Raised in the south, the first thing a girl like me is taught–other than southern hospitality–is how to cook with cast iron skillets. Whether it was cornbread or fried green tomatoes, my mom taught me everything there is to know, and especially, the steps to clean and refurbish cast iron. A Brief History of Cast …
Vintage luggage is making a comeback. And it’s not hard to see why. Vintage luggage from the 19th century was often crafted with the best materials and designed to withstand the harsh conditions of early modes of travel. Boxes, trunks and early suitcases featured intricate details, brass finishings and hardware, leather and fine upholstery, and …
During the 1970s, and into the 80s, the United States went through what is known today as the Gas Crisis or the Oil Crisis of 1973. The members of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries proclaimed an oil embargo in response to the United States’ support for Israel during the Yom Kippur War. During this time, the price …
Today, polka dots are considered a cheerful pattern, often featured on children’s toys and cheeky, vintage-style clothing. Perhaps we take the pattern from granted now, but polka dots actually have a very interesting history. For example, polka dots weren’t always considered nostalgic and fun. In Medieval Europe, the pattern was initially seen as very unpleasant, …
Hip flasks are back in style. While hip flasks became a fashion trend back in the 18th century, their popularity as a convenient and inconspicuous way to carry booze goes back even further. Flasks were used by a broad cast of historical characters, from flappers of the 1920s and Western cowboys, to Roman legionnaires and …
The idea of “glamping” is probably not something our ancestors had in mind when they started using bell tents. In fact, the use of canvas bell tents dates way back to Byzantine military campaigns in the 7th century. These tents were used extensively in battles throughout the ages, reaching the height of American consciousness during …
Back in the mid-19th Century, sailors discovered that applying wax to their sailcloth would make them go faster. When it rained, they wrapped themselves in their spare sails to stay dry. Clothing and equipment manufacturers soon realized that the inherent waterproofing properties of wax could be used on any fabric. They began coating cotton and …