The History of Ordinary Things: Ever Wonder about the Cigarette Filter?

Evidence of smoking was first documented in 1556 in a report of an English sailor “emitting smoke from his nostrils.” French diplomat and scholar Jean Nicot (origin of the word nicotine) introduced tobacco to France in 1560.

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It Was 50 Years Ago Today: ‘Rocky Mountain High’

John Denver and his wife, Annie, moved to Aspen, Colorado, in December 1970, hoping to purchase a home in the couple’s favorite part of their favorite state. What they discovered was that everything cost much more than they could afford.

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The History of Ordinary Things: Fun Facts on Valentines

“Valentine” was a common, gender-neutral name during the third to sixth centuries. It is of Latin origin and means “strong and healthy.”

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COVER STORY: Black History Month Celebrates Those Who Blazed the Trail

For nearly 250 years, America held Black men, women, and children as slaves. They were considered “property” and worked as servants and on plantations, not by choice, and for little compensation, often suffering severe abuse.

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The History of Ordinary Things: Remembering Paper Dolls

The oldest known paper-doll card was printed around 1650 with two female figures and numerous dresses, headgear, hairstyles, and accessories.

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The History of Ordinary Things: Nutty as a Fruitcake

The phrase “nutty as a fruitcake” was first used in 1935 in reference to Southern bakers who loaded their fruitcakes with nuts. But what is the history of this heavy, fruit-laden cake?

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The History of Ordinary Things: Military Sewing Kits – Honoring Our Veterans

First used in print in 1749, the term “housewife” has been used to denote a sewing kit commonly used by the military. The pocket sewing kit was also known as a “hussif” or “hussy” (also spelled “huswife”).

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6 Little-Known Stories about Pearl Harbor

More than 80 years later, the Dec. 7, 1941, attack on Pearl Harbor remains significant as one of only a few times the United States has been attacked by a foreign adversary on its own soil.

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The History of Ordinary Things: Husking Tools and the Homestead Act of 1862

The 1862 Homestead Act, signed by Lincoln prior to the Civil War, was an important piece of legislation about federal land.

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