The Powdered Wigs

WONDROUS WORDS TO TICKLE YOUR FANCY

2010-06-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

A few words from the 18th century to entertain and amuse.

Noodle- A silly, naive person. The next time you call a person a noodle I guarantee you will get a very strange look.

Nicknackery- A petty contrivance or trick. I like this word. It's fun to say and I bet no one will know what you mean.

Cripple- A swamp. OK then....Definitions have really changed over the years.

Crowdy- A thick oatmeal. This sure does NOT sound appetizing and I think children would cringe upon hearing they were having crowdy for breakfast.

Slur- To conceal. I can kind of see this one.

Valetudinary- Sickly or weak. Boy if you use this one you will sound quite well educated.

Go forth and have fun and dazzle your friends.

P.S. The phrase "tickle your fancy" came from England from around the 1750's.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN...

2010-06-02T06:08:00.001-07:00

Yep, I'm going on the road again. I guess I can't sit still for very long. This time I'm headed for Richmond, IN which is on the Indiana/Ohio border. I will be exhibiting in the:
20TH ANNIVERSAY HEARTLAND ANTIQUE SHOW
SATURDAY, JUNE 5TH, 2010
RICHMOMD, INDIANA
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
FEATURING 150 EXHIBITORS
REPRESENTING 28 STATES

This is a wonderful antique show that has something for everyone; Country, Tradional,
Fine Folk Art, Architectural & Garden.

Hope to see some of you there!

Donna

PROUD TO BE A PART OF .....

2010-05-17T15:38:00.000-07:00

Life sometimes gives you an opportunity to become a part of something that is truly wonderful and special. I was afforded just that type of opportunity this past January when I met Jill Peterson. She is the creator of a lovely magazine "A SIMPLE LIFE". This magazine reflects Jill's soul and essence; home, heritage, antiques, and a unyielding respect for living a simple, country life. A SIMPLE LIFE is a fantastic magazine that is not only informative and a visual feast for your eyes but connects with the reader on a very personal level.

If you have been following my blog the one thing you can tell about me is my love of early, original clothing. Jill asked me to write an article for her magazine reflecting my passion. Of course I said yes. To be associated with such an endeavor and labor of love would be a privledge. So my article "A SIMPLE DRESS" was born,(www.asimplelifemagazine.com/sneak-peek.html). I would be so very humbled if you would check it out. Jill said she wanted "something from the heart" and that is just what it is. From my heart.

"A SIMPLE LIFE" (www.asimplelifemagazine.com)is well worth your time and subscription money to be swept away to a simplier time. Well done Jill! And thank you for the opportunity to be part of something special.

Hugs,

Donna

OH, BY THE WAY.....

2010-05-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

On the way home from Sainte Genevieve my husband and I came across an antique mall. It caught our eye not because it was supposedly filled with antiques but because what was situated in their parking lot. Need I say any more??????

ALWAYS ON THE MOVE

2010-05-14T17:36:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of doing both an exhibition and two lectures on 18th century clothing in the historic town of Sainte Genevieve, Missouri at the 23rd Ecole de Soldat presented by The Milice de Ste. Famille. What a weekend! The town of Sainte Genevieve, on the banks of the great Mississippi River, has the largest collection of 18th century French houses in the country. Who knew? I didn't. It was settled in the late 1740's and was one of several important French towns that was known collectively as the "Illinois Country". The surviving buildings were done in the "French Colonial"style. They were constructed from huge logs that were hand hewn and set vertically to form the walls of the structure. These buildings were mortised and pegged and their massive timbers supported hipped roofs covering both the houses and the porches. Examples of this type of construction and architectural style can be found in Quebec and Normandy. Sainte Genevieve is simply a wonderful historic gem. www.ste-genevieve.com/histsite.htm.

