Libraries as a social space Libraries were first and foremost a business, not a public service as we think of them today. Generally, they required a town with a population of at least two thousand to be profitable. Consequently, they were almost exclusively found in larger towns and resorts. Libraries could exist in smaller areas, but in those places, they were more of a sideline, added to an existing business. “In 1791, William Lane, famed … Continue reading →
What were the ‘circulating libraries’ of Austen’s day and what was their role in society? “I have received a very civil note from Mrs. Martin, requesting my name as a Subscriber to her Library which opens January 14, & my name, or rather Yours, is accordingly given. My mother finds the Money. . . . As an inducement to subscribe, Mrs. Martin tells me that her Collection is not to consist only of Novels, but of every kind of literature, &c. … Continue reading →
And now the conclusion to August’s short story. Ginger encourages some thoughtful conversation. If you missed earlier parts, find them HERE Lady Catherine’s Cat, Part 5 Her insides roiled with his revelations. As much as her heart demanded she must, how could she deny his assertions? He declared himself to have been totally unsuspicious of her sister’s attachment. Charlotte’s opinion had been much the same. Neither could she deny the justice of his description of Jane. He was … Continue reading →
One year later, we’re just now finding a new normal one year after Hurricane Harvey. You can find the original posts HERE. Part 7: Finding a new normal I’ve weathered a number of serious storms. Hurricane Belle in New Jersey in 1976 was the first real storm I remember. That was back during elementary school days. Alicia hit Houston in 1983 while I was in high school. I remember treks for dry ice and cooking … Continue reading →
So what is an Ice Bell and what does it (or doesn’t it) have to do with ice cream? The answer is at the bottom of the Research Rabbit Hole. So, most of you have been chillingly aware (ok, I know low hanging fruit and I’m sorry but I couldn’t help myself) that I have been researching ice cream in the Georgian era over the past couple months. It was utterly inevitable that I end up in … Continue reading →