Tag Archives: 19th Century

A Sumptuous Mansion

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Don Merritt

This post originally appeared on my “other” blog, Pages from the Past here at Word Press. Located in Galena, Illinois the Jones Mansion (Belvedere Mansion) has not only had an interesting history, it is a marvel to behold. Built by Joseph Russell Jones in … Continue reading →

Posted in History | Tagged 19th Century, art, fun history, history, Italianate architecture, photo essay, photos, random, Victorian houses | 1 Comment

Quote of the Week

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Don Merritt

Quote of the Week “The State is the great fiction by which everyone seeks to live at the expense of everyone else.” Frederic Bastiat

Posted in History, Quote of the Week | Tagged 19th Century, attitude, culture, history, perspective, random, thoughts | Leave a comment

Visions of Christmas Past

Posted on December 9, 2011 by Don Merritt

The Christmas season is upon us, and even I can’t put it off any longer! I thought that it might be fun to take a look at it from two different points of view, looking back and looking forward. Today, … Continue reading →

Posted in Random thoughts | Tagged 19th Century, Christmas, culture, Devotional, encouragement, fun history, history, hope, nostalgia, perspective, thoughts | 3 Comments

Quote of the Week

Posted on December 7, 2011 by Don Merritt

“The ultimate result of shielding men from the effects of folly is to fill the world with fools.” Herbert Spencer Isn’t it fun to read remarks made by intelligent people who were lucky enough to be able to speak before … Continue reading →

Posted in Quote of the Week | Tagged 19th Century, attitude, fun history, history, perspective, random, thoughts | Leave a comment

Remembering Martin Van Buren

Posted on December 5, 2011 by Don Merritt

What? You don’t remember Van Buren…? He was America’s eighth president… Here’s his story from White House.gov: Only about 5 feet, 6 inches tall, but trim and erect, Martin Van Buren dressed fastidiously. His impeccable appearance belied his amiability–and his … Continue reading →

Posted in History | Tagged 19th Century, attitude, culture, fun history, history, nostalgia, politics, random | 4 Comments

Quote of the Week: 11/23/11

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Don Merritt

Quote of the Week This week’s quote is a humorous one from Mark Twain… “Imagine, if you will, that I am an idiot. Then, imagine that I am also a Congressman. But, alas, I repeat myself.” Mark … Continue reading →

Posted in Quote of the Week | Tagged 19th Century, culture, fun history, history, nostalgia, perspective, politics, random | 1 Comment

Sarah Hale: “Godmother of Thanksgiving”

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Don Merritt

To the modern person it may seem odd that Thanksgiving as an American holiday hasn’t always been there… After all, didn’t the Pilgrims start it back at the very beginning? Didn’t George Washington proclaim it? The short answer is “yes” … Continue reading →

Posted in History | Tagged 19th Century, attitude, culture, encouragement, famous women, fun history, history, inspiration, Thanksgiving | 3 Comments

Mr. Garfield: Role Model

Posted on November 18, 2011 by Don Merritt

James A. Garfield was our 20th president, and sadly enough not many people today know anything about him. Today, let’s take a brief look at his life on the occasion of his 180th birthday. He was born in Ohio on … Continue reading →

Posted in History | Tagged 19th Century, attitude, Christianity, different take, encouragement, fun history, life, random, thoughts | 2 Comments

Looking Through Old Windows

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Don Merritt

I love to look through old windows. It can really be quite different from looking through modern ones. Somehow the old ones give a person a more interesting perspective. Even when you keep looking out of the same one, the … Continue reading →