Christmas Shopping 1919 style!

Christmas 1919, my grandparents were newlyweds. My grandfather was working as an Army Chaplain and was stationed in France for part of the war and for a time after the Armistice. My grandmother sent him an account of her expenditures. Regarding Christmas presents she wrote:

Everything was so expensive this year and there seemed so many to remember. I had little time for making things, so do not think that Christmas will cost us this much every year. I felt I must treat your people well for your sake; Grandmother and I went together to get sweaters for the boys; I bought napkins for Grandmother and made a sweater for Ellen. These things count up fast.

It turns out she bought presents for 29 people. Her total cost? $41.47.

If only...

Anon,

Nancy

Say it Ain't So...

I found this article on another blog (http://www.editorialass.blogspot.com/) and was so outraged that I wanted to post it here too. It looks like the Free Libraries of Philadelphia are closing their doors due to budget constraints. I live no where near Philadelphia, but there have been talks of library closures in Cincinnati. Nowadays, this type of thing can happen anywhere. I for one have great memories of sitting in the Bookmobile (and the library) choosing library books as a kid. Since you're reading this, I bet you do too! Support your local libraries.

Here's a list of services that will no longer be available.

Specifically, the following will take effect after the close of business, October 2, 2009:
All branch and regional library programs, including programs for children and teens, after school programs, computer classes, and programs for adults, will be cancelled
All Parkway Central Library programs, including children programs, programs to support small businesses and job seekers, computer classes and after school programs, will be cancelled. We are exploring the possibility of relocating the Philadelphia Author Series programs to other non-library facilities.
All library visits to schools, day care centers, senior centers and other community centers will cease.
All community meetings at our branch and regional libraries, and the Parkway Central Library, will be cancelled.
All GED, ABE and ESL programs held at Free Library branches will be discontinued, students should contact their teacher to see if other arrangements are being made.

Here's the link to the complete article: http://ow.ly/p5jn

Anon,

Nancy