History
The History of Ordinary Things: The Americanization of Santa Claus
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- Written by Doris Montag Doris Montag
Centuries ago, European Christmas customs centered on St. Nicholas, a charitable Turkish Catholic bishop born in the fourth century. St. Nicholas was associated with gift giving to children, which occurred on Dec. 6, St. Nicholas Day.
The History of Ordinary Things: Tramp Art and Hobo Bottle Washers
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- Written by Doris Montag Doris Montag
In the collector’s world, there is a category known as “tramp art,” which includes wire kitchen utensils with a unique bottle-washer end. These were handmade by tramps, or hobos, who rode the railcars circa the 1930s.
Willing to Wander: Drive-in Theaters That Are More than That
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- Written by Victor Block Victor Block
From time to time, residents of the little town of Farmington, Maine, gather to attend events ranging from a craft fair and flea market to a band concert and Catholic Mass.
Sixties Flashback: Skirting the Issue
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- Written by Randal C. Hill Randal C. Hill
Miniskirts were not born, as many of us believe, during the U.K. youthquake (as it was called) of the frenzied ’60s.
The Legend of the Jack O’Lantern
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The jack o’lantern is one of the most popular and enduring symbols of Halloween, that night when children of all ages dress up and go door to door in search of treats. But where did “jack” come from?
It Was 50 Years Ago Today: ‘Gypsies, Tramps & Thieves’
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- Written by Randal C. Hill Randal C. Hill
Thomas “Snuff” Garrett was a Dallas high school dropout who became a Lubbock, Texas, disc jockey at age 17 and befriended local music star Buddy Holly. Two years later, Garrett became a staff producer at Liberty Records in Los Angeles.
The History of Ordinary Things: The Legacy of Sears, Roebuck & Company Catalogs
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- Written by Doris Montag Doris Montag
In 1887, Richard W. Sears hired Alvah C. Roebuck to repair watches while he established a mail-order business to sell the watches using a free catalog. Two years later, R.W. Sears sold the watch business.
The History of Ordinary Things: The Evolution of Toilet Paper
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- Written by Doris Montag Doris Montag
What did humans use to clean themselves after toileting before toilet paper?
Our America: Remembering 9/11 20 Years Later
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- Written by James E. Patterson James E. Patterson
After the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, author and TV personality Hugh Downs edited My World: What My Country Means to Me by 150 Americans from All Walks of Life.