Army-Navy E Award During WWII

More than 85,000 US manufacturing facilities were involved in war production during World War II. From small plants with a couple of dozen employees, to mammoth, multi-location corporations, companies across the nation either converted from consumer products to war matériel or expanded their already commercial organizations. The war industry paid well, and after the economic struggles of the Great Depression, employees were thrilled to be making high wages, but just as important to many was the feeling of patriotism from doing their part to support the war effort.

Patriotism was well and good, but in 1942, the US government decided to recognize the work done by businesses and their employees with the Army-Navy “E” Award. An earlier award, the Navy “E” award was created after President Theodore Roosevelt. By the end of World War I, the Army “A” Award and the Army-Navy Munitions Board “Star” award had been added, and the three separate awards continued until July 1942, when they were merged into a single service-wide award under the War Department.

Factors involved in determining award winners included:

• Overcoming production obstacles
• Avoidance of stoppages
• Maintenance of fair labor standards
• Training additional labor forces
• Effective Management
• Record on accidents, health sanitation, and plant protection
• Utilization of subcontracting facilities.

Facilities that maintained an outstanding performance record for six months after receiving an “E”

award were granted a Star award, indicated by a white star on the pennant. Additional stars could be earned by continued performance for subsequent six-month periods until the flag carried four stars, at which time the interval was increased to one year.

A total of 4,283 plants received the “E” award, approximately 5 percent of the companies involved in war production. The final awards were distributed in December 1945. However, one award was not made until after the war because of its association to the Manhattan Project. Word could not get out about the RCA plant in Bloomington, Indiana that produced the top-secret VT proximity fuze, a fuze that detonates an explosive device automatically when it approaches within a certain distance of its (military) target. In fact, the project was so secret, the employees making the fuzes were not told what the final products were or what they were used for. Reportedly, the employees referred to the project as “Madame X.”

Initially, the presentation of the “E” award was made with formal ceremonies that included printed invitations and programs. Some of the programs were “elaborate booklets filled with photographs praising the war production efforts of the firm.” Receptions and dinners were held at high-end hotels such as an event for the Manufacturers Machine and Tool Co. Inc. in November 1942 that took place in the grand ballroom of the Hotel Astor. The multicourse dinner with drink pairings was preceded by a cocktail hour.

Probably as a cost-reduction move as well as to minimize lost production, in 1943, the government standardized the ceremonies and limited them to a maximum of thirty minutes. The program ended on December 5, 1945.

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Love and Chocolate: A Second Chance Romance

She just needs a job. He wants a career. Is there room in their hearts for love?

Ilsa Krause and her siblings are stunned to discover their father left massive debt behind upon his death. To help pay off their creditors and save the farm, she takes a job at Beck’s Chocolates, the company her father despised and refused to supply with milk. Then she discovers her boss is Ernst Webber, her high school love who unceremoniously dumped her via letter from college. Could life get any more difficult?

A freshly-minted university diploma in his hand, Ernst Webber lands his dream job at Beck’s Chocolates. His plans to work his way up the ladder don’t include romantic entanglements, then Ilsa Krause walks back into his life resurrecting feelings he thought long dead. However, her animosity makes it clear she has no interest in giving him a second chance. Can he get her to change her mind? Does he want to?

Purchase link: https://books2read.com/u/mdQerZ

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves.

Whether you choose her books set in the Old West or across the globe during WWII, you will be immersed in the past through rich detail. Follow the journeys of relatable characters whose faith is sorely tested, yet in the end, emerge triumphant. Be encouraged in your own faith-walk through stories of history and hope.

Photo Credits:

Manufacturing Worker: Pixabay/Janno Nivergall

All other photos property of the author

Susan "Doc Susie" Anderson - Frontier Physician in Colorado's Mountain Communities

By Mary Dodge Allen 

Doc Susie was one the first women physicians in Colorado. She practiced medicine in the rugged, rural mountains of Grand County for nearly 50 years. She was dedicated to serving her patients, making house calls in all types of weather.  

