History
The History of Ordinary Things: Holiday Ornaments and Festive Decorations
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- Written by Doris Montag Doris Montag
Decorations like wreaths, candles, and evergreens are mentioned in descriptions of the Roman feast of Saturnalia, which originated in the fifth century BC and was held in mid-December to honor Saturn, the god of agriculture.
The History of Ordinary Things: The Roulette Wheel
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- Written by Doris Montag Doris Montag
The roulette wheel is a spinning horizontal wheel divided into 38 or 39 numbered and colored slots.
The Armistice Day Blizzard Rocked the Nation
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Nov. 11 is Armistice Day (called Veterans Day in the United States), the date in 1918 that marked the end of World War I.
Dear Pharmacist: The Dark Side of Medicine
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- Written by Suzy Cohen Suzy Cohen
This month, I will explore the dark and disturbing history of medical treatments. While these methods may seem shocking and gruesome by today’s standards, they were once considered cutting-edge solutions.
The History of Ordinary Things: Writing Tools over Time
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- Written by Doris Montag Doris Montag
In the Western world from the sixth to 19th centuries, most writing instruments were “quills” made from the large wing feathers of geese, swans, and later turkeys.
What to Know about September
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Summer is over, school has started, and the leaves are starting to turn.
The Last Word in Hucksterism
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- Written by Randal C. Hill Randal C. Hill
Motorists zooming between Los Angeles and Las Vegas today will pass a highway sign announcing a turnoff at Zzyzx (ZY-zix) Road.
The History of Ordinary Things: Opening Cans over Time
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- Written by Doris Montag Doris Montag
The can opener has its own unique history, but first: the can, which arrived in the late 1700s without a means of opening it.
The History of Ordinary Things: Feathers in Fashion
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- Written by Doris Montag Doris Montag
We aren’t the first to wear feather accessories!