Category Archives: American Culture

battle hymns

Posted on May 27, 2019 by SUMPTER

In its June 1, 1919 issue the New York Tribune commemorated the birth centenaries of two well-known Civil War-era Americans. ______________________________ According to Wikipedia, Julia Ward Howe was a poet, author, abolitionist, and advocate for women’s suffrage: She was inspired … Continue reading →

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ethno-cupid

Posted on February 14, 2019 by SUMPTER

150 years ago Harper’s Weekly observed Valentine’s Day with a cartoon featuring six cupids representing different ethnic groups. The New-York Times noted that the post office was being swamped with valentine missives. That apparently wasn’t a new phenomenon – eight … Continue reading →

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happy new wheels

Posted on December 31, 2018 by SUMPTER

Based on its January 9, 1869 cover, it seems that Harper’s Weekly had pretty great expectations for the new year in general and president-elect Ulysses S. Grant in particular. It’s true that General Grant did successfully carry out the political … Continue reading →

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fictional preservation?

Posted on May 5, 2018 by SUMPTER

An editorial in the April 25, 1868 issue of Harper’s Weekly lamented all the historic Revolutionary War era structures that were being left to deteriorate and hoped that three other “sacred” buildings could be preserved. One of those structures related … Continue reading →

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Lincoln memorial

Posted on February 12, 2018 by SUMPTER

In its February 10, 1918 issue the New York Tribune published a page of photos commemorating Abraham Lincoln, probably to honor the sixteenth president’s 109th birthday (February 12th): In a February 13, 1918 article from Petersburg The New-York Times reported … Continue reading →

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story time

Posted on December 27, 2017 by SUMPTER

What could be better than listening to Charles Dickens on the Third Day of Christmas? From Village Life in America 1852-1872 by Caroline Cowles Richards (208-209): 1867 July 27.—Col. James M. Bull was buried from the home of Mr. Alexander … Continue reading →

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whose (night) cap?

Posted on December 24, 2017 by SUMPTER

I have always been thankful for the 19th century investigative report, “A Visit from from St. Nicholas.” First published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel on Dec. 23, 1823, the report was later attributed to Clement Clarke Moore and has become … Continue reading →

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“a national holiday”

Posted on November 28, 2017 by SUMPTER

with regional characteristics Thanksgiving Day was celebrated 150 years ago today across the United State. The New-York Times thought that the observance was almost beyond the need for presidential or gubernatorial proclamations. Thanksgiving was becoming “a national holiday” anticipated by … Continue reading →

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non-turkey day

Posted on November 23, 2017 by SUMPTER

A century ago some people in Georgia weren’t counting on turkey for Thanksgiving Day. World War was raging one hundred years ago. Perusing the rest of the December 2, 1917 Rotogravure Picture Section in The New-York Times, I was somewhat … Continue reading →

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beacon

Posted on September 10, 2016 by SUMPTER

You can check out the New York Tribune from 100 years ago today at the Library of Congress

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