Susan Anderson, circa 1900 (Public Domain)

Susan Anderson was born in January 1870 in Nevada Mills, Indiana. Her parents, William and Mary Anderson divorced in 1875, when Susan was a young child. She never forgot the heated argument she witnessed between her parents at the railroad depot. Her father, William literally pulled Susan and her three-year-old brother John away from his wife Mary, moments before he jumped on the train as it was pulling out of the station.

William took his two children to Wichita, Kansas, where he began homesteading with his parents. Susan and John were largely cared for and raised by their grandmother. Although William worked as a rancher, he had always wanted to be a doctor, and he was determined that one of his children would choose that career. His son John wasn’t interested in medicine, he was more interested in roping cattle and ranch activities. 

But Susan loved watching her father - a self-taught veterinarian - tend to the ranch animals. She wasn’t interested in her grandmother’s lessons on manners, housework, sewing and cooking. Susan developed a keen interest in medicine, which her father encouraged. 

Stagecoach in front of the Palace Hotel, Cripple Creek, Colorado, 1894

In 1891, after Susan graduated from high school, her father remarried. Later that year, he moved the family from Wichita to a booming mining camp near Cripple Creek, Colorado, after he heard that gold had been discovered there. 

In this era, it was rare for a women to pursue a medical degree. But Susan’s father encouraged her to apply to universities. In 1893, Susan began attending the University of Michigan, and she graduated in 1897 as a licensed physician. 

Susan Anderson at the family cabin, Cripple Creek, Colorado (Public Domain)

Susan moved back to the Cripple Creek mining camp to be near her family, and she set up her first practice. For the next three years, she treated patients in the mining camps. Although Susan was petite, she was also quick-witted, and she treated her patients with skill and empathy. Susan even saved a miner’s arm, after a male doctor had insisted it had to be amputated.  

In 1900, Susan was engaged, but her fiancé left her at the altar. That same year, her brother John died. Heartbroken, Susan decided to leave Cripple Creek. She moved to Denver, but she had difficulty setting up a practice because patients resisted being treated by a woman doctor. Susan finally secured work as a nurse in Greeley, Colorado. 

In 1907, while working in Greeley, Susan contracted tuberculosis. She moved to Fraser, Colorado - elevation 8,500 feet - hoping the cold, dry climate could make her well again. Gradually, the clear mountain air began restoring her health.  

Mountain range near Fraser, Colorado (Alamy)

Because Susan wanted to focus on her recovery, she didn’t tell anyone in the
area that she was a doctor. But somehow, word got around, and people began coming to her with their ailments. Susan soon began treating local families, loggers, railroad workers, and even farm animals in Colorado’s Grand County area. Her patients began calling her “Doc Susie.”

To treat patients in this rugged area, Doc Susie needed to make house calls – but she never owned a horse or a car. In winter, she’d put on layers of clothing and hip boots and then trudge through deep snow in freezing temperatures to reach their homes. Since the railroad track ran near her cabin, she’d sometimes flag down a train and ride, free of charge, wherever she needed to go. 

Steam Train in Colorado Mountains (Adobe photos)

One time, to reach a woman who was due to deliver a baby, she hiked eight miles to a ranch on snowshoes. After Doc Susie delivered a baby girl, the family’s young son had an appendicitis attack. She knew she needed to get him to Denver for surgery. 

Doc Susie traveled with the desperately ill boy by train. But during the night, a blizzard hit and blocked the tracks at Corona Pass. Passengers helped clear the tracks, but the train didn’t arrive in Denver until the next morning. She had no money for taxi fare to Colorado General Hospital, so the passengers chipped in. After the boy’s surgery, Doc Susie stayed with him and then brought him home. He made a full recovery.

People in this area had little money, so they paid Doc Susie by giving her firewood or bartering their services. She was often paid with food or hot meals, which she appreciated, because she hated doing any cooking or housekeeping.

Spanish Flu patient, 1918 (Public Domain)

Doc Susie found herself swamped with patients during the Spanish Flu epidemic of 1918-19. She traveled from one sickbed to another, with many patients dying. 

