Bits of SJ: 19th Century Living

It seems each decade brings a new wave of decorating. In the 60s it was the Early American and French Provincial look. The 70s brought the Mediterranean décor with red velvet furniture and lamps to match. We may think that these trends are new but they seem to be recycled throughout the ages. Take for instance the idea of using chains as curtain tiebacks. In 1882 this practice was very popular as well as wicker furniture, sheepskin rugs, fringed napkins, and satin lampshades featured with dragons and upholstered furniture for the drawing room. Evidently, some of the popular items of the past were out, like floral decorations for the table and mirrors.

Entertainment was as important then as it is now. The 19th century family could not sit in the privacy of their home and enjoy movies. They usually played games with the family or read. Getting out the house included participating or watching sports. Salem County had one of the most popular horse racing events on July 4th through the Salem Horse Show and Athletic Association. More than 3500 people would show up to see the trotting and pacing events. Gloucester City was another hot spot for horse racing

Another past time that became very popular was “trolley parties”. People would board the trolley at Cape May Point and ride along the oceanfront for six miles. It was considered the most romantic way to courtship. Of course this was all before the automobile and a date consisted of just two people and the moon lit sky on Blueberry Hill.

It seems some things never change and are just here to stay. From its inception, bowling has always been popular. It has grown with the ages and made many improvements from the grassy lanes to the now hardwood. It was so popular in 1896 that there were not enough lanes to accommodate the crowds. Tournaments were arranged between rivals to show off their skills. Little did they know then that someday people would be making their living off of the sport.

The desire for strong drink was not any different then as it is now. Though many women did not partake of the custom, the men did so as if it were a right of passage. It may have gone a little unnoticed since drunks did not climb into their cars and drive home, they just let their horse lead the way. For those that wished to give up the habit, they could rely on a recipe by an old doctor named Hatfield. He claimed to have used the tonic for twenty years with great success. He did not prescribe a mixture or combination of antidotes; he advised that the person inclined to the addiction eat an orange every morning. He said that if you ate an orange a half hour before breakfast, the taste of liquor would become repulsive. Apparently, the orange taste remains in the saliva and causes a foul taste when mixed with the liquor. I guess he never heard of screwdrivers.

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Author: Vickie VanAntwerp