Now Smile for this Camera

When we think about old photos (whether they be from the Civil War, the Victorian, or some other bygone era) we usually think of really depressed looking people in fancy clothes. However, I found an article on BuzzFeed that shows Victorian era photos of people smiling. You can see the actual article here:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/lukelewis/18-photos-of-victorians-smiling

 

The set includes photos like these:

 

 

 

That inspired me to find (somewhat) smiling photos from the Civil War era. When I say somewhat, I mean finding photos that show a happy or serene expression, not necessarily fully displayed teeth.

 

These are the kinds of images most commonly found. 

 

 

 

Some theories believe that everyone frowned in photos because cameras were so slow. Then there are others that say not smiling was the style of the day. Either way, though rare, you can find photos of people who looked to be enjoying their time in front of the camera.

 

 

 

Though he wouldn't have much to smile about come 1865 when he had to write death warrants and execution orders, assistant adjutant general Edward Townsend decided not to adopt a frown when posing for his portrait.

 

 

Depressed for much of his later life, famed Shakespearean actor Edwin Booth chose more relaxed expressions for some of his photos.  

 

 

Even Edwin's younger brother, John Wilkes, managed to sneak small grins into some of his sessions.

 

 

And then there were those who just didn't care about social conventions at all. Yes, that is a real photo (although probably taken a bit after the Civil War). I'm not sure who added the caption but it's genius. 

Until next time.

(Keep smiling)

 

XOXO, Kate

Letters from Edwina

Edwina Booth Grossman was the only child of Edwin Booth and his first wife, Mary Devlin Booth. While visiting the Players Club, an acting club founded by Edwin, I had the chance to transcribe a letter from a young Edwina to her father. Edwin's mother, Mary Ann Holmes Booth, must have been watching Edwina while Edwin was away and also wrote her son a letter beside the one Edwina had written.

 

(Edwina and her mother)

What I find fascinating about Civil War era letters in general is that most of them are not about the war or the huge events we learn about in history class. Many are just about day to day life, who is sick, who is asking for something to be sent to them, or who is taking what classes in school. In fact, one of the tidbits Mary Ann Booth mentions to Edwin is how Edwina has a loose tooth and is excited for it to fall out.

 

(Edwina with her father)

 



The letter was written in 1867. This would make Edwina six years old.

Dear Papa,

I have been good for (unreadable word) mornings. Can I have my hair cut short? It's very warm and can I (her words became hard to read but I believe she began talking about her loose tooth).

I am going to be very good. I'll try and not get mad with Katy any more. The little birdie takes the paper in his mouth and puts it through the bars. Aunt Rosey says another little bird takes them to you. (She writes another few words about the birds but they were hard to read). 

Good bye dear papa. Make haste & come home to your little daughter.

Edwina

Kisses 60000000000000000000000

Aw, children, no matter what era they live in, are so precious. And it sounds like Edwina was very close with her father, who was known to be a quiet but loving man. Imagine having the greatest Shakespearean actor of the 19th century as your father. That must have been awesome.

(Edwina with her father and stepmother, Mary McVicker Booth)

  

Until next time.

 

XOXO, Kate

The Civil War Recipe Box: Johnnycakes

The other day, I booked a trip for my 21st birthday. Not one for drinking until I pass out, I will instead be traveling to the beautiful Fall River, Massachusetts and spending the night in Lizzie Borden's bedroom in the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast (what up). I can't wait for ALL THE HISTORY! And maybe I'll even befriend a ghost.

(Lizzie's Room - which I really want my room to look like)

While looking over the itinerary, it mentions how, the next morning, guests are served for breakfast the final meal the Borden family ate on the fateful morning of August 4, 1892. One of the listed specials was johnnycakes.

Johnnycakes are flat, cornmeal cakes that are baked or fried on a griddle. They originated as a staple food in the states around 1600. As I mentioned, they were eaten in the Borden house and, as the title of this blog hints, they were eaten years earlier during the American Civil War. Though they were eaten all across the United States, the peak of their popularity was in the Northeast.

The recipe for johnnycakes is very simple and quite fun if I do say so myself. I have made the dish before and found the cakes to my liking.

Ingredients:

1 cup of water
1 1/2 cups of ground yellow cornmeal
1/2 tsp. of salt
1/2 cup of milk
2 TB of butter

Toppings:

Syrup, molasses, or preserves can be used. The Lizzie Borden house provides powdered sugar and cinnamon as well.

Directions:

Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
Combine the cornmeal, salt, boiled water, and milk in a medium bowl and stir well.
Melt the 2 TB butter in a skillet or a cast iron griddle over medium heat.
Pour 1 TB of batter into the skillet like a pancake to cook.
Let it cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until the edges are light brown in color. (Use a spatula to turn them).
Serve them hot with your choice of toppings.

That's it. If you make johnnycakes, or have tried them before, leave a comment below and tell us what you thought of them, what your favorite toppings are, or even a photo.

Until next time.

XOXO, Kate