Moffat Tunnel, undated photo (Public Domain)

From 1923-25, during the construction of the Moffat Railroad Tunnel through the Rocky Mountains, Doc Susie treated many injured workers. During this time, she became the Coroner for Grand County. While in this position, she met with the Tunnel Commission and confronted them, citing the poor working conditions and numerous worker accidents. During the five years of tunnel construction, hundreds were injured and many died.

Doc Susie practiced medicine in Grand County for over 49 years, and she retired in 1956. Although she never married, she delivered a large number of babies and claimed them as her children. In fact, she considered all of her patients in Grand County as her family.

The Cozens Ranch Museum in Winter Park, Colorado has a section describing Doc Susie’s long career as a frontier doctor, complete with a display of her medical instruments.

Susan Anderson's gravesite, Mount Pisgah Cemetery, Cripple Creek, Colorado (Public Domain)

Doc Susie was beloved by the residents of Grand County for her life of dedicated service. She passed away in 1960 at the age of ninety, and she was buried in Mount Pisgah Cemetery in Cripple Creek, Colorado. When the Grand County residents found out her grave had no headstone, they took up a collection and arranged for an engraved marble headstone to be placed at her gravesite, to honor her memory.

______________

Mary Dodge Allen is currently finishing her sequel to Hunt for a Hometown Killer. She's won a Christian Indie Award, an Angel Book Award, and two Royal Palm Literary Awards (Florida Writer's Association). She and her husband live in Central Florida. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith Hope and Love Christian Writers. 

Website: www.marydodgeallen.com

Recent release, anthology devotional: El Jireh, The God Who Provides

Mary's story, entitled: A Mother's Desperate Prayer, describes her struggle with guilt and despair after her young son is badly burned in a kitchen accident. When we are at the end of all we have, El Jireh provides what we need. 

Click the link below to purchase on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/El-Jireh-God-Who-Provides/dp/1963611608

Mary's novel: Hunt for a Hometown Killer won the 2022 Christian Indie Award, First Place - Mystery/Suspense; and the 2022 Angel Book Award - Mystery/Suspense.

Click the link below to buy Hunt for a Hometown Killer at Amazon.com:

Hunt For A Hometown Killer: A Novel: Allen, Mary Dodge: 9781952369704: Amazon.com: Books

Link to Mary's Spotlight Interview:   Mary Dodge Allen Author Spotlight EA Books

How One Rocky Mountain Mineral Hot Springs Has Become a Historic Icon

By Donna Wichelman

The human race has most likely enjoyed the benefits of mineral hot springs since the beginning of time. According to an article written by Mayumi Maruyama for CNN on June 8, 2023, the world’s oldest hot springs hotel opened its doors in 705 A.D. in the mountains of Japan’s Yamanashi prefecture, and you can still stay at the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan today.

But why are these hot springs so popular around the world?

Tabacon Resort, Costa Rica: ID 246245502 © Noamfein | Dreamstime.com

Not only do mineral hot springs give warmth and relaxation to a weary body, reducing stress, but they also are reputed to provide all manner of other health benefits. Hot Springs enhance blood circulation due to the calcium and sodium bicarbonate in the water, and the elevated sulfur levels have antifungal and antibacterial properties, just to name a few.

It’s no wonder that Sigmund Dreher, the villain Georg Töpfer’s henchman in my historical romance, A Song of Deliverance, relished the mineral baths at Hot Soda Springs in Idaho Springs, Colorado. Though the hot springs were minuscule compared to the lavish Roman-style bathhouses the German man of military might had been accustomed to in Baden-Baden and he despised their position sitting “in the middle of an open, dusty field along a pathetic creek,” the Ocean Bath House at least gave him some level of stress reduction in a pinch. It was also the spot Dreher chose to conduct a clandestine meeting with his lackey, Elias Jones, to scheme against the mining mogul Stefan Maier.

Bath House at Idaho Springs: New York Library Digital Collections, Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication ("CCO 1.0 Dedication")

Historically, the Ute and Arapahoe held the Hot Soda Springs as a magical and sacred land for worship and healing before the white man ever came on the scene. The Soda Creek divided the line between the two nations.

