Sewing, mending, and patching clothing was a constant chore for women in the 1890s, especially considering the size of most families. Clothes had to…
Gardening hints from 1852 Take any flower you choose, place a stratum in a clean earthen pot, and over them a stratum of fine…
Household hints from the past: By dipping a new broom in hot salt water before using, will toughen the bristles and make it last…
“Do not over-water cactus plants. Moderate moisture is needed. If over-watered a Christmas cactus will drop its buds.” “A homemade frog for flowers: Take…
BEST TIME FOR PAINTING HOUSE (Transcribed from The Iron Age, Birmingham, March 5, 1874) The best time for painting the exterior of buildings is…
A BUSY DAY'S WORK (Transcribed from The Times-Argus, Selma, Alabama January 27, 1870 – Originally published in the American Agriculturist) In many families,…
Washing clothes was a major task in the past and there were techniques to getting the clothes really clean as can be seen by…
Removing stains and spots has always been a problem. Here is how our ancestors dealt with most stains and spots according to a…
Here are some interesting recycling tips from the past: "Do not throw away that old popcorn. If you can't make it pop, put it…
Our ancestors had many hints for making household tasks easier in the 1920s. Household hints from the 1920s Brass that is badly discolored and…
PATRON - Sometimes the "Good old days" were not so safe as can be seen by the story from 1919 On February 20, 1919…
This tips date back to the early 1800s in America. Some of them may not be safe. Artificial Mahogany1 The following method of giving…
(Transcribed the from the Birmingham Iron Age April 2, 1874) HINTS TO HOUSE-BUILDERS Avoid such lots as will require your house to face North.…
PATRON - A woman should no longer wear colors after the age of 40 During the 1930s, Great Depression era, many writers were employed…
In 1917, F, W. Burpee simplified home canning methods by introducing an efficient Home Tin Can Sealer, based on the principles of commercial can…
Old Household and Paint Tips from the past Rub Camphor oil into scratches to fill light or dark wood. The darker the wood, the…
Kid gloves are gloves made from the skin of a young goat. They were first fashioned in the 18th century and were often made…
Good comfort food when you are sick with the flu - cornbread and hot chicken soup. The staple in any Southern home is good…
During the 1930s, Great Depression era, many writers were employed to interview people around the United States, so their experiences and life history could…
SEWING TIPS FROM THE PAST To sharpen scissors in an emergency, cut aluminum foil several times. Talcum Powder can be used for hem markers.…
A unique Ant trap from 1887. . . SCROLL DOWN TO CONTINUE AN ANT TRAP The best ant trap for those who are troubled…
FRUIT STAINS ON HANDS- three good tips 1. Rinse hands with Lemon Juice 2. Rinse hands with vinegar 3. Rub Stubborn Stains with salt…
PASTE FOR PAPER HANGING (Excerpt from The Courtland Enterprise, Courtland, Alabama, February 15, 1894) First heat water to boiling, then add flour, with constant…
Old natural remedies for dealing with insects and vermin In the south, we've always had to deal with insects. I found the following suggestions…
Our parents came up with some unusual ideas to save time and energy around the house. Here are a few: "A button sewed to…
Here is how our ancestors took care of some common problems they faced. Some are helpful today. Weighing cheese, Arthur Rothstein 1937 (Library of…
Patron+ member story Our ancestors valued colors in clothes and look for ways to keep them from fading when washed, but using turpentine to…
DOMESTIC RECIPES FROM 1884 (Transcribed from The Troy Messenger, Troy, Alabama July 3, 1884 Note: This is the way the recipes were published in…
PAINT AND GREASE REMOVAL An excellent recipe for removing paint or grease spots from garments may be had by mixing four tablespoonfuls of alcohol…
Bug extermination was the responsibility of all households in 1874 BUG EXTERMINATORS Hot alum water is a recent suggestion as an insecticide. It will…
