When I told Darcy I was researching for the Pinch of the Past and kept getting lost down rabbit holes, she suggested I pull from one of my stories. I’m preparing to pitch my manuscripts at the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference this year, so I dove in to my notes. Here are a few things I found about Seattle Washington in 1900.
One of Seattle’s Hospitals resided within a steamboat.Entrance to Wayside Mission Hospital housed on the steamboat IDAHO, Seattle, circa 1900. Photo: University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections UW6573.
At the turn of the century few of Seattle’s destitute and homeless had proper medical care available to them, but on April 1, 1899 a group of Seattle citizens pitched together to open a hospital to help the downtrodden of Seattle.
They purchased the de-commissioned side-wheel steamboat Idaho and placed it on pilings beside the Pacific Coast Steamship Co.’s, Pier C, right at the foot of Jackson St. and with the help of Doctor Alexander De Soto, was opened as the Ways Side Mission Hospital. Because it was on the port, it was easily accessible to seafarers, brothels, saloons, and poverty-stricken neighborhoods.
Entrance to Wayside Mission Hospital housed on the steamboat IDAHO, Seattle, circa 1900. Photo: University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections UW6573.
Seven years after opening, the Wayside Mission Hospital was moved ashore due to structural failure; however, it remained open another two years, finally closing when the city opened a 41-bed emergency hospital in the Public Safety Building.
The Odaho sat abandoned for years. During the reconstruction of the sea wall along Seattle’s south waterfront, sometime between 1910 and 1920, it was moved and buried as fill. In 1960 on National Maritime Day, a historical marker was erected at the Idaho’s resting place near the foot of Washington St.
Entrance to Wayside Mission Hospital housed on the steamboat IDAHO, Seattle, circa 1900. Photo: University of Washington Libraries, Special Collections UW4662
The Marker reads: “BENEATH YOUR FEET LIES THE WRECKAGE OF THE PIONEER SIDEWHEEL STEAMER “IDAHO”, WHICH SERVED FROM 1900 UNTIL 1909 AS DR. ALEXANDER DE SOTO’S FAMOUS WAYSIDE MISSION HOSPITAL. HERE DR. DE SOTO MINISTERED TO THE NEEDS OF SEAFARERS AND THE DESTITUTE, DONATING HIS TIME AND FUNDS TO THEIR CARE.”
Historical Marker Database www.HMdb.org.cohost ~ editor ~ producer ~ reviewer
Featured Author: Carolyn Miller is a bestselling and award-winning author of both Regency and contemporary inspirational romance. She lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia with her husband and four children. Join us for a chat about her latest release Dusk’s Darkest DawnBook 1 in the new Regency Wallflowers series. You can find out more about Carolyn at CarolynMillerAuthor.com
Pinch of the Past: Seattle in the 1900s was rife with crime. From dirty politicians and brothels to drug abuse and Shanghaiing, this city was not for the weak. In this pinch of the past we talk a little about regular people who gave to others to help the down trodden of this big old city.
Bookworm Review: Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over 30 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards. Her first-time travel novel Come Back to Me is a great read and start to her Waters of Time Series. Full of good pacing and drama with lots of ups and downs that will leave a reader turning pages well into the night. Find out more about Jody at her website JodyHedlund.com. You can also find the book trailer for Come Back to Me by clicking HERE.
Today’s Pinch of the Past features a few occupations of the 1800s including preachers, night watchman, and street vendor calls.
Circuit Rider
Source: Riley Case, “An Aggressive Warfare: Eli Farmer and Methodist Revivalism in Early Indiana,” IMH 104 (March 2008).
definition: A preacher who traveled from church to church in a given district, usually serving a very small population. Also, a judge who traveled and served the populations.