Depiction of the Ute and Arapahoe at Hot Soda Springs: Every Day Migration to the Healing Waters

Then, in 1859 George A. Jackson headed into the Rocky Mountains through Mt. Vernon Canyon, hoping to find placer gold along the Vasquez Fork (today known as Clear Creek). As he explored the canyon and walked through snow drifts, he noticed steam rising from Soda Creek. Cautious of the local Indians, he crept up to find a thick vapor rising, which turned out to be what he referred to as the Big Geyser, and the place became known as Idaho Springs. Several years later, the geyser quit spewing water and steam and became pools of hot springs that bubbled up from the ground.

Following the discovery of the hot springs, miners used the baths for washing since it was a source of hot water. Two of those miners bought the land, but frustrated with their lot, they sold it to Dr. E.M. Cummings in 1863. Being a clever businessman, Dr. Cummings built a log and wood-frame house and charged the public for “health baths.”

Bath House at Idaho Springs: New York Library Digital Collections, Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication (CCO Dedication")

In 1866, Harrison Montague bought the property, tore down the cabin, and built two large bathhouses, a stone bath house he called the “Ocean Bath House” and the “Mammoth.” A few years later, he built the center section still used today and called the area surrounding the hot springs the “Saratoga of the Rocky Mountains,” a hot springs resort in upstate New York known for its beautiful gardens and elegant Grand Hotel.

 Bath House at Idaho Springs: New York Library Digital Collections, Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication ("CCO 1.0 Dedication")

Underground Caves: Picture C/O Indian Hot Springs Resort

Gazebo Built in 1869, Hot Soda Springs Resort: Donna's Gallery, June 2019

Records from those early years show that five thousand people visited annually, crediting the strong healing powers of the baths. A local doctor in the community once complained to the town newspaper in 1879 that he was losing business to the hot springs since “Mr. Montague kept his baths open all winter.” 

The story is evidence of how well-visited the hot springs were then for their health benefits. Today, we know the hot springs are rich with minerals, including calcium, fluoride, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, silica, sodium, sulfate, and zinc, another reason the pools are so popular today.

Many historical figures have visited the Indian Hot Springs Resort. In A Song of Deliverance, Dreher mentions the infamous Jesse James. But many others have stopped by to soak in the hot springs, including Billy the Kid, Walt Whitman, Baby Doe Tabor, the Vanderbilts, and the Roosevelts. More contemporary folks include Clint Eastwood and John Denver.

John Denver: ID 79448564 | John Denver © Rene Van Den Berg | Dreamstime.com

The Indian Hot Springs Resort has become a historic icon for the community of Idaho Springs. In 2014, the Lee family took over the resort, promising the previous owners that they would not let the historical significance of the hot springs die. 

The Lees continue to improve the facilities with updated pools, spa, and accommodations but maintain the historic nature of the property and buildings. The historic Gazebo where Signmund Dreher and Elias Jones met in A Song of Deliverance still exists, and the center section of the Ocean Bath House has been lovingly maintained. 

You can learn more about this beautiful Indian Hot Springs Resort in the Colorado Rockies by going to their website at https://indianhotsprings.com.

Weaving history and faith into stories of intrigue and redemption grew out of Donna's love of travel, history, and literature as a young adult while attending the United World College of the Atlantic--an international college in Wales, U.K. She enjoys developing plots that show how God's love abounds even in the profoundly difficult circumstances of our lives. Her stories reflect the hunger in all of us for love, belonging, and forgiveness.

Donna was a communications professional before writing full-time. Her short stories and articles have appeared in inspirational publications. She has two indie-published romantic suspense novels, Light Out of Darkness and Undaunted Valor, in her Waldensian Series. Her Gilded Age historical romance, A Song of Deliverance, released on December 3, 2024.

Donna and her husband of forty years participate in ministry at their local church in Colorado. They love spending time with their grandchildren and bike, kayak, and travel whenever possible.

Sneaking Inside the Walls of Fort Michilimackinac

Welcome back! Last month in Unearthing the Past at Fort Michilimackinac we delved below the surface (literally) and viewed items uncovered from the sand used to recreate the fort, structures, and also exhibits that exist today at this historic site. We discovered a bit about the people who lived in the area before the original fort installation and after. 

