1906 Postcard Mentions Lynching

My postcard collection never ceases to supply me with entertainment. I enjoy looking at them and I enjoy reading the messages written so long ago. I am now in the process of selling off some of  my postcards on eBay. As I am scanning these postcards, I am having fun reading them once again.

Today as I was getting ready to list six of these postcards, I rediscovered a 1906 postcard Springfield Missouri. Like most postcards of this time, it has an undivided back used for the address, and the message was written on the front. On this postcard, the writer makes reference to a tower seen in the photo on the card. The tower was the scene of a gruesome lynching just a few days before this postcard was sent.

Of course, this reference led me on a tangent of researching the event. It is hard to believe that this tragedy and mockery of justice occurred just 100 years ago. My mind’s eye can just feel the frustration of the Sheriff and the horror of the men and their families. To read more about these lynchings, go to the News-Leaders.com site.

Button Fairies

I had so much fun with the recent button fairy swap on Swap-bot.  It has created a whole new way for me to look at buttons.  The possibilities are endless.  I’ll share my button fairies and if you want to know more details, feel free to contact me.

There are several good tutorials online.  One of the best I’ve found is here at Maggies World.  You can use your own photos, vintage clip art, or your own creations for the torsoe and head.  

Wings were a fun challenge for me, too.  I used something different on each fairy, feathers, garland, and paper doilies.  You could use vintage clip art wings, too.

The wire was a cinch for me as I have a plethera of florist wire (other projects.)

Now you simply need a supply of buttons and beads.   Need more vintage buttons?  You can always check out my eBay store, Frank’s Stuff.  I often have vintage craft supplies listed and currently have many buttons.

New at the Frank's

The Frank farm i s getting to be a busy place. With the anticipation of grandpa's 80th birthday and Nicole and Bo's wedding shower this month, the plans and people are flying fast and furious.

We are also busy getting new items listed at our online store, Frank's Stuff. Above is a blacksmith made animal trap. Some of the other items in the myriad of items Leo will be listing today include vintage boat motor parts and vintage car parts.

I'm still working on identifying and listing dolls. This little cutie is probably from the 1940's

I also am slowly but surely getting some of the estate costume jewelry listed. It is so much fun to sift through the baubles and photo them.

I Can't Part With It!

It's not the prettiest book in the world, but when I went to list it on eBay I found myself reading it rather than writing the description. What's the ugly book about? It's entitled The A & P Every Day Cook Book. I've not found a copyright date, but it is definitely before the use of the modern stove or modern standard cooking measures.

What's so fascinating? It has amazing recipes (and many quite bizarre recipes) of which I've never heard the like. It also has recipes for 'cometiques' and household hints. With my love for all things Victorian & Edwardian, this silly little book will just have to stay with me for a bit longer.

It contains many fascinating recipes, including the recipe for headcheese. Maybe I will take some time to share a few of the recipes and helpful hints in this blog.

Now, what to share first...Something funny or a recipe? Or a funny recipe? I'll start with a recipe that maybe a good cook could easily adapt to modern methods. I've taken the liberty of making it look a little more like a modern recipe.

Indian Chetney

8 oz sharp, sour apples - pared and cored

8 oz Tomatoes

8 oz salt

8 oz browned sugar

8 oz Stoned Raisins

4 oz cayenne pepper

4 oz powdered ginger

2 oz garlic

2 oz shallots

3 quarts vinegar

1 quart lemon juice


1. Chop the apples in small square pieces and add to them the other ingredients.

2. Mix the whole well together, and put in a well-covered jar.

3. Keep jar in a warm place, and stir every day for a month, taking care to put on the lid after this operation.

4. Strain, but do not squeeze it dry. Reserve liquor as it will serve as an excellent sauce for meat or fish.

5. Store the chetney away in clean jars or bottles for use.