Important dates
An 1838 account describes one circuit rider thus, “A little, portly man in linsey-woolsey and a board-brimmed hat, saluted me, and announced himself a Baptist Circuit rider.” from E. Fagg, the Far West. p. 60
1850 — “I have to do like all the other preachers, especially the Methodist circuit riders–eat chickens… These same circuit-riders undergo more toil and privation for less pay than the ministers of any other denominations.” James Weir, Lonz Powers.
Hog Reever
Image of a hog, from “Diseases of Swine,” 1914, by Charles F. Lynch, pg. 23
One appointed to round up troublesome or stray hogs from city streets. Even as late as the 1860s, well-mannered pigs were allowed to roam city streets and parks to eat the garbage left there. they sometimes numbered in the hundreds, and even New York Broadway was frequented by them. However, the city’s poor often killed these freewheeling dinners and ate them.
Lamp Lighter
Obviously, someone who lights the street lamps at dusk and extinguished them at dawn. There were a variety of lamps used throughout the century, such as candles, whale oil, kerosene, and gas lamps. Sometimes called a gasman, the lamplighter doubled as a night watchman or police.
I love the imagery in this quote. “The narrow and gloomy passage slightly illuminated by one or two jets of light, which Tom the Gasman … had a few moments before lighted. “Masserr, Drifting About. pg. 50.
In 1850 charcoal was sold for 35 cents a barrel. Vendor would call, “Charcoal by the bustle. Charcoal by the peck. Charcoal by the frying pan or any way you lek.”
Pepper-pots, which appear to be a type of stew, was sold off the back of carts. the vendor was known to cry, “Pepper-pot. right-hot.” or “All Hot. All hot. Makee back strong. Makee live long. come buy my pepper pot.”
FAV. the cry to sell sweet potatoes. “My hoss is blind and he’s got no tail, when he’s put in prison, I’ll go his bail. Yeddy go, sweet potato, oh! Fif-en-ny bit a half peck.
Reference
McCutcheon, M. (1993). The writer’s guide to everyday life in the 1800s: For writers of historical fiction, westerns, romance, action/adventure, thrillers and mysteries. Writer’s Digest Books: Cincinnati, Ohio
When Ellie Fields accepts a teaching job in a tiny Louisiana town deep in bayou country in 1949, she knows her life will change—but she could never imagine just how dramatically.
Though rightfully suspicious of outsiders, who have threatened both their language and their unique culture, most of the residents come to appreciate the young and idealistic schoolteacher, and she’s soon teaching just about everyone, despite opposition from both the school board and a politician with ulterior motives.
Yet it’s the lessons Ellie herself will learn—from new friends and especially from a captivating Cajun fisherman named Raphe (Ra-fae)—that will make all the difference.
Take a step away from the familiar and enter the haunting waters of bayou country for a story of risk, resilience, and romance.
Review
Hullo, this is Darcy, and I’ve just returned from a trip to the Louisiana bayous of 1949.
Seriously, my favorite thing about this book was how the author drew you into the entire culture of her tiny town on the bayou. The description was lovely–you could see the gorgeous landscape around you–but more than that, you entered into a whole little world, sequestered along the banks of the winding waterways.
The story starts out slowly and gradually gains traction to drive ahead. While I didn’t connect with the story on a deep emotional level, both the main characters were people I could respect and root for. And let’s not forget their dear friend Heywood, part comic relief, part thought-provoking philosopher. A great cast of secondary characters and a strong sense of local culture really created a wonderful atmosphere.
There is little violence, and it’s very tactfully covered. Romance is sweet rather than sizzly. (I personally loved the way the romance developed.) The faith component is subtle.
If you enjoy women’s fiction that pulls you into a bygone era, and a story that runs deep and quiet, with hidden twists like the bayou, look for Under the Bayou Moon, releasing August 3, 2021.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
About the Author
Valerie Fraser Luesse is the author of Almost Home and the bestselling, Christy Award–winning Missing Isaac. Her third novel, The Key to Everything, was inspired by a true story. An award-winning magazine writer, Luesse is best known for her features and essays in Southern Living, where she is currently the senior travel editor. Specializing in stories about unique pockets of Southern culture, she has published major pieces on the Gulf Coast, the Mississippi Delta, Acadian Louisiana, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Her editorial section on Hurricane Katrina recovery in Mississippi and Louisiana won the 2009 Writer of the Year award from the Southeast Tourism Society. The author lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband, Dave—and a mischievous orange cat named Cheeto.