As for my exhibit and lectures I could not have asked for a more appreciative and warm audience. The majority of the audience was comprised of re enactors from the The Milice de Ste. Famille. Their reproduction clothing was wonderful and they all had a great eye for detail. After my lecture, most of the re enactors stayed for about 2 1/2 more taking pictures of my exhibit and asking really good questions. What a fantastic bunch of people.

If you ever get a chance, go to Sainte Genevieve which is about one hour south of St. Louis. You definitely will NOT be disappointed.

A PECULIAR FASCINATION

2010-04-16T19:48:00.000-07:00

I have a fascination with 17th and 18th century wigs. Especially men's wigs.

The women's were extravagant, lavish, excessive and an outlandish expenditure. Many wives nearly bankrupt their husbands by trying to keep up with this fad. The men's were somewhat more reserved. To a degree they served a purpose but mostly they were a fashion statement, a measure of wealth and class status. In the 17th and 18th centuries there was an extreme preoccupation with one's appearance that resulted in the excessive attention to clothing and hair dress. Vanity, thy name be MAN and woman. Men's adherence to current fashion was followed as faithfully by them as by women. Wig wearing was hygienic in nature. Heads could be shaved and then be washed to prevent lice. It was not common to wash your hair very frequently in the 17th and 18th centuries so wearing a wig solved this problem.
King Louis XIV of France started to wear a wig when his hair began to fall out. This started a fashion frenzy in his court. Guess poor Louie didn't have Rogaine, Propcecia or Bosley's Hair products to help him with his fallout. Anyway,the fad eventually found its way to England. Of course King Charles II in 1663 had to be fashionable so he began to wear a large black wig. Leave it to France to start all our fashion trends. Apparently Queen Elizabeth I owned 80 or more auburn, orange and gold wigs. You go girl! Some thought that after the plague no one would dare buy any hair for wigs. It was feared that the hair would have been cut off the heads of plague victims. Yuck! Apparently that did not matter because the fashion thrived better after the plague than before it. Wigs peaked under Queen Anne's reign. Men's long curls covered their shoulders and backs and flowed down their chests. The cost could be staggering. A man could buy himself a hat, coat, shirt, breeches, hose, and shoes for almost what his wig could cost. In the 18th century women rarely wore wigs but instead wore a coiffure (to arrange hair) supplemented by artificial hair or human hair. The French woman usually had an elaborate and often themed hair designs such as the boat poufs. Wigs were powdered with men's predominately white or off white. Wigs for both men and women could be colored: violet, blue, pink or yellow. Wig powder was finely ground starch that was scented with orange flower, lavender or orris root. In the 1727 the French Encyclopedie Perruquiere listed only 45 wig styles. However, in 1764 it listed 115 styles. Wig making was a BIG business. Wigs were made from human hair or they could also be made from horse or yak hair or from even hemp. During the 18th century men's wigs became smaller and more sedate and even some professions adopted them as part of their official dress. Then in 1795 the English government levied a tax on hair powder(1 guinea per year) and this started the end of the "fashion of the wig". By 1800 it had mostly disappeared.

I know that I prefer to wash my hair daily and periodically go to the hair salon to get it cut and dyed. And maybe if I ever get up enough nerve I might even have it dyed blue. But THAT is the extent of my own personal hair adventure.

MORE LOVELY WORDS

2010-04-16T17:27:00.000-07:00

I thought it was time to share with you some more lovely 17th and 18th century words. You can use these to dazzle your friends.

ROUT- A clamorous party. In 1772 Anna Winslow: "went directly from it to Miss Caty's rout.

POT VALIANT- Brave only when stimulated by drink. In 1696 Gordon Saltonstall wrote, "Foolish if not pot-valiant firing and shooting off guns."

PORTMANTEAU- A bag for carrying apparel on a journey, especially on horseback.

PICTURES FROM THE ANTIQUE SHOW

2010-04-12T17:52:00.000-07:00

The following are a few pictures of my booth at The Fox Valley Antique Show this past March.

