Almost everything we do, we keep in mind what would life have been like if this was indeed 1865. We find ourselves talking about fruit shortages and what that would mean to the average family.Our fruit trees are almost all bare. Where we normally have hundreds of pears we have counted less than a dozen. Our apple trees have no fruit at all. That would mean no apples going into the cold cellar, no cider,no apple sauce and no canned apples slices for pies etc.I use a lot of apples.Most pork dishes I cook have apple in them of some kind even if it is just an apple stuffing. I use many many apples throughout the year. We have no plums,peaches, cherries at all. Raspberries are looking good so I will have to waste none. We live in a world now that even with shortages we will have apples and pears, they will come from far away , we may pay more but we will have them.In my opinion it is no wonder we are all so wasteful.
But the gist of my post has to do with this heat. While I do sleep in period night wear which is wonderfully fine cotton I still am sweltering . We have wonderful cross breezes through our home but wow it has been almost unbearable to sleep. So I am kind of wondering if you think perhaps they might have said"what the heck,no one will ever know" and slept naked? Any opinions based on anything you have read? I have not read anything referring to this other than having cool water and cloths beside the bed to wipe ones self down in the heat.So any opinions would be a good conversation..see you soon
Margaret
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Given the sense of propriety, the value of manners and decorum, I don't think they would have. To be honest I've hardly been able to find any references to sleeping and sleepwear. However, I did find this reference from someone - "Fashions & Costumes from Godey's Lady's Book" on page 42 there are two "Ladies' short nightdresses" from Sept. 1860. They look like they come to mid-thigh, as they appear to be about 4 or 5 inches longer than the sleeves."
ReplyDeleteCertainly these would be much cooler to sleep in. Who knows what else showing that much leg could lead to as well?
I found your blog today and have had fun reading through all of the posts from the beginning. One question I don't remember being addressed is clothing; you mention here that you sleep in period night ware, what about the rest of the day? Are you both wearing period dress around the home as well?
ReplyDeleteHi Betsy
DeleteWe do but not all of the time .We still work outside of the home. But when we are home we try to wear period clothing. I love being in full period clothing and am most comfortable with my corset on. It is amazing how much it eases ones back.I am thinking because it straightens. I find kneeling or getting up and down into or out of a kneeling position hard but it is most likely because I switch clothing .Once you are familiar it is second nature. I do not wear trousers so skirts are a familiar wear for me . Thank you for reading and if you have time go back to the beginning and see what we have done so far.We are having fun with this and learning lots and lots.Margaret
I’ve just come across your blog and read through all the entries. Interesting project! The Victorian era was a fascinating time of tremendous innovation and growth. Industrialization was serving humanity and had not yet “standardized” the individualism and diversity out of us.
ReplyDeleteIf you have not already seen it, I think you would be interested in a BBC documentary called “The Victorian Farm”. It follows the efforts of three people to restore and operate a farm for a full calendar year using only the methods, tools, and materials available to the Victorians. It focuses on how and why the Victorians did things and discusses many of the subjects you have raised in your blog. It would be a good resource for your project if you haven’t already seen it.
You mentioned the inadequacy of candlelight for fine work like sewing. You may want to try a simple condenser array. It concentrates candlelight wonderfully and was developed in the 17th century for use by lace makers, so the Victorians would certainly have had access to the technology.
I had the good fortune to live the lifestyle in my youth much as your grandchildren are living it with you. Good memories! Good luck with your project
FCM
Hello FCM
DeleteThank you for reading and commenting on our project.I love your statement that Industrialization was serving humanity and had not yet standardized the individualism and diversity out of us. Very good point.
We have watched some of the "Victorian farm " and found it very interesting . Some of what they were doing we could not do here but they did really good research and I am sure attracted many to at least try to do things.We live in a world where even the simplest things come out of a factory ,It is a shame IMO.
We are enjoying this project and will just continue on and on. We have learned a lot and are still learning. I do a lot of sewing and just try to do much of it outside .Gives me time to sit and reflect . Thank you again for sending us a note and please join us and keep reading .Happy Canada day to you and yours.
Margaret;
ReplyDeleteWhen you and Ken are browsing through antique stores keep your eye open for a lacemakers condenser. It will be a stand with a candle mounted in the centre. Around the candle will be one to four short wooden platforms with a water-filled glass sphere on top. The spheres act as lenses and focus the candlelight into a bright spot. They triple the luminosity of the candlelight and shift the light colour from yellowish to whitish. It will allow you to do fine sewing work by candlelight. They were produced from the 17th century to the 19th century. I don’t know how common they are on this side of the pond, but you may come across something. You can make your own if you can find a small glass ball flask or boiling flask that is spherical in shape.
The Victorians must have been more in tune with the time of day than we are since the available light had such an impact of which jobs could be performed. With electric lighting we can beaver away all night until we drop from exhaustion. Isn’t progress grand?
Happy Canada Day!