Tiny Bodleian volume and its minute sermon
The Bodleian houses two tiny books bound in black leather with silver corners. A sermon copied by Jeremiah Rich, famed seventeenth century stenographer, measures just three quarters inch in each dimension. The same penman allegedly sent Charles II a second miniature sermon on crimson paper with silver clasps. The location of the curiosities is unknown.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Bodleian Library
Jeremiah Rich
Charles II
London Globe
Lessons in Undertow Safety from a Real Ocean Expert
A professor of the art explains that robust swimmers can usually overcome undertow with quick strokes, but if persistence fails, stop fighting before exhaustion. Go with the tide, rest briefly, and reassess. If needed, call for help. sometimes the current runs parallel and will twist inshore for a safe exit.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Santa
Delicatessen Wives and the Sawfish Tale
A collection of brief quotes contrasts thrift and luxury through a luncheon table remark about delicatessen wives and clerks, followed by a note on the sawfish. The piece critiques opulence and highlights the blunt reality of a sharp horned predator from marine life.
The Turk and His Toilet Described in Detail
The passage contrasts a Turk’s vast dentition with garb and grooming. It notes up to fifty small teeth ideal for wasteful tasks and then details elaborate dress, mustache styling, lip and eyelid care, perfume, and embroidery on broadcloth or velvet, finishing with a gilt sword, jeweled pistol, and concealed watch.
Hospitable Crabs Attach Sponge Back for Protection
A sponge crab known as Dromia vulgaris wraps a sponge on its back, held by claws, to deter predators. In exchange it feeds on leftovers from the crab’s meals. A young spider crab at the New York Aquarium demonstrated this symbiosis by wearing orange sea anemones for camouflage and display.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New York Aquarium
Vanishing Merrie England Nostalgia Stirs Debate
London bystander notes that while some still fantasize about Merrie England, the idea is sentimental and inaccurate. He argues that the era never existed, that Good Queen Bess had flaws, and that romanticizing the past overlooks real social realities.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
London
What He Would Do Jerkins What Would You Do If You Were a Son
Digby I would think deeply about responsibility and navigate family expectations. The dialogue hints at tension between parental lessons and a son's choices, reflecting values within a small community setting.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Digby
Wordplay and witticisms from era quotes
Language snippets reveal humor and stereotypes as newspapers note tempers and humor in public discourse. Exchanges touch on inheritance money marriage and gendered jokes reflecting period attitudes and social norms.
One Egg Muffins Recipe From Boston Cooking School Magazine
Muffins make a hearty breakfast and can be prepared ahead with double-raise baking powder. Mix two cups flour two slightly rounded teaspoons baking powder one teaspoon salt four tablespoons sugar two tablespoons melted butter or lard plus milk or water beaten egg and melted shortening heat until smooth. Oil pans bake slowly until top rises then bake to brown for twelve large muffins. Raisins or currants may be added.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ois Janet McKenzie Hill
Boston Cooking School Magazine
Graham Muffins From The Cook Book Ad
A recipe for Graham Muffins using graham flour milk water butter egg and baking powder with a soft batter for light moist results. The ad promises 88 other recipes in exchange for the KC Baking Powder certificate from Jaques Manufacturing Company Chicago featuring Mrs Janet McKenzie Hill's The Cook's Book.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Janet
McKenzie Hill
Jaques Mfg. Co
Chicago
Allen's Cough Balsam Advertises Cure
An old advertisement promotes Allen's Cough Balsam as quick and permanent relief for deep seated coughs or colds. It claims the remedy has no harmful ingredients and is sold in 25¢ 50¢ and $1.00 bottles at all dealers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Alexander Dumas
Allen
Also Mentioned on This Page
Brussels
Iowa
J. B. McCurdy & Co
Cort House Oskaloosa, Iowa
Furnald
Townley
Diamond Merchants
West Side Square
Oskaloosa, Iowa
N. Market St
C. F. Adams
New
K. of P
West High Avenue
Pella Tank & Pipe, Co
Pella Tank & Pipe CO
Pella, Ia
Lowell
New York Mall
Wombat
Washington Herald
Dallas News
Clara Kling
O Mill St
Aurora
Ilinois
Heeren
Geo. Heeren
Jener Davis
Oskaloosa
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!