Tag: history

Time Travel Tuesday

~ jeannemeeks ~ 2 Comments

The poorest of peasants in France in the 17th century did not have horses, mules, carts, and carriages. They traveled on foot and, by necessity, carried whatever they could–but only what they needed. They used baskets, wooded frames, cross-body satchels, fardes (like a hobo’s bindle,)  and sac à dos — literally, ‘bag for the back.’  … Continue reading Time Travel Tuesday

Friday Finds – The Cook County Poor Farm

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Louis Rock Rochon, my great-grandfather, was a rolling stone.(Pun intended.)  He was born in 1848 in Quebec. When he was 17, his father died; then Louis immigrated to Illinois in 1867. He was still single and living in as a boarder in Chicago in 1880, but moved back to Canada the next year to live … Continue reading Friday Finds – The Cook County Poor Farm

Throwback Thursday – Smokin’ Weed

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My granddaughter found this photo in a family album.  She thought we were pretty cool, until I told her it was a costume party.  Ah, the good ole days. Peasants smoked weed, I mean, actual weeds like mullein, coltsfoot, nettle, rosemary, sage for medicinal purposes to clear the lungs, sharpen the mind, and protect against … Continue reading Throwback Thursday – Smokin’ Weed

Local Illinois History

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"A Prairie Winter: By an Illinois Girl" (1903) Reviewed by Jeanne Meeks What was farm life like in rural Illinois in 1892? A young woman’s letters sent to a friend in a nearby town give us a clue. I did a bit of research into the book and it's author. Belle Frances Owen was 26 … Continue reading Local Illinois History