I mentioned in the last post that reading Pegg Thomas’ stories of fort life impacted my adventure at Fort Michilmackinac. To enhance your experience, how about if we tiptoe inside the palisade walls? Have no fear, there is no danger of an attack. Though you might be able to gain a better understanding of the inner workings of Colonial life. Shall we enter the water gate where voyageurs would land their vessels and carry their goods to be counted? Or shall we enter by land, perhaps as a settler seeking goods to purchase? Enter through one and exit through the other you say. Excellent. My thoughts exactly. Let’s go! Onward and inward, to the Colonial Fort Michilimackinac.

By water, we pass the artillery platforms and enter near the King’s Storehouse. Here visitors can view a short film previewing life at the height of the fort in the 1770s. Nearly 2,000 people lived and worked in the protection of the palisades. 

Steps from the King's Storehouse resides the Commander's House. In the photos below, take a moment to absorb the accoutrements of daily life. Harsh Michigan winters necessitated large, crackling fires. Not everyone living at the fort had the luxury of this magnificent stone fireplace. Look at that ceiling. There is something to be said for homes and items created by hand. The intention and time behind the final product cannot be mimicked in mass-produced goods. I wonder at the hours involved in designing, building, and carving the large wardrobe. 

Below, photos show of an example of an enlisted soldier and his wife's rented house. The Army allowed some soldiers to live in these houses with their wives and children. Army-issued and privately purchased items fill the space. When women were not working for the military, they acquired other jobs such as doing laundry for fort residents. The payment for that weekly task rested at eight shillings. The extra income helped as the military only provided basic necessities.

In the last episode, we dug into the archeology at this site. Below is a display of ceramics the archeologists unearthed. The wife living here used these vessels or some similar. Teapots, earthenware cups, stoneware milk jugs, earthenware bowls, and porcelain dishes to name a few. Notice the item at the bottom. Chamber pots were all the rage on freezing nights.

The remaining soldiers, most likely lower in rank, bunked together in the Barracks. Soldiers toiled, slept, ate, and drilled together. They rarely mingled with civilians, other than at church. 

Soldiers earned eight pence daily, six removed to pay for food rations. Since this fort was at the end of the line, the quality was often lacking. The military expected them to amend their diets by fishing and tending gardens for produce. 

A group of men pooled their rations together, called a "mess." Two messes per room of the barracks. In 1776, daily rations consisted of: one ounce of rice, 1/4 pint of peas, eight ounces of salt pork, one ounce of butter, and one pound of flour or bread. The mess combined ingredients and efforts, cooking their own meals.

The day we visited, docents presented history surrounding tea and served samples. A poignant example of added value in visiting historical sites. Shared details expounded on topics I had never heard before or considered. The British Trader's House afforded a backdrop for visitors to sit, listen, and steep.

Associated with health and hospitality, there is an entire culture set around tea. A shared beverage in the same container goes back to ancient times. Representing shared resources, tea is a bridge to build relationships. Time for tea and manner in which it is served varies by people group. 

We learned that originates from one plant: Camelia Seninsis. How the leaves are harvested determines the end product. White leaves are the hardest to process. Green leaves are lighter in flavor. Black leaves are oxidized. Oolong is on the greener side of black tea. Here in 1770s they drank Oolong loose leaf black teas. 

How did tea find a place on the British table?

Catherine of Braganza, born in Vila Viçosa, Portugal, married King Charles II in May of 1662. Her dowery included a chest of tea. At the time, British citizens drank beer/ale. After the union, and by the end of 1800s, most British subjects drank tea.

Another facet to consider are the necessary components to make, serve, and consume tea. A table set included a tea tray, tea pot, strainer, creamer, sugar bowl, spoons, and other specialized equipment. A kettle started the process. The finish - tea cups and saucers. An entire niche for production and consumption. Next time we take a sip of tea, we might better appreciate the rich and long history before it filled our cup. 

Stepping out of the British Trader's House, we walk toward The Church of Ste. Anne. It stands just before the Southwest Rowhouse that contains special exhibits for the public. The Parade Ground is near the archeological site, followed by the remaining rowhouses. Other buildings include the latrine (necessary but thankfully not in current use), blacksmith shop, Priest’s House, Guardhouse, and Powder Magazine.

