History
The History of Ordinary Things: The Colorful History of Crayons
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- Written by Doris Montag Doris Montag
A crayon is a stick of pigmented wax used for writing or drawing. Wax crayons differ from pastels, which use a dry binder, such as Arabic gum powder, mixed with the pigment. In oil pastels, the binder is a mixture of wax and oil.
The History of Ordinary Things: Don’t Ignore the Rocking Chair
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- Written by Doris Montag Doris Montag
The words “rocking chair” appeared in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1787. Benjamin Franklin was credited with the invention in 1710, but probably early American cabinetmakers or farmers are responsible.
Conversation Starters for Mother’s Day
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If you’re trying to make conversation at Mother’s Day dinner this year, try sprinkling some of these facts into the discussion:
’70s Flashback: A Rock-Solid Idea
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- Written by Randal C. Hill Randal C. Hill
Late in 1975, there would have been no reason for you to know the name of Gary Dahl.
The History of Ordinary Things: An Ode to Overalls
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- Written by Doris Montag Doris Montag
Overalls were originally essential workwear intended to be worn over the wearer’s clothes. The design of overalls is a bib attached to trousers with over-the-shoulder straps.
The History of Ordinary Things: Keeping Things Level over Time
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- Written by Doris Montag Doris Montag
How did early builders ensure the structures they were erecting were plumb vertically and horizontally?
’70s Flashback: ‘Maybe it Will Grow on Me’
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- Written by Randal C. Hill Randal C. Hill
The Nike “Swoosh” symbol is so well recognized worldwide that it can stand alone without naming the Oregon sports-apparel empire.
Blast to the Past! ‘Sunshine on My Shoulders’
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- Written by Randal C. Hill Randal C. Hill
Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy
The History of Ordinary Things: A Brief on Lingerie
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- Written by Doris Montag Doris Montag
Do you wonder about the history of women’s undergarments? From the time of our origins until the 1500s, no underwear was worn. This made toileting, e.g., squatting, easy.