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The Woman’s Journal & Education, Law and Depression…
January 28, 2021 by Stephanie Williams · Leave a Comment
On the front page of a late 1800’s issue (Vol. XVII) of The Woman’s Journal three different topics caught my eye — and studying those prevented me from even opening up the issue. Not included in my collection is the second entry of the column on the far right, entitled “Concerning Women”. It reads, “Mrs. Harriet Beecher Stowe has just passed her seventy-fifth birthday.” One of the most appealing things about old newspapers is that they put human details on the outline sketches of history, as with President Lincoln’s “little woman who wrote the book that started this great war.”
Of the more substantive things reported on June 26, 1886, a third of a column is devoted to the passage of legislation in Massachusetts that made it illegal for a man to seduce a woman, even if he was under 21 years of age. With a bit of research I found that the crime described, “the making of a false promise of marriage as a way of luring a previously chaste unmarried woman into having sex.” It baffles me that senators argued to keep this form of fraud legal for younger men since, “they did not think it is wise to punish a minor who might commit an offense in a moment of indiscretion.”
In the medical arena, Dr. John B. Gray addressed a group at Utica and focused on the malady we currently term postpartum depression. He classifies this as a “preventable cause of insanity”, and urges the organization of private support for women after they have delivered babies, to take the form of home and personal care. He claims that the burdens of “toil and worry” overwhelm a new mother, in some cases to the point of losing their sense of reason. The article concludes with his plea, “I have heard the wail of sorrow come up from too many households to keep silent. I have looked into the meaningless eyes of too many, lost by neglect, to stay my voice.”
Finally, I will let the first editorial note speak to the frustration that fueled the fire to grant women the right to vote in this country. And, as always, I calculate the length of time over which this energy had to be sustained until the final passage in 1919 of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.
College degrees are just now being given to men and women without any public outcry against the fair sex, or even a hint that they are out of their sphere or usurping the rights of the other sex. So much is gained. But these young women, who in the world of letters hold B.A. and M. A. and even LL.D., are under the law held as equals of lunatics and idiots, and of male felons in prison. Such men and such women are alike denied the right to vote!
Harper’s Monthly & The Self-Made Man – Still Learning…
October 12, 2020 by Stephanie Williams · Leave a Comment
By natural inclination, I spend a fair amount of my spare time delving into the “women’s publications” within the Rare & Early Newspapers collection. Consequently, the title of the Editor’s Table of an 19th century issue of Harper’s New Monthly dragged me in, and in the spirit of fair play I decided to dissect and disseminate the contents, using the writer’s three questions.
Who is the Self-Made Man? In the author’s view, this is not the man who achieved much because of education, as education is an outside influence that detracts credit from the man. However, a self-made man can be educated. The one who is not educated, but rises to success in spite of the lack, is not necessarily self-made, as success does not equal the morality required in a self-made man.
What is the Self-Made Man? Again, this is not the one who commits good deeds, although a self-made man will be characterized by them. “The difference between the two characters is a moral one. It springs from the presence or absence of the humanitarian spirit. It is all the difference between the pure love of truth and the love of opinion.”
What is his true position for good or for evil among the powers of the age? Finally, all the negatives are set aside and the author clearly promotes a man who is driven to find truth — not in new discoveries or insights, but in the wisdom of the ages that has been tested by time, and continues to be trustworthy. Ultimately, the author highly esteems the members of the Protestant Reformation, and the things they accomplished. “It was an age where old truths were brought to light and re-established as old truths. It was a most serious age; it was a modest age; and in all these respects, especially in the latter, it differed widely from our own.”
The final condemnation of the modern era, male and female, is contained in the author’s closing remarks:
All the writings of every kind during that remarkable period, and, we may even say, the century that followed it, would not present so much of this frothy self-laudation, as may be heard in one Hope Chapel meeting of ‘strong-minded women’ and ‘self made’ men.
