Tag Archives: American history

Rapid Growth of Industrialization in America and Britain

See Monday’s post on why Britain and American led the Industrial Revolution. The cultural differences among America and Britain and many other European nations led to a rapid industrial growth. One thing we saw in America (and not in the other … Continue reading

Posted in American History, British history, commerce, Great Britain, real life tales | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Why Are Americans So Unhappy?

At a Christmas outing to the Biltmore estate near Asheville, North Carolina in 2018, I struck up a conversation with a man from the Middle East, likely Pakistan, but I cannot be confident, as I was not bold enough to … Continue reading

Posted in American History, political stance, real life tales, research, writing | Tagged , , , | 15 Comments

December 27, National Fruitcake Day with a Celebration of Both Truman Capote and the Fruitcake

Okay, I know many of you do not fruitcake, but I am in the minority. I am one of those who still, for example, makes a Christmas pudding. I begin it on Stir Up Sunday, which was 24 November this … Continue reading

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“Black Friday’s” Tumultuous History

There are several versions of how the term “Black Friday” originated. Some say “Black Friday” came about because to the chaos in Philadelphia in the 1950s at the traditional Army-Navy football game. This was a game we always watched in … Continue reading

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Why Is Thanksgiving Always on Thursday?

By federal law, since 1942, Americans have celebrated Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday in November since 1942, but numerous other dates were designated in the past. Most believe that the origin of Thanksgiving came to us via the 53 Pilgrims … Continue reading

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Veterans Day and the Great John Philip Sousa

Today, we have a celebration of Veterans’ Day, a day originally called Armistice Day. The Department of Veterans Affairs Website tells us, “In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following … Continue reading

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The Amazing Wisdom of Thomas Jefferson: The Man. The Myth.

As this coming Tuesday is election day, I thought I might share something of the man who largely wrote our country’s “Declaration of Independence.” I found this most agreeable as Jefferson’s holds a place on my family tree. Moreover, this … Continue reading

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The Battle of the Bees: A Revolutionary War Skirmish Won by American Patriots and a Swarm of Bees

I live outside of Charlotte, North Carolina, and the Battle of Bees plays an important role in the region’s history. Also known as the Battle of McIntyre’s Farm, the Battle of Bees was a Revolutionary War incident, which occurred on … Continue reading

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The “Roots” of Labor Day

For this Labor Day, I am sharing a variety of sources on the history of the Labor movement and the founding of Labor Day in 1894. CNN tells us, “Labor Day was first celebrated unofficially by labor activists and individual … Continue reading

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Proxy Marriages: Valid or Invalid?

Upon occasion I have come across a plot line in a Regency historical novel where the couple is married by proxy. Unfortunately, such a marriage was not valid. Today’s interpretation of a marriage by proxy tells us that it is … Continue reading

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