As we funnel out the Land Gate, we walk through the Native American Encampment. Read more about the Anishinaabek if you would like, in last month's Unearthing the Past at Fort Michilimackinac.

When the fort is open for visitors, interpreters in full regalia provide insights of Colonial Life. Presentations ranging from preparing food, gardening, to cannon fire, are sure to bring the fort to life for young and seasoned alike. Programs and special events plunge into history. Fort Fright in October and A Colonial Christmas in December are a few of the added activities. 

Have you visited a fort? Which one and where is it located? Or might you make plans to visit this fort in the future?

If you have a hankering for more fort life before you are able to make the trek, you will be excited to learn Pegg Thomas’ Her Redcoat is available now and transpires at Fort Michilimackinac! The heroine, Laurette Pettigrew is friends with the Ojibwe.

Here are the four stories by Pegg Thomas mentioned in the post:

Henri's Regret, Maggie's Strength, Sarah's Choice, Her Redcoat.

Pegg has many more journeys available in her tales. When describing Pegg weaving a yarn, this statement winds twofold. She crafts compelling stories and creates with yarn from start to finish. Visit her website to peruse her books. Join her newsletter to be the first to hear of her adventures in both avenues. Watch videos as she shares the textile process step-by-step. From drafting and carding wool to combining colors, on to the spinning wheel, and designing the final product, Pegg opens a window to long ago processes and precious items made by hand.

For history surrounding Fort Michilimackinac, read these posts by Kathleen Rouser: An Unburied Historical Treasure: Colonial Fort Michilimackinac and The Siege of the Fort at Detroit (Please note, the Giveaway ended.)

As a child, Rebecca loved to write. She nurtured this skill as an educator and later as an editor for an online magazine. Rebecca then joined the Cru Ministry - NBS2GO/Neighbor Bible Studies 2GO, at its inception. She serves as the YouVersion Content Creator, with over 128 Plans, in 44 languages on the Bible.com app.

Rebecca lives near the mountains with her husband and a rescued dog named Ranger. She is a proud mom of an American soldier and a college senior. If it were up to Rebecca, she would be traveling - right now. First up, trips to see their two grown sons. As a member of ACFW and FHLCW, she tackles the craft of fiction while learning from a host of generous writers. Connect with Rebecca: Facebook Goodreads Instagram PinterestX/Twitter

A History of the Worst Fashion Trends

Blogger: Amber Lemus

Oh, the things that women will do for fashion. From the time we were little girls, the phrase "you must sacrifice comfort for beauty" was drilled into our heads. But it has been that way for quite some time, and not always was it only women who fell prey to the worst fashion trends. Today we will explore several of history's worst, and then you can let me know in the comments which one YOU think is the worst of them all. 

Lotus Shoes - Ancient China

Lotus Shoes circa 1911
Photo by: Daniel Schwen CC

In ancient China, small feet were considered to be a mark of beauty among women. In order to facilitate this look, many extreme measures were taken to make the feet appear, or even be, smaller. These "Lotus Shoes", so named because their shape was supposed to resemble the lotus flower, required women to tightly bind their feet in order to fit in them. This process ended up being torturously painful and ended in broken bones, mobility issues and deformities. However, even with these terrible consequences, it seems women were willing participants in the practice. Anything to look and feel like a beautiful, high class lady. 

Lotus shoes were made of expensive materials such as silk with elaborate designs and embroidery. The designs would even continue onto the sole of the foot, which is interesting, because in modern times, we don't imagine anyone paying attention to the bottoms of our soles. Young women typically wore brighter colors like purple and green, whereas older or middle-aged women would wear blue or blue green. Black was avoided, as it was associated with bruising, and red was only for special occasions such as weddings, new year, etc. 

The foot swaddling process involved forcing the four smaller toes under the big toe and encasing the foot with a high arch. It sounds painful even describing it. This method was often started when the woman was young and took years to complete the re-shaping of the foot. Regardless of the terrible side-effects of such binding, Chinese women continued to use these shoes until the 1950's. But I suppose some could argue that heels are just about as bad!

