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Why Recreate Historical Garments? Whenever I embark on recreating a historical garment, I remember why such recreation is important. As a historian, my mission is to research, understand, and present the past not as an abstract and irrelevant entity from “way back in ye days of olde,” but rather as a very real and almost […]
Read MorePresident James Buchanan was not known to be trendy. His high-collared outfits were a few years out of style. His niece, Harriet, was often frustrated at his traditional taste when decorating their Wheatland home. Even his political opinions did not seem to evolve with the times. But, President Buchanan set a trend – and a […]
Read MoreWritten by Elizabeth McIlhenney Wilbur “Willie” Siple (1904-1966) was the operator of Siple’s News Stand for many years. He was originally a professional boxer when he was younger, and he had a successful, but short, boxing career. During those six years, Willie fought in 131 exhibitions with 71 wins, 9 losses, 22 draws and 29 […]
Read MoreWhen discussing historical fashion, chances are the topic will lead to corsets. As soon as that word is mentioned, one (or more) of the following statements abound: “Women couldn’t breathe in corsets and fainted frequently. That’s why there’s fainting couches.” “But did you know women had ribs surgically removed to tight lace?” “Women were forced […]
Read MoreThe last in a series of three articles on the Kegel: World War I Papers of Thomas, James and Victor Kegel, 1917–2014 (MG-798) Written by Elizabeth McIlhenney The Kegel Chronicles, Part Three: In the Hospital and Heading Home All three Kegel brothers ended up in the base hospital at one time or another while fighting […]
Read MoreThe second in a series of three articles on the Kegel: World War I Papers of Thomas, James and Victor Kegel, 1917–2014 (MG-798) Written by Elizabeth McIlhenney “Somewhere in France” After months of hard work and preparation, the Kegel Brothers and the 1st Company 109th Machine Gun Battalion, shipped off overseas. First was a pit […]
Read MoreThe first in a series of three articles on the Kegel: World War I Papers of Thomas, James and Victor Kegel, 1917–2014 (MG-798) Written by Elizabeth McIlhenney The Kegel Chronicles, Part One: Life at Training Camp After the United States’ entrance into the First World War on April 6, 1917, many of the men in […]
Read MoreIt’s that time of year again. No, not just springtime. That time of year when folks gather at their favorite stream, creek, pond or other favorite body of water and sit silently awaiting a nibble. The tiniest of bites leading to that moment of frantic reeling and tugging, tugging and reeling, only to find you’ve […]
Read MoreThe Fulton Theatre’s second main stage production for its 2018-2019 season, 42nd Street, entertained audiences for the holidays from November 13 – December 30, 2019. If you joined LancasterHistory.org for Thirsty for History Thursday at the Fulton on Thursday, November 29, you would have been regaled with plethora of historical information, tying Lancaster County’s history with elements, […]
Read MoreIt’s that time of year. Rushing around, doing all that last minute Christmas shopping. Baking all the cookies. Making sure the stockings are hung by the chimney with care. And picking out the best Christmas tree on the lot. Or, in the case of this photograph, on the square. Taken some time after 1889, when […]
Read MoreThe nickname for the long cigars, “stogies,” came from the Conestoga Wagons which originated in Lancaster County.