealthy indulgence, men wore beards and women had long hair pinned up during the day. In the late 1800's the barber profession got a boost when the Barber Union was organized. You can read more on the history of haircutting at Barber-Shops.com Thanks to our reader for that great history hint! Now we know why all of our male ancestors wore long beards. - I found something from my young school days entitled "Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers". It is the story, including the actual letter written to the President, of a girl who wanted Lincoln to grow a beard. He did, and the complete story is Here
Tattoos are out! According to the latest fashion circles, tatoos are out! Here's how the pioneers got rid of tatoos. "These embarrassing marks may be removed by daily rubbings with a salve of pure acetic acid and lard, followed by one of a solution of potash, and finally with a application of hydrochloric acid."
Keeping a Good Complexion - Be cheerful, get as much fresh air indoors and outdoors as possible. Keep in health, promote a good digestion, and regular evacuations, avoid alcoholic drinks, a milk and vegetable diet makes a fair complexion, plain living, without condiments and hot seasonings, makes the fairest face.
CREATE A FRONTIER HOUSEHOLD WITH THESE ITEMS
Ventless Fireplace - Attractive Hardwood Mantels Add Classic Style. Enjoy the beauty and romance of a crackling fireplace, anytime, anyplace, without the soot, ash, and smoke. Our realistic Jelled-Fuel Fireplaces require no venting, hookups or electricity. Place these classically styled hardwood fireplaces in any room of your home, office, apartment or cabin. The all-natural jelled grain alcohol fuel burns with 100% efficiency to create a totally realistic flame for a true fireside effect. Each 13 oz. fuel canister burns for 2-3 hours. Easy assembly. USA/Imported. Finishes: Oak, Mahogany, White, Black (Ashley only)
Jelly CabinetJelly Cabinet Space-Saving Storage, Country Style
Our traditional country jelly cabinet makes an instant pantry for a small kitchen, a handy linen closet for the bath or a wardrobe for sweaters. This pine cabinet has four shelves behind authentic panel doors. Finish is hand rubbed and lightly distressed. Knobs are pewter. USA. Painted Finishes: Antique White, Antique Red, Antique Black, Bayleaf, Cottage White, Stained Finishes, Honey Pine, Chestnut. Size: 22-1/4"W x 13-1/2"D x 51"H
Electric Wood Stove - Completely vent-free and requires no hookups, so you can enjoy the warmth and ambience of a real fire – anywhere – without any of the hassle or mess. A 1,350W heater uses a whisper-quiet fan to disperse warm air evenly, producing up to 4,600 BTU/hr. (enough to heat 400 square feet). The realistic flame effect has a brightness control for day or night and operates independently of the heater unit so you can have the ambience of flickering flames without the heat. Wood Stove has a realistic cast iron finish on molded wood. Imported.