Kids Say the Darndest Things may be a television show, but kids have been saying what’s on their minds – and amusing adults – for centuries. In 1903, the Sioux City Journal in Iowa asked the city’s school children to pen an essay on Thanksgiving turkeys. (This post is a companion piece to Melina Druga’s WWI […]
Yes, There Really Was Cocaine in Coca-Cola
We don’t call the soft drink Coca-Cola “Coke” for nothing. The original formula contained cocaine, but how much is debatable. The beverage’s syrup was manufactured with an extract of coca leaves – it’s the leaves that contain cocaine – and the caffeine rich kola nut. (This post is a companion piece to Melina Druga’s WWI […]
Bathroom and Kitchen Tech at the Turn of the 20th Century
In real estate, bathrooms and kitchens often make or break a sale. In the late 19th century, indoor plumbing was becoming commonplace, and homes were increasingly becoming electrified. This meant that kitchens and bathrooms were, perhaps for the first time, an important consideration when buying or renting a home. (This post is a companion piece […]