HEADING TO THE FOX VALLEY ANTIQUE SHOW

2010-03-11T06:14:00.000-08:00

Well I'm off to the antique show to set up. I thought I would share some pictures with you of some of the items that will be displayed in my booth.

Enjoy!

Donna

DEAR FRIENDS

2010-03-10T13:01:00.000-08:00

I want to thank all of you, Christine, Miss Maddie, Cabin Creek Farm, Julie, Laura, Dawn, Susan,and Heather. Whether you posted messages on my blog or sent me a personal email, your prayers, words of encouragment and kind wishes are truly appreciated. I read all of them daily and they give me an amazing amount of comfort. It has been and will continue to be difficult.

Going forward I will be trying to provide love and support to Bill's wife and son. Such a sad, sad time. But also I will be giving thanks to God that I walked away from my accident unhurt. Daily I am tending to my sweet, sick Miss Hannah. She is so very trusting and has never turned on me as I give her between 5 to 7 pills per day. Nasty business! She hates those pills. And since I am co-chair for the Fox Valley Antique Show I am busy buttoning up all the loose ends and trying to get everything ready for the arrival of the 55 dealers. Then this Friday I set up my personal booth and man it Saturday and Sunday.

Once again thank you for the concern and thoughtful words you have sent my way.
Just remember that life is truly a gift.

Warm hugs,

Donna & Miss Hannah

LIFE IS A GIFT

2010-03-07T20:18:00.000-08:00

When I started this blog a year ago it was because of my love of antiques and history. I was determined that it would be historic and educational in content with a sprinkling of some quirky stuff. Events of this past week has made me turn very serious. I want to share with you my heartfelt message that "Life Is A Gift".

When I was 13 years old and a freshman in High School I met a boy by the name of Bill. Bill and I became friends but never boyfriend and girlfriend. In my junior year I met Scott who in the future I married. I introduced him to Bill and they became best friends. In college I was the reason that Bill met Nadia who he eventually married. The four of us continued to be best friends for 43 years. Scott and I are also godparents to their son. Last Monday night at 11:03p.m. I received a phone call from their son, who is going to medical school in Phoenix, AZ, that Bill had suddenly passed away from a massive heart attack. Bill was only 56! I don't need to describe the grief I feel. I'm sure all of you have suffered a loss of a loved one. Sadly I was unable to accompany my husband to Phoenix for the funeral on Thursday. I did however drive him to the airport and on the way home my van was hit by a 18 wheel semi truck going at least 55 mph. He hit the passenger side of the van,slammed me into the guard rail and kept on going. I'm sure both God and Bill were watching over me because I was unhurt. This happened only one day after my dear friend had died. To each and every one of you that read this please remember that LIFE IS A GIFT! Tell your dear ones EVERYDAY that you LOVE them and that they are precious to you. NOTHING and I mean NOTHING should ever get in the way of that and NEVER go to bed angry at one another. Life is too short and could be gone in an instant. I will miss my friend and NEVER forget him. I will also thank God every day that I walked away unhurt and alive from that accident.

Donna

P.S. Sadly I have found out that Miss Hannah has intestinal cancer. We are doing everything we can to try and beat this awful foe who is trying to steal my sweet little girl from me.

MISS HANNAH ANNOUNCES THE WINNER

2010-03-07T19:52:00.000-08:00

With great ceremony and a lot of meows Miss Hannah put her paw in an 1850's men's top hat and pulled out a winner. Our prize of two free tickets to the Fox Valley Antique Show next weekend and $25.00 in show play money goes to Laura of Little Works of Grace. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Both Miss Hannah and myself want to thank all of you who took the time to share with us some very endearing stories. Miss Hannah especially loved reading about all your treasured four legged companions.