The Ruff of the 16th -17th Century

Queen Elizabeth I with her Ruff Collar
Public Domain

We all know what a ruff is, because we've seen it in pictures of Queen Elizabeth, Pocahontas, and other historical figures. It's the stiff, white collar that was ruffled and unmistakable. 

The ruff, besides being fashionable for more than a decade, was worn by all, men, women and children. It was intended to be practical in that it could be detached from the clothing and washed separately, thus reducing the need to wash the gown or shirt it was attached to and catch the perspiration that would undoubtedly arise along the neckline. Anyone who has had to launder the neckline of dress shirts can relate. Originally, they were made of linen cambric and more discreet but as time went on, they became bigger and made with more fancy materials. Eventually, you had huge ruffs made of lace. These large ones became even more impractical and even dangerous. The heavy starches used to make them stiff caused discomfort and irritation of the skin. Head movement was restricted. Eating became difficult while wearing them. Some of the more elaborate ones had wire to reinforce the shape which could even lead to breathing difficulties. 

Hobble Skirts of the Early 20th Century

Hobble Skirt Postcard
Public Domain

Some believe this style may have been inspired by the Japanese kimono. Another theory is that it was inspired by the first female to fly in an airplane. As the legend goes, Mrs. Edith Ogilby Berg asked the Wright Brothers for a ride at a demonstration in 1908. She tied a rope around the bottom of her skirt to keep it from flying up during the flight. The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum claims that a French designer was inspired at the way the woman walked away from the aircraft, with her skirts still bound, and designed skirts with a tight loop near the calves or ankles. Some postcards from this era jokingly refer to the skirt as the "speed limit skirt" because it limits the wearer's stride. Some ladies even engaged in hobble skirt races to further this joke. 

However, this trend was rather short-lived as it was popular right at the time that women became more physically active. For obvious reasons, this skirt made that difficult. This skirt was also directly responsible for several deaths, including one where a young lady was walking on a bridge and stumbled, tumbling over the railing into the water below where she drowned. The popularity of the skirt quickly declined, especially as WWI erupted and the restricted movement didn't suit wartime needs. 

Lead-based Makeup

An 1889 Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec painting
of a woman applying facial cosmetics
Public Domain

In ancient times, lead was used as a foundational ingredient in cosmetics. We now know how dangerous this is, but it took centuries before that was discovered. Queen Elizabeth I is considered to have been one of the victims of lead poisoning due to cosmetics, as many of her health problems may have been related. Also Maria Gunning, Countess of Coventry, is considered to have been a death related to lead based cosmetics. However, it wasn't until the early 1900s that lead bases became less common, and unfortunately, we still occasionally encounter lead in cosmetics today. 

Arsenic Dyes

Bright green clothing in the Victorian era was usually accomplished using arsenic. We now understand that is a poison, but at the time, it was used in fabrics, wallpapers, home furnishings and more. Not only were the workers creating these items at risk, but the eventual consumer also suffered from exposure to this toxic material. Even worse, it was sometimes used as a food dye also. In 1858 the deadly Bradford Sweet poisoning killed 21 people with green hard candies. The effects of arsenic are horrific, causing ulcers, vomiting, hair loss and the failure of the liver and kidneys. Yet still women continued to use arsenic base items for a long time.  

Which of these fashion fails do you think is the worst?

 

*****

Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award, Amber Lemus writes enthralling non-fiction for children and adults alike. She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior, so her writing is centered around faith, family and history.

She lives near the Ozarks in her "casita" with her prince charming. Between enjoying life as a new mom, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples.

Amber is a proud member of the American Christian Fiction Writers Association. Visit her online at www.AmberLemus.com/ and download a FREE story by subscribing to her Newsletter!

Unexpected Legacies: Lazarus, The Resurrected Missionary

Matthew J. Elliott

Depiction of Jesus at the tomb of Lazarus

One of the characters I researched for the novel I released in 2024, The Cyprus Journal, is Lazarus. In scripture, I know of only two people with that name; Lazarus from Bethany (John: 11:1–45), who was the man Jesus raised from the dead, and Lazarus the beggar (Luke 16:19–31), who is named in the parable of the Rich Man and the beggar. Both stories have a lot to tell us about unexpected legacies but for this article, Lazarus from Bethany is who I am writing about. 

