The Syrian Siren and the Smuggler’s Tale in New York
In a Detroit to New York smuggling saga, two Syrian sisters Selma and Salma rise from poverty as traders to influence a prosperous life. Abd El Nour, a physician to the Sultan’s court, woos Selma while Selma’s resolve to better her brothers’ fortunes entangles them with American church missionaries and a web of deception around a lavish home and legitimate business. The story traces the sisters’ path from pedlars to respected hosts, amid accusations of trafficking and moral peril, with enduring questions about freedom, labor, and cultural clash.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
York Cuy
Bn Slater
Pasha
Conade
Novia
Hig Wusbach
Joby Abd E Nowe
Deyrovt
Syria
Gobraay
Tosemellway
Geeson
Irsasuron
Mauna
Malloull
Bubriaa
Selma
Hoyrod
Hacua
Reed
Wale
Hacce
America
Colne
Hanon
Dar
Puvilag
Selman Wan Yieug
Breliy
Byrlon
Salma
I Missionaritw
Jay Moe
Abe
Amarina
Musson
Dubravan
New York
John Abd Hl Nour
Sisius
Bi Selina
Gually
Abd E Nour Waa
Heston Six Colony
York
Detroit
Wavariay Place
Flan
Abd el Nour
The Plat in Waverly Place and Syrian Girls in America
Story reflects on Syrian girls seeking fortune in America and Beyrut, noting Mme. Abd El Nour’s rise with a wealthy husband after a summer in Constantinople. It describes her return in Parisian attire, ongoing friction with her husband, and Selma Gabreen’s life under family and societal influence in Beyroot.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
America
Beyroot
Abd el Nours
Syria
Mme
Abd el Nour
Constantinople
Ele
Selma
Mply
Tols
Selma Gabreen Abd el Nour
Fragmented tale of Selma Abd El Nour’s life and mistreatment
A fragmentary account describes Selma Abd El Nour living with the Abd El Nour family on Chariton Street. It notes her deferential behavior toward elders, Americanized views of marriage, and periodic abuse alleged by others. A clergyman’s inquiry about her treatment is mentioned alongside remarks on her embroidery and beads.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Murl
Danclou
Dows
Chariton
Ibeo
Roadside musings on North Carolina roads and politics
A long letter mixes humor and satire about Western North Carolina roads, corduroy pavements, and local governance. It parodies road building, labor, and race notes while praising scenery and climate, recounting past exhibitions and references to horticulture, editors, and a Canadian poet.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
North Carolina
Hun
Combs County
Johes Hopkins
Oxe
Oekasd
Parisian Woman on Bicycles and Fashion Trends
A lively 19th century portrait of Parisian cycling culture. It notes bicycles pervading daily life from messengers to bakers, describes women adopting trousers, shortened skirts, and plaited shirts for riding, and contrasts chic footwear with practical gear as Parisian society embraces the new sport.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Paris
Tentant
Stiverigh
Uguno
Postmon
France
Aim
Parisienne
Hin
Henry Somerset
Eogland
Jost
Boston
Sod
Misa Frances
Willard
America
Snd
A Christmas in Old Virginia Told by a Repeater
A Christmas tale depicts festive gift giving among the colored population in Virginia back counties. Aunt Dinah uses a bran new pair of shoes and a banjo as tokens, while itinerant gatherings feature songs, candy, oranges, and makeshift gifts. The scene centers on Judy and her mortification at repeated delivery of gifts during a communal Christmas event.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Asheville
George
Victoria Nyanza
Daniel Webster
Postminster
Virginia
Dinah
Judy
Aed
Adam
Abe Asioks
Jerusalem
Yoong Fm
Chris Day
Also Mentioned on This Page
Sma
Vice Som
Aves
Land
Uield
Merchant Bolt
Syrvius
Wisston House
Pritouere
Blackwall
Wissios
Soma
Indica
Salma Gonreun
Theo Selma
Ster
Hanna Mallooff
Hanna
Amarics
Beblad
Waverly Place
Ales, M’guire
Bill Nye
Sitl&s OF Roads
Riley
Cassia
Bager
Howe
Earnest Pickinpack
Georgetown
D. C
Chicago
Busvee Mountain
Freech Broad
George Vanderbilt
Morton
U. Ab
Eastern
Bill Nyw
Jay Gould
J. Sterling Morton
Gould
Irvington
Mediterranean
Spuytee Duyvil
Rhabarb
Pursery
Becsare
Tim
Bophouse
Nursery Price
James Whitcomb Riley
Canada
Canuck Press
Nova Scotia
Duke of Devonshire
England
Mr. K
Taptey
St. John's
Rance
United Stat States
Halifax City
St. Jon City
Boss Maxwell
Orange Ball
Mart
Mr. Tilley
Glasgow
Blue Rock
A. C. Smith
Parliament House
Carleton
Chief Clarke
City of
St. John
John Baxter
John Motariby
Ireland
McCarthy
Noah Webster
Rhys Davids
Carbridge
Columbia College
Wentieman Mook
Maneet
See
Wast
Medora Basyien
Europe
Elysees
Avenues du Hols de Boulogne
Indy
Dees
Parle
Brener
Valle
Giakes
Agin
Ams
Old Virginia
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!