The Gentleman’s Magazine & Poetry… Still learning…
September 28, 2020 by Stephanie Williams · Leave a Comment
Nestled among the prosaic commodity prices, legal decisions, and historical chronicles that regularly appear in an issue of Gentleman’s Magazine is a section that seems surprising to me — “Select Poetry, ancient and modern.” In some ways, this is a reminder that times certainly have changed, and things are not as they always were. A current publication for the leaders of our era, such as Forbes or Bloomberg or The Wall Street Journal would not contain poetry, unless a noteworthy personage deviated from business acquisition long enough to write, or possibly promote a struggling artist in the name of philanthropy, etc.
But, once upon a time, the well-educated person was learned in literary as well as economic matters. As the 
column title hints, the classical emphasis on education set a background that persisted into all arenas of life. With this in mind, I delved into the section and became even further struck by the subject matter of my sampling in meter and rhyme. The closing refrain to each stanza concludes that nothing in life matters without….love.
But weak is our vaunt
While something we want,
More sweet than the pleasure that Prospects can give.
Come, smile, damsels of Cardigan,
Love can alone make it blissful to live.
The author of this particular poem only provided his (presumably) initials to this listing of Prospects, Nectar, Odours, Music, Friendship, Learning, Riches and Honour. All, the poet asserts, are not sufficient to bring bliss to life — only love can do that. The musings that follow include “Ode to a Goldfinch”, “An Astronomical Thought” and “A Translation of the Epitaph”. Put together, they summarize the principle concerns of the time period — the natural and known world, the world yet to be discovered, happiness within all experiences, and the context provided by knowledge of eventual death.
That is, indeed, a selection of ancient and modern — even the modern of today.
The Woman’s Journal & Literary Notices… I’m Still Learning…
September 11, 2020 by Stephanie Williams · Leave a Comment
The Woman’s Journal (1872 and more), out of Boston, is the publication I am happiest to pull for any reason. It is well-organized, with clear headings and a clean layout. If I have research to do, I save it for last as I am frequently inclined to ramble through the columns, and lose track of time. With that said, it’s a splendid thing to be assigned an opportunity to focus on this paper. Each instance of opening it brings me to a new regular feature, and this one brought me to the Literary Notices where I discovered a special treat.
In the first place, the professional tone and straightforward language convey an instant sense of intelligent discussion. This is serious scholarship being presented. The selections that follow only serve to deepen that impression, as listed here:
The Sphinx’s Children and Other People’s, Reason and Revelation Hand in Hand, A Study of Dante, A Tale of a Lonely Parish, Tokology, A Book for Every Woman, Evolution of To-Day
Each title precedes a 200-word thoughtful review, with summary and critique included. The style is witty and educated, and I was wondering which of these might still be available –as they were so very interesting– when I spotted a last review occupying five times as much space as any of the others. To my delight, it was headed as follows:
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: With Extracts from His Journals and Correspondence. Edited by Samuel Longfellow
It’s a great thing to be able to read someone else’s evaluation of a work with which you are yourself familiar, most particularly if their review was written 134 years ago. There is much to recognize and much to learn in the details of this piece. Interestingly, I looked up the author’s name and found it to be the only one of the editorial and contributor staff to be listed by initials, rather than first name. Further research showed that H.B. Blackwell was really “Henry Brown Blackwell” and the only male member of the staff. The entire review closes with the “last words he [Wordsworth] ever wrote were these:
O Bells of San Blas, in vain,
Ye call back the past again;
The past is deaf to your prayer;
Out of the shadows of night
The world rolls into the light;
It is daybreak everywhere.
The very last interesting bit in this excursion of mine is an item in the adjacent Gossip and Gleanings column which reads, “Rev. Samuel Longfellow has the gratification knowing that the 4,000 copies of his brother’s life composing the first edition, are all sold.”