Disclaimer: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
You know, we at Historical Bookworm want to bring you enjoyment, encouragement, and … an escape through this show. With so much upheaval in our world today, it’s nice to relax and share a few interesting characters for history.
Napoleon
In July of 1807, the war between the French Empire and Imperial Russia finally came to an end. To Celebrate, Napoleon arranged a rabbit hunt for himself and his men. It’s reported that his chief of staff had… 3,000 rabbits captured and placed into cages. When they were released, Napoleon and his warriors were armed and ready. But, instead of running away, the bunnies turned toward Bonaparte and his men, jumping at them in masses. Think Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds, but with bunnies.
At first, the men laughed but when the onslaught ensued, they did everything they could to beat the rabbits away, using batons, riding crops, and even going so far as to shoot at them… We’re talking 3,000 rabbits. Eventually, Napoleon retreated to his carriage, only to be followed.
Historian David Chandler described the semi-comical carnage thusly: “With a finer understanding of Napoleonic strategy than most of his generals, the rabbit horde divided into two wings and poured around the flanks of the party and headed for the imperial coach.”
Napoleon escaped in his carriage, leaving his men behind to fend for themselves.
So, why did this happen, you may ask. I mean, we’re talking about rabbits. It seemed like the fault falls on Napoleon’s chief of staff, Alexandre Berthier. Rather than capturing wild rabbits for the hunt, he bought rabbits from farms, so rather than scurry away before Napoleon and his men, these hares ran toward them, likely expecting to be fed.
Marie Antoinette Never Said, “Let Them Eat Cake”
Although it is recorded in Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s autobiography that A princess said this phrase, it was falsely attributed to the popular Princess of France, Marie Antoinette. It is however unlikely she ever said this, and there is no historical fact. The idea that she did, is in fact complete fiction.
Abraham Lincoln is enshrined in the Wrestling Hall of Fame.
The Great Emancipator wasn’t quite WWE material, but thanks to his long limbs he was an accomplished wrestler as a young man. Defeated only once in approximately 300 matches, Lincoln reportedly talked a little smack in the ring. According to Carl Sandburg’s biography of Lincoln, Honest Abe once challenged an entire crowd of onlookers after dispatching an opponent: “I’m the big buck of this lick. If any of you want to try it, come on and whet your horns.” There were no takers. Lincoln’s grappling exploits earned him an “Outstanding American” honor in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.
Lyudmila Pavlichenko
The final, and not so popular figure I’d like to share with you since March is Women’s history is Lyudmila Pavlichenko. She is history’s deadliest female sniper. A divorced teenage mother from a tiny Ukrainian town is credited with killing at least 309 Nazis. Pavlichenko had been wounded four times and had PTSD. Some say she was just Russian Propaganda, but one famous woman, Eleanor Roosevelt, was not dissuaded by these rumors. In fact, these two no-nonsense women toured the States together and formed a historic bond. Many years later, in the midst of the Cold War, Roosevelt had an emotional reunion with Pavlichenko in Moscow.
In pop culture, Pavlichenko has been immortalized by a Woody Guthriesong, and the film “Battle for Sevastopol,” a joint Ukrainian-Russian production filmed before these two countries went to war with each other in 2014.
All her life, Boston-born Moira Doherty has relished her mother’s descriptions of the Emerald Isle. When her mother dies unexpectedly in the summer of 1920, Moira is compelled to fulfill her dying wish–that she become the teacher in Ballymann, the beloved village in Donegal, Ireland, she’s heard so much about.