In the story of Lazarus from Bethany, we know that he was a man Jesus knew well. There are several books out there dedicated to his sisters Mary and Martha. While I have not found as many books that speak to what happened to Lazarus after Jesus raised him from the dead, there are historical records out there that give us insight into what did happen. In the scriptures, we are told that Lazarus fell ill and was on the verge of death. When Jesus received word of his sickness he made his way to Bethany but by the time he arrived, Lazarus had already died. 

Raising of Lazarus

Despite everyone doubting the potential of what could happen next, Jesus called out to Lazarus and told him to come out of the tomb. To everyone's surprise, Lazarus emerged from the tomb alive and well. Thus giving Lazarus a significant place in New Testament History. This miracle is one of the most significant miracles that took place during the ministry of Jesus. It demonstrates the power over all things Jesus had and was a foreshadowing of his own resurrection. As I’ve already stated, it is what happened to Lazarus after the events of his resurrection that scripture does not tell us much about. 

While there is no further mention of Lazarus in the bible, there is further mention of his story in the catholic tradition that offers multiple accounts of where he ended up. Their traditions state that sometime after the resurrection of Jesus, Lazarus was forced to flee Judea because of a plot to take his life. Some believe that Acts 11:19 could have been the catalyst for his escape because once Stephen was stoned to death, persecution broke out everywhere and many departed for places such as the island of Cyprus. It is in Cyprus that the story of Lazarus of Bethany finds itself again.

During the first missionary Journey of Paul, he traveled with Barnabas and John Mark to the island of Cyprus. Lazarus was already in Cyprus at this time serving the church, and when Paul and Barnabas were there they appointed Lazarus as the first bishop of Kition. He lived there for 30 more years and was buried on the island after his death. While there, he continued to spread the teachings of Jesus and establish the church there. It is widely considered that when Barnabas and John Mark returned to Cyprus it was Lazarus who helped John Mark escape after the brutal death of Barnabas around 61 AD. 

Church of St. Lazarus in Larnaca Cyprus

In Kition, (now known as Larnaca) the church of Saint Lazarus stands as a testament to the legacy he built there and has become a significant pilgrimage site. The story we can build from this information presents a dual legacy. In Jerusalem, we see the impact his miraculous resurrection had on the early church. In Cyprus, where he continued his ministry, we see a man who dedicated his life to the missionary work of the early church in a place that suffered from the persecution of a philosophical war that is documented in multiple places during the events of his time there. 

For early Christians, the story of Lazarus was a source of immense hope and encouragement. His ministry illustrated the power of faith and the promise of resurrection, which are cornerstones of the Christian belief. As he took what he was taught and guided the Christian community in Kition, he helped establish and strengthen the believers as they endured much hardship echoing the same kind of ministry of people like Peter and Paul. His life and the miracle of his resurrection are used in many of the teachings and sermons that are used today. This only stands to reinforce his unexpected legacy as a key figure in Christian History. What lessons do you see in his story?

~ Biography ~

Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a passionate writer who loves to encourage and inspire others. He served in various ministry roles for over 15 years, which gave him a unique perspective on people and Biblical History. Matthew holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, with a focus on Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship.

Matthew and his wife, Traci, have three children named Leyla, Caleb, and Hannah, who bring them immense joy and inspiration. As a writer, his goal is to share love, equip others, and edify them for the greater good. He loves connecting any amount of scripture to his stories and uses his knowledge of Biblical History to do so often.

You can find Matthew's works on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, and His Website. He has written Devotionals, An Episodic Series, Novellas, and even Commentaries for The Gospel Daily.

~ Highlighted Release ~

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One Young Man. His Significant Story. A Witness of the Early Church.

Many knew him as the young cousin to Barnabas the Encourager, the son of Mary who offered her home to honor the Savior and those who followed Him, or even the man who abandoned Paul on his First Missionary Journey, but there is more to his story. His story is one of new beginnings, a promise fulfilled, and a man who overcame fear of the unknown.