Still Learning… Scientific American & Lupines…
September 4, 2020 by Stephanie Williams · Leave a Comment
We continue the “Still Learning” series by our former office manager, Stephanie, who relocated to another sate:
Lovers of children’s literature know the book Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney, the sweet tale of a little woman who brought the bloom of lupine to the coast of Maine. It was an act that flowed from a desire to be content in her circumstances, and even make a masterpiece of her life. Cooney’s artwork is memorable, as is the lesson she -illustrates, so the word “lupine” caught my eye as I skimmed through a The Scientific American issue of the late 1800’s.
I have been immediately aware of the inventions featured in this publication, without taking in the additional material in these journals. Directly following an expected “The Properties of Iron and its Resistance to Projectiles at High Velocities” came the surprising, “Character, Cultivation and Use of the Lupine.” The full page report begins, “We continue this week our valuable extracts from the agricultural office of the Patent Office Report for 1861 by publishing in full the article on the Lupine, by Louis Schade, of Washington, D.C. –“, exciting my interest with the promise of other content in preceding issues.
This one is so well-written that I, science and math challenged as I am, followed the explanation and proposal. It seems Mr. Schade studied the extensive use of these plants in European countries, particularly Germany and Prussia, where they served the dual purpose of providing cattle fodder as well as fertilizing the ground. It seems the lupine creates more energy than usual in its absorption of soil minerals, and it “dissolves the the chemical constituents of minerals by the evaporation of its root, which is impossible for other plants,” which in turn enriches the soil. Within two years the physical change can even be seen in the changed color of the land.
The point of this piece is a plea that farmers adopt this crop as an economic solution to the very real challenge of favorable soil. Species of lupine are compared and rated/recommended, and sowing methods and seasons are meticulously described. I appreciate a bit more how vital this publication was to the successful establishment of the strong agricultural system we have today. And I am looking forward to a little more digging through the botanical titles, particularly those that stretch my gardening interests into the realm of the science of growing food.
Being firmly convinced that the lupine, if introduced by our farmers into this country, will be a Godsend to all those who have either light, sandy or exhausted soil, I consider it a matter of the highest importance that some trials with the same should be made, particularly on the sand lands of New Jersey, and the worn-out lands in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Kentucky and other States.
Still Learning…Womankind & Celibacy v. Matrimony
August 24, 2020 by Stephanie Williams · Leave a Comment
As Womankind is less serious, less political, than its contemporary publications it seems the perfect thing to pick up on a sunny morning when the deepest thoughts I want to have concern the temperature of my morning cup of coffee. In this frame of mind I turned pages until the following words caught my eye:
Nature has planted deep in the constitution of either sex an impulse toward one another. Around this impulse, which nature simply bestows as part of her economy of self preservation, we have thrown a great deal of 
romantic drapery and pretty sentiment; have buried it in thickness of roses and lilies; have drowned its voice in songs and nightingales and tinkle of lutes and mandolins; have called upon the stars to witness to its loftiness…in fact, we have deified ourselves and our natural desires into some sort of impossible creation quite unfit for this mundane sphere.
Well, this unexpected phrasing led me to further examine the article, which spills into most of a fourth column on page 6 of the January 1893 issue. The heading was even more startling, “Mrs. Frank Leslie Says Sensible Marriages Lead to Atrophy, Romantic Marriages to Murder and Suicide, Single Blessedness to Melancholy Madness.”
Collectors of newspapers will know the name “Frank Leslie“, many better than I do. As it turns out, this was indeed authored by the second wife of Frank Leslie, subsequent heir to his publishing enterprises. She was a noted feminist and suffragist, editor and author. According to Wikipedia, Miriam Squier received a business with $300,000 debt upon Leslie’s death, and turned it into a profitable enterprise.
