Old-Fashioned Things

 Ah, fireworks on the Fourth of July! It's a tradition that brings sparkle, color, and a whole lot of "oohs" and "aahs" to Independence Day celebrations across the United States. But why exactly do we shoot fireworks on the Fourth of July? Well, let's take a trip back in time and uncover the story behind this explosive spectacle. The Fourth of July commemorates the day when the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress in 1776, declaring the thirteen American colonies as a new nation, independent from British rule. This historic event marked the birth of the United States of America, and it's a day that holds great significance for Americans as a symbol of freedom, liberty, and national unity. So, why fireworks? Well, the tradition of using fireworks to celebrate important occasions dates back even further, to ancient times. Fireworks were used in various cultures to mark special events, ward off evil spirits, and create a sense...

By the Waters of Minnetonka 1914 Collecting vintage sheet music is a delightful pursuit that allows enthusiasts to delve into the  musical history of bygone eras. These tangible treasures offer a window into the cultural, artistic, and social contexts of different periods. From popular tunes to classical compositions, each piece of vintage sheet music carries its own story. Let's explore the enchanting world of collecting vintage sheet music and the joys it brings to collectors. The Beauty of Nostalgia Vintage sheet music evokes a sense of nostalgia, transporting collectors to a time when music was shared through physical copies. It offers a glimpse into the musical tastes and trends of the past, reflecting the changing styles and genres of different decades. Whether it's the romantic melodies of the Victorian era or the jazz-infused tunes of the Roaring Twenties, vintage sheet music encapsulates the spirit of its time. Artistic and Historical Significance Beyond their musical ...

  Attention, fashionistas and history buffs alike! Today, we're diving into the enchanting world of vintage brooches. These tiny pieces of wearable art have been adorning lapels and dresses for centuries, and they're making a fierce comeback in the 21st century. So, prepare for a playful journey through time and style. First things first, what exactly is a brooch? Think of it as a charming little accessory that adds a splash of personality to any outfit. They come in all shapes, sizes, and designs, from delicate floral patterns to quirky animals, and even abstract art-inspired pieces. Vintage brooches have an undeniable allure that's hard to resist Vintage Brooch Bow/Dangling Cross                                   Vintage Brooch Rhinestone/Sim Pearls                            Imagine rummaging through a treasure trove of brooch...

Hey there, green thumbs and soil enthusiasts! Have you ever dreamed of a lush garden, bursting with vegetables, that not only satisfies your taste buds but also gives you the satisfaction of victory? Well, dust off those gardening gloves and put on your thinking caps because Victory Gardens are making a triumphant comeback! Now, you might be wondering, "What on earth are Victory Gardens?" Let me take you on a journey back to yesteryears. During World War I and World War II, Victory Gardens were all the rage. They were planted by patriotic folks who wanted to contribute to the war effort by growing their own food. These gardens not only helped alleviate food shortages but also brought a sense of unity and victory to communities. Fast forward to the present day, and we find ourselves in a world where reconnecting with nature is more important than ever. Victory Gardens are making a comeback, not just as a way to combat food insecurity but also as a means of finding solace and j...

A young person said to me recently that he'd nearly lost hope because everything seemed like it was crashing down. The world seems headed for doom -- economically, politically, spiritually. He's hardly alone in this observation. Even older people, who have experienced more and have other crisis points to compare with the present day, express the same fears.  I pointed out to him that it has always been this way. History is full of struggles interspersed with brief moments of comfortable prosperity, and every generation has said things like what is this world coming to? and kids today are disrespectful/don't have a work ethic/are irresponsible, etc, in my day we did things differently.  What we need, now, is a bit of perspective -- and not just our own. We need the perspective of history. Imagine life for young people one generation ago. For me, that's the era 1930-1970 or so (I was born in 1968). They were born into the Great Depression, and even for people who weren...

Have you ever said, "I was born in the wrong era"? I've said it myself. I don't know if I really mean it, though. True, today's world has a lot of problems, but we tend to romanticize times past. In the "good old days," women were (even more) objectified, women and minorities had (even less) equal rights, and depending on the era, you were (even more) likely to die from an illness that can be treated now with antibiotics or an outpatient procedure. Yeah, no thanks. People will look at the price of something — gasoline, say — and talk about how much cheaper it used to be. "I can remember when a candy bar was only a quarter." Yeah, me too, but I got paid $3.35 an hour. When our grandparents bought their house for $12,000 and a car for $1,300, their paychecks were about $60 a week. I know. I've seen my mom's old pay stubs from 1960. Still, romanticizing the past can be a lot of fun. From our modern perspective, we can enjoy the pleas...