Jacinta Meredith

On the Trail: Stop 6 – Alcove Spring

One of my absolute favorite stops! Probably because I heard about it so much during my research. Then again, even the National Park Service Auto Tour Guide mentions that it “has been called the most significant historic site on the Oregon Trail within the State of Kansas.” Somewhere between 165 and 179 miles from IndependenceContinueContinue reading “On the Trail: Stop 6 – Alcove Spring”

19th Century Hats: 1890 – 1900

Bonnets continued to be on their way out, considered more the domain of older women, with hats representing emancipation and independence. An article in The Ladies’ Standard Magazine from April 1894 had fascinating things to say about millinery that I did not see elsewhere; a few items have been copied below for interesting reading: “TheContinueContinue reading “19th Century Hats: 1890 – 1900”

Dinner at 1800: Baked Mush

Let’s see, what is simple enough that it’s okay if a baby constantly interrupts but a little more questionable than the last few things I made? Because it’s been awhile since I’ve made Daniel wince. . .Keep on reading and don’t forget to check out the accompanying Instagram reel. Baked Mush The Harvey House CookbookContinueContinue reading “Dinner at 1800: Baked Mush”

What Those Sweet Baby Reels Forget to Mention

If there is one thing social media is good at, it’s knowing what will make you stop and look. So, as you might imagine, I’ve been getting almost nonstop reels related to motherhood. Some are hilarious, some sweet, and some instructional. And of course I can’t help stopping every time to see what they say,ContinueContinue reading “What Those Sweet Baby Reels Forget to Mention”

19th Century Hats: 1880 – 1890

Bonnets were definitely giving way to hats at this point, and the hats were often extra tall and extra trimmed. This decade was known for the use of dead animals, particularly birds. . . Quick Overview Bonnets were sometimes wide-brimmed and sometimes less so, but usually had wide strings. Hats were usually larger than bonnets,ContinueContinue reading “19th Century Hats: 1880 – 1890”

On the Trail: Stop 5 – Red Vermillion

If there is one thing that is mentioned in most guidebooks and diaries, it is the Vermillion River! It was about a day’s travel from the St. Mary’s Mission or 120 miles from Independence. A major river crossing for the emigrants, it provided excellent camping, was a good source of wood and water, and wasContinueContinue reading “On the Trail: Stop 5 – Red Vermillion”

Dinner at 1800: Circling-Up Doughnuts

Let’s be honest, it is highly doubtful that this exact recipe was made on the trail, despite being in the Oregon Trail cookbook. In all my research, I have yet to read that someone brought cream of tartar with them…but at the same time, the recipe is simple enough that I bet there were variationsContinueContinue reading “Dinner at 1800: Circling-Up Doughnuts”

When Motherhood Feels Overwhelming: Finding Hope in the Hard Days

I almost didn’t do a post this week because, I’ll be honest, I didn’t feel as if I had anything profound to say – and I didn’t want to admit how hard Motherhood has been for me. But as I scroll through my Instagram feed (away from the house because I kept bursting into tearsContinueContinue reading “When Motherhood Feels Overwhelming: Finding Hope in the Hard Days”

On the Trail: Stop 4 – St. Mary’s Mission

About fifty miles past the Blue Mound – so probably approximately a week after leaving Independence, after crossing the Kansas River, travelers might stop by St. Mary’s Mission. I haven’t found a ton of information on the Mission as it relates to the trail, but it was occasionally mentioned in diaries and the National ParkContinueContinue reading “On the Trail: Stop 4 – St. Mary’s Mission”

19th Century Hats: 1870 – 1880

Hats and bonnets galore! Nearly indistinguishable, other than the strings on bonnets. And trimmings were heavy enough to rival the gowns. Enter not only the normal trimmings, but birds as well! According to English Women’s Clothing in the 19th Century “the slaughter of [birds] provided a flourishing industry.” (pg 296). Unfortunately, my resource that wentContinueContinue reading “19th Century Hats: 1870 – 1880”