Monday, September 10, 2007

Useful Hints from the 1910 Old Farmer's Almanac

The Old Farmer's Almanac has been a staple in many Western Massachusetts homes ever since West Boylston resident, Robert B. Thomas, started publishing the guide amidst fierce competition in 1792. Full of useful and important facts and information, including weather predictions that have an uncanny history of being so accurate that many folks plan events or tasks by them, the Almanac has come a long way in its 215 years. Competition has grown even more intense in that time, especially with the advent of the World Wide Web and the age of information overload, but the Almanac keeps plugging away, sharing helpful hints on everyday matters and preparing us for the deluge or the sunshine that will greet us tomorrow.

Some advice can certainly be passed through the ages as evidenced on page 56 in the copy of a 1910 Old Farmer's Almanac I found at a yard sale. Who could argue with the timeless wisdom that states "In running freshly laundered curtains on the rods put a thimble on the end of the rod and it will slip through more easily?" Some of the time-saving tidbits may be a bit dated, though. "A silk petticoat hung upside down in the closet, from hangers sewed inside the bottom ruffle, will retain its freshness much longer; the ruffle will stand out and the skirt will wear better," might be a good example of that, but who knows? After all, everything old becomes new again.






As always, thanks for stopping by and take care - and remember: "Soak raisins in cold water before stoning."



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1 comment:

Gina said...

My grandfather always had the Farmers Almanac in the bathroom. Its nice to hear some history. I enjoy your blog, keep writing!