Tag: history
Part 4: Civil War letters home send hope that the war...
In part 4 of Civil War letters home, 18-year-old Stephen Boyd of Ashland County, Ohio, writes from Tennessee about camp conditions, the fall of Vicksburg, Morgan's Raid, and his optimistic hopes that the war will end in time to return to Jeromesville for the fall corn harvest.
Civil War letters home, part 3
In new Civil War letters home to Jeromesville, Ohio, the Boyd family faces heartbreak after learning of 21-year-old James's death at Vicksburg. Meanwhile, eldest brother John writes from a hospital bed and Stephen shares updates on camp life and Southern politics.
How the 1833 washboard patent changed early American laundry
The patenting of the washboard in 1833 inspired tinsmiths, potters, and wood turners across Ohio to craft early laundry devices. Explore the history of handmade washboards, possers, and the weekly frontier tradition of "Blue Monday."
Part two: Civil War letters home
In letters home to Jeromesville, Ohio, Union soldiers John and Stephen Boyd share the realities of Civil War camp life—from treasured boot shipments and home-cooked treats to draft dodgers, sibling squabbles, and the deep desire for news from home.
Coming clean about clothes washing chores in the early Ohio Country
Before modern washing machines, early Ohio Country pioneers faced the grueling task of cleaning clothes in creeks and iron kettles. Columnist Paul Locher dives into the smelly history of 19th-century laundry chores and the evolution of the scrub sticks and patented washboards that followed.
Jeromesville honors Civil War heroes at heritage tree dedication
As part of the America 250-Ohio celebration, Jeromesville dedicated a native white oak tree to its history. In this column, the keynote speaker shares the moving stories and letters of three local Civil War brothers who left their Ashland County farm to fight for the Union.
The best fishing partners have a wagging tail —and a closed...
From learning when to keep his "beak shut" about secret honey holes to mastering the classic fish story, Jim Abrams reflects on a lifetime of angling. Discover why human partners often talk too much, and why a loyal dog makes the ultimate, trustworthy fishing companion.
Ohio pioneers made cheese to preserve milk without refrigeration
Without refrigeration, early Ohio Country farmers relied on traditional cheesemaking to extend their winter milk supply. Historian Paul Locher breaks down the step-by-step pioneer process of using rennet, straining whey and pressing hard cheeses to preserve dairy for months.
How pioneer families finished butter for market in early Ohio
From Scotch hands and butter-working tables to saffron coloring and decorative butter stamps, discover how Ohio pioneers finished, packaged and sold homemade butter.
Variety of butter churns attempted to make a very arduous task...
Churning butter was an arduous pioneer task that sparked a wave of American ingenuity. Antique expert Paul Locher explores the evolution of the churn—from simple wooden dashers and decorated pottery to rocking "cradles" and crank-powered models that transformed a chore into a science.