After an arduous voyage, Moira begins a challenging new job in an unfamiliar and ancient country. Though a few locals offer a warm welcome, others are distanced by superstition and suspicion.
Rumors about Moira’s mother are unspoken in her presence but threaten to derail everything she’s journeyed to Ballymann to do. Moira must rely on the kindness of a handful of friends–and the strength of Sean, an unsettlingly handsome thatcher who keeps popping up unannounced–as she seeks to navigate a life she’d never dreamed of . . . but perhaps was meant to live.
Review
A Dance in Donegal is an exquisite Irish love story. Jennifer Deibel weaves this 1920s era love story in the Irish countryside with just enough suspense, mystery, and romance that you cannot help but hold your breath from chapter to chapter.
As far as steaminess, this book gives enough romantic tension to tease, yet descriptions are discreet and wholesome. There is one violent scene that might be a trigger for more sensitive readers. A man attempts to assault a young woman. This scene was short and tactfully portrayed.
The spiritual arc was accompanied by Bible verses in the characters’ thoughts, oftentimes presented as though God himself was speaking.
If you’re in the mood for a sweet Irish love story with beautifully described countryside, fun Gaelic colloquialisms, and the theme of how God restores one woman’s reputation–thereby cementing her place and call in Ireland–you won’t want to miss A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel
Disclaimer: The publisher offered a complimentary copy of this book. The review was given freely, without payment. All views expressed are only the honest opinion of a member of Historical Bookworm Review Team.
About the Author
Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher whose work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at www.jenniferdeibel.com . Her debut novel, A Dance in Donegal, releases Feb. 2, 2021 from Revell and is available for pre-order wherever books are sold!
Pinch of the Past features trends of the 1950s. Want to know the secret of the iconic Hollywood beauties of that era? You won’t believe what we found!
Bookworm Review: If you’re in the mood for a sweet Irish love story with beautifully described countryside, fun Gaelic colloquialisms, and the theme of how God restores one woman’s reputation–thereby cementing her place and call in Ireland–you won’t want to miss A Dance in Donegal by Jennifer Deibel
Join us for a chat with historical biblical fiction author Tessa Afshar as she talks about her experience as a writer, reader, and child of God. She shares about her latest release Jewel of the Nileand the unique characters of this book. You can find more about Tessa and her latest release at TessaAfshar.com
Pinch of the Past …We enjoy the history of Cinderella, from its beginnings in Ancient Greece to China and finally the Disney version. You won’t want to miss these sweet glimps of history before the fairy godmother said, “bibbity bobbity boo.”
Bookworm Review …If you enjoy historical adventures that force the characters to grow and aren’t afraid to tackle some sticky questions, along with providing multiple romance threads, you need to find a copy of Roseanna M. White’s Dreams of Savannah.
Ever hear of Ice-brook temper? What about a childe (child with an “e”?) For a snippet of medieval terminology listen to this segment of a Pinch of the Past.
On the Bookworm Review we take a look at Destined for You the latest release by Tracie Peterson. If you enjoy a Christian novel with strong Biblical themes, sweet romance, a dab of suspense, and a historical setting, you won’t want to miss Destined for You, Book 1 in Tracie Peterson’s Ladies of the Lake Series.
Join us for a chat with Kimberly A. Duffy as she shares about her latest release Tapestry of Light, pivotal scenes in the book, and her love of India.
In our Pinch of the Past segment we look at different occupations of the 1800s including some quaint vendor cries that might stick with you the next time you eat a sweet potato.
When Ellie Fields accepts a teaching job in a tiny Louisiana town deep in bayou country in 1949, she knows her life will change—but she could never imagine just how dramatically.
Valerie Fraser Luesse
Jennifer Deibel is a middle school teacher whose work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and others. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at www.jenniferdeibel.com . Her debut novel, A Dance in Donegal, releases Feb. 2, 2021 from Revell and is available for pre-order wherever books are sold!
