Category: Culture
Floats from the Fiesta de Los Angeles in 1895
The Fiesta de Los Angeles was a parade and festival that took place for multiple days each spring from 1894 to 1916. While there were…
Glass Eye Cons and Other Strange Reports
I recently visited an oddities store that sold glass eyes, and I suddenly realized that I never did a search for glass eyes in the…
A “Pretend” Gay Wedding in 1914 – Judge was not Amused
It’s rare to find a reference to “pretend” gay weddings and dress ups in newspapers from over a hundred years ago, but when I read…
Elephant Hair Charm – Is the Feminine Craze for Mascots a Reversion to Totem Worship?
While this article, originally published in 1922, smacks of white Christian elitism, I found it interesting how society women were so quick to add ancient…
Ohio Man Wanted to Raise Pigs in his Parlor
An Ohio man decided that pigs would rather live in cleanliness and made plans to raise pigs in his overly posh parlor. This sounds like…
Man Dies of Morphine Overdose and Authorities Fight Over His Body
What begins as a tragic death of a morphine addict, ends in a heated fight over his body by different authorities. The article below is…
A Look Inside the New York Morgue and Potter’s Field 1889
The article below, originally published in 1889, gives us insight into New York City’s morgue, the dead house. The article starts off slow, but gets…
They Drank Alcohol from the Specimen Jar
Have you ever watched one of those shows or a Youtube video where people eat something weird or gross? Here is a tidbit from the…
Spit Under a Rock to Make a Wish from 1892
Over the past few years, I have been collecting quite a few superstitions on Strange Ago. Today I found this short article, originally published in…
Children Should Be In Factories – Old-time Factory Cringe
I spend hours each day reading through the old newspapers and I am always finding articles that make me “what the hum” out loud. Earlier…