Based on further commentary within the article that led me to this little discovery, I cannot imagine that Frank and Miriam knew great joy with one another. But whatever the level of bliss, the impact that they made on the world of publishing cannot be denied. In case you never have the opportunity to peruse this diatribe yourself, the following conclusion summarizes the whole:
Which then is better–or to put it a little more cynically, which is the lesser evil–the Scylla of matrimony or the Charybdis of single loneliness? And if one decides for matrimony, which is the blacker gulf–that of a marriage de convenance, which we have styled a sensible marriage, or that of a marriage of romance and delusion, sure to end in bitter disillusion? I do not pretend to answer. Like the sphinx, I only ask and wait for a reply.
The Village Voice & the Culture…
August 21, 2020 by Stephanie Williams · Leave a Comment
An informed, intentional approach to diet is good for me. Left to pursue my preferences mindlessly, I might subsist on kettle cooked potato chips, with an occasional pickle or a chocolate chip cookie. Each of those has its worthy place within a more comprehensive whole, as does the literature one reads. 
But variety is helpful — even to more thoughtfully discern likes and dislikes.
I turned from the early 1800’s to one of the most modern titles in our annals, The Village Voice. While the writing style is decidedly different, I was surprised to find enough similarities that I could discern the fingerprints of its antecedents in a random sampling of this publication from the 1980’s. Comparably, advertisements seem to take up close to one-fourth of the print space, although the subject matter differs widely. This Greenwich Village title has the expected focus on performing arts. Some of the movie names were familiar to me, as were a few of the bands who advertised upcoming events. It seems the Twilight Zone movie was not considered by Voice reviewers to be a cinematic success, despite the critical acclamation of its television forerunner. Cinema listings included Superman III, Return of the Jedi and The Survivors.
Distinctly anti-establishment in tone, the editorials tackle a range of hot topics, including the Catholic Church, West Bank occupation and the negative reaction to the musical movement of “serialism”. The writing is organized and thoughtful, exhibiting skill and professionalism. Most surprising to me is the piece by an investigative journalist whose three page report questions the qualifications of Reagan appointee William Clark.
Somehow, I hadn’t anticipated an intellectual discussion from The Village Voice, but having spent the time digging through, I am pleased to be proven wrong.
Gentleman’s Magazine & Insanity…
August 10, 2020 by Stephanie Williams · Leave a Comment
Living in a time of health concerns brought on by a previously unknown viral threat brings me a heightened awareness of the historical mysteries recorded in these ledgers from the past. Advertisements give a clue to the extensive maladies that troubled mankind hundreds of years ago, many of which remain challenges even today. Liver ailments, gout, yellowed eyes, rashes, sleeplessness, and obesity are just a few things for which patented tonics and trusted treatments abound. Based on a sampling of papers such as Leslie’s Illustrated, Harper’s Weekly and any of the Wild West titles in 
the vast Rare & Early Newspapers collection, there is no doubt left that disease is a plague of the human condition.
Nothing, however, seems to baffle and burden society as a whole, and physicians in particular, as diseases of the mind. And The Gentleman’s Magazine that I pulled out from October of 1808 describes the tension brought about by the ignorance in a field so relevant to our existence.
In particular, the writer addresses Mr. Urban on the unfairness of the societal and ecclesiastical condemnation of suicide, without considering the mitigating circumstances of mental illness.
In consequence of an unusual conflux of suicidal cases occurring nearly together a few months ago, the feelings of Humanity appeared to be much outraged; many calumnious and violent opinions, mingled with false censure, were inserted in our daily prints; the conduct of Juries was the subject of much unqualified condemnation; and al almost entire ignorance of the true state of the awful cases brought under their cognizance, laid the foundation of much unmerited reproach.
His pointed statement halfway through the piece provides an explanation for suicide with the following question and answer: “Why does it appear that Suicide is more general than formerly? The answer is at hand: Insanity is an increasing disease. A few of the bulky catalogue of human ailments have evidently decreased; unfortunately, this is not of the number.”
There’s so much more in this article that speaks to the same subject today. While I don’t know concerning the correlation between the two, I do applaud the perspective towards those who suffer in this way. It was a lofty goal then and is, in my humble opinion, still.
