Category Archives: American Culture

story time

Posted on December 27, 2017 by SUMPTER

What could be better than listening to Charles Dickens on the Third Day of Christmas? From Village Life in America 1852-1872 by Caroline Cowles Richards (208-209): 1867 July 27.—Col. James M. Bull was buried from the home of Mr. Alexander … Continue reading →

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whose (night) cap?

Posted on December 24, 2017 by SUMPTER

I have always been thankful for the 19th century investigative report, “A Visit from from St. Nicholas.” First published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel on Dec. 23, 1823, the report was later attributed to Clement Clarke Moore and has become … Continue reading →

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“a national holiday”

Posted on November 28, 2017 by SUMPTER

with regional characteristics Thanksgiving Day was celebrated 150 years ago today across the United State. The New-York Times thought that the observance was almost beyond the need for presidential or gubernatorial proclamations. Thanksgiving was becoming “a national holiday” anticipated by … Continue reading →

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non-turkey day

Posted on November 23, 2017 by SUMPTER

A century ago some people in Georgia weren’t counting on turkey for Thanksgiving Day. World War was raging one hundred years ago. Perusing the rest of the December 2, 1917 Rotogravure Picture Section in The New-York Times, I was somewhat … Continue reading →

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beacon

Posted on September 10, 2016 by SUMPTER

You can check out the New York Tribune from 100 years ago today at the Library of Congress

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president’s day

Posted on February 12, 2016 by SUMPTER

Big doings in Washington, D. C. 150 years ago today as the nation’s capital commemorated the birthday of the martyred Abraham Lincoln.

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hot stove

Posted on January 18, 2016 by SUMPTER

I embrace hibernation. Reconstruction lacks the excitement of the combined naval-infantry assault on Fort Fisher (already a year ago), and it’s harder to find material. I might be historied out, but lying dormant for a bit sure seems good to … Continue reading →

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a saint for the impecunious

Posted on December 24, 2015 by SUMPTER

From the Richmond Daily Dispatch December 23, 1865: The great problem of Christmas, with all who are not afflicted by the general malady of chronic impecuniousness, is what to buy for a Christmas present. The patron saint, Kriss Kringle, St. … Continue reading →

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“From Maine to California”

Posted on November 24, 2014 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today was the day President Lincoln proclaimed as a day of Thanksgiving. The New-York Times saw it as a day that helped unite the states and parties and hoped it would remain a grand national holiday. From … Continue reading →

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nursing the wounded

Posted on October 15, 2013 by SUMPTER

Yesterday while I was doing a little exploring at the Library of Congress, I discovered the image to the left of Walt Whitman, said to be “taken from life” in 1863 (apparently by Alexander Gardner). I read a few of … Continue reading →

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