Vintage Books for Research

 

A few weeks ago, my friend and I were window shopping in a quaint little town and decided to go into a store that had displays that caught our eye.

Inside, I found a selection of vintage reproduction books for $5 each!

There were so many I wanted to bring home, but settled on five.

The Boy's Own Book by William Clarke is titled as "A Complete Encyclopedia of All the Diversions, Athletic, Scientific, and Recreative, of Boyhood and Youth."

The book includes instruction on everything from archery, cricket, gymnastics, and swimming to "chemical amusements" that covers things like "combustion and explosion" as well as tricks with cards, puzzles, and details about rabbits and guinea pigs. 

Originally published in 1829, it is a fascinating glimpse into what life might have been like for young boys, and the expectations of their learning back then. 

The Girl's Own Book by Mrs. L. Maria Child was originally published in 1834. It includes games, anagrams, active exercises like swinging and jumping rope, craft ideas, needlework, poems, and information about things like silkworms and bees. 

Comparing the two books, it is glaringly clear the boys got to have way more fun than the girls!

When Mother Lets Us Cook by Constance Johnson is a "book of simple receipts for little folks" originally published in 1908.  The book includes a variety of recipes that covers everything from how to boil eggs and rice, to making custard, baking potatoes, meat loaf, gingerbread, cottage cheese, and has to how to make good tea, a recipe for  rainy-day fudge, and several helpful "rules" like how to tell if an egg is good or bad, things to have in the kitchen, how to simmer, and a rule for milk. 

Little Gardens for Boys and Girls by Myrta Margaret Higgins, released originally in 1910, was written with the purpose of helping children find joy in gardening. The book includes some illustrations as well as photographs, and offers details that cover tools and plans to work in the garden by season, harvest time, cuttings versus seeds, as well as helps and hindrances in a garden.

The American Frugal Housewife by Mrs. Child published in 1833, was dedicated to "those who are not ashamed of economy." The book is all about avoiding waste, making do, and using what you have on hand. Some of the sage words of wisdom include things like, "Lamps will have a less disagreeable smell if you dip your wick-yarn in strong hot vinegar, and dry it." There is an assortment of recipes. One that caught my eye was a Whortleberry Pie. I've never heard of a whortleberry, but the author writes they "make a very good common pie, where there is a large family of children." There is a section entitled "hints to persons of moderate fortune" and another entitled "how to endure poverty." It is certainly an interesting look into the thoughts and homelife of the time. 

I think I'll go see what I can find about whortleberries ...

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield is a farm girl who loves to write character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her sweet historical and contemporary romances are filled with sarcasm, humor, hope, and hunky heroes.

When Shanna isn’t dreaming up unforgettable characters, twisting plots, or covertly seeking dark, decadent chocolate, she hangs out with her beloved husband, Captain Cavedweller.

Discover her books on her website or on Amazon.