It is an absolutely demonstrable fact, that in nine cases out of twelve of self-destruction which our daily papers record, the previous situation of the subject is known, and the fatal crisis might be prevented were this knowledge acted upon with firmness, promptitude, and that just method which honour, humanity, and justice demand.
The Woman’s Tribune & Frederick Douglass…
July 27, 2020 by Stephanie Williams · Leave a Comment
Many people who have faced difficult challenges in their personal lives become, in turn, sensitive to the struggles of others. It might be a similar difficulty, but it isn’t always. In the history of discrimination, a less-than-equal status has been designated to individuals or groups for reasons of socioeconomic status, color of skin, or gender. Specific 
publications sprang up to give a voice to the unrepresented, and, at the very least, the power of the pen documented the demand to be heard. Within the newspapers of early America are the abolitionist papers and the working men’s papers and the women’s papers. The writers and editors called for equal status under the law, the right to own property (starting with the freedom of an individual over his or her own life) and the right to vote.
It’s this last one that has me looking intently at the front page of The Woman’s Tribune from March 2, 1895. In the first place, I noticed that the paper is much better quality than, say, the New York Times from this era. It seems the publishing board of this newspaper did not make the downgrade from rag paper. But mostly I noticed that the masthead “EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW” is followed by the column heading “Frederick Douglass“. There is a poem written by Mary Lowe Dicks in honor of the great abolitionist, followed by a tribute/obituary that fills two columns delineating his impact for the cause of freedom. The ending portion is particularly poignant:
In him the hopes of his race were realized; in him humanity was dignified. The world is poorer because he is gone; humanity is richer because he came. The legacy of his life and service attests the truth that God keepeth watch above His own, that He shall turn and overturn until injustice dies and the right eternally triumphs.
I like this honoring of another who had a different set of obstacles to overcome, but was admired for the battle he fought and the way he waged it. I picture the huddled masses of abolitionists, suffragists, laborers — not pitted against one another, but rooting for the common goal of “liberty and justice for all.”
Still Learning… Womankind & Bread Flour…
July 13, 2020 by Stephanie Williams · Leave a Comment
Written during the heart of the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020…
There have been odd shortages during these recent times of collective concern, and my own personal challenge has been procuring my favorite flour for baking. I can’t understand why stock has been depleted in every brick-and mortar supplier as well as the major online providers. The positive takeaway is that more homes are filling 
with the unparalleled aroma of freshly baked treats. In my opinion, the general well being of the entire planet might be elevated by that means.
Anyway, concerns for the homey details of life took me this week to the publication Womankind. Although it is shelved with our titles that often focus on suffrage in detail and politics in general, this is a different content altogether. The January 1893 issue holds a “Household Department” column headed “DOMESTIC ECONOMY. How to Cut Over Stockings for the Little Ones. How the Thoughtful Mother Can Save Many Dollars in the Course of a Year–Diagram for Remodeling Hosiery.” The title is quite daunting, but the attendant copy delivers on its promise with remarkable detail. Further subheadings deal with egg white for sore throats, lemon juice to whiten frosting, salad oil to remove tar and the ingredients to make coffee jelly. I can well imagine that households eagerly awaited the next installment of this handy publication. In fact, in a corner of the paper that solicited letters to “Aunt Celia” from area children, I found evidence of that very fact.
“My papa takes your paper and we like it very much. I don’t go to school now, but will go in the Summer. I have never gone to school much but I can read and write…I can help papa plow and tend to the bees, can help gin and grind.”
Advertisements for angler’s hooks, gloves, egg baskets, and cameras mix with cures for rheumatism, headache or obesity, and a litany of virtues proceeding from the ingestion of syrup of figs. It is a delightful, entertaining 18 page ticket to the late 19th century, and completely distracted me from my fruitless quest for a missing ingredient. Additionally, it reminded me how thankful I am for the levels of work that have been accomplished by others prior to my purchasing a ten pound paper sack of ground, filtered, cleaned and delivered flour.