Hugs & Meows,

Donna and Miss Hannah

MISS HANNAH'S DRAWING IS MARCH 6TH

2010-03-01T18:22:00.000-08:00

There are only four days left until Miss Hannah picks a winner! The prizes are two free tickets and $25.00 in play money for the upcoming FOX VALLEY ANTIQUE SHOW March 15th and March 16th. To enter all you have to do is share we us a cute story about one or all of your pets. Miss Hannah is looking forward to reading about your four legged friends and their adventures. If the winner happens to live too far away to come to the show there will be a secondary prize. So please enter and share some fond memories and happiness.

Hugs,

Donna & Miss Hannah

2010-02-19T14:56:00.000-08:00

NEW!!! NEW!!! YOU CAN NOW FOLLOW ME ON:

TWITTER: dfantiques
FACEBOOK:donna finegan
WEBSITE: www.donnafineganantiques.com

KITTIES

2010-02-17T15:58:00.000-08:00

You all know I love antiques. But I am also an animal lover. I must admit I have a special place in my heart reserved for cats. They are loving, intelligent, mischievious, independent, full of personality and the list could on and on and on.... Six furry little critters live with me; Seth, Hannah, Raven, Morgan, Linsey and Woolsey. Each one is unique and very special. Seth and Hannah are brother and sister. Seth is a gentle soul and a lover. Hannah is quite the lady and is so sweet. Raven is my black cat with intense green eyes. He is my watcher and is extremely inquisitive. Morgan has many personalities residing in her. One minute she is a loving sweet kitty and within a flip of her tail she switches to her evil twin. Linsey and Woolsey are both girls and they are identical grey twins. They just turned 1 year old and their personalities are still forming. Needless to say I have many stories about my babies. One of my favorites, which at the time was very upsetting, involved Miss Hannah. I had been busy one morning doing laundry and I went upstairs early to put some clothes away in our dresser. The bedroom was dark because I didn't take the time to turn on the light. It was an easy chore which I did quickly. Now it is around dinner time and no Hannah. I searched and searched and then searched some more. I was getting really upset. Finally I heard bump, bump, bump coming from upstairs. I followed the noise into our bedroom and then to the dresser. I opened up the drawer and out jumped Miss Hannah giving me the MOST disgusted look a cat could ever give and I swear she flipped me off with her tail. She had spent the entire day snoozing in the drawer and was quite cranky about being late for her supper.

I would love to hear about your little companions and maybe a cute, funny story that will warm all our hearts.

For anyone that responds their name will be registered in my Antiques Weekend Drawing and the entry will go in a hat. Miss Hannah will pull the winner out on March 6th. The person will win two free tickets to the upcoming Fox Valley Antique Show to be held Saturday March 13th and Sunday March 14th at the Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles,Illinois. Additionally the winner will receive from me $25.00 in antique play money that can be spent at the show.
Please leave your story and register for the drawing. I look forward to reading them all and meeting the winner at the show.

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY !

2010-02-13T13:34:00.000-08:00

As we make dinner reservations at some elegant restaurant, run to the candy store to buy that heart shaped box of candy and order a huge bundle of flowers I can't help but wonder about Valentines day in the past.

Some say it was a Roman celebration of a fertility festival, Lupercalia, that started on the eve of Feb. 14th. While others attribute the day to St. Valentine who was an early Christian martyr. Apparently he defied the Emperor's ban on marriages by marrying sweethearts in secret. He was beheaded on 2-14-270. In Medieval times up to the 1500's an annual village lottery was held, names were drawn and pairings were formed that lasted a year. How romantic. As early as 1533, a folded piece of blue paper with the sweethearts name written on it in gold letters has been documented. By c1610 lovers were giving their sweeties love tokens such as jewelry (posey rings and lockets) gloves, garters and silk scarfs. The Puritans tried to stop the practice but did not have much success. Even John Winthrop, Govenor of Mass. Bay Colony, got into the spirit of the day. He wrote to his wife on Feb. 14th, 1629, "My sweet wife. Thou must be Valentine, for none hath challeged me." In the 18th century exchanging of Valentines became popular. In America c1740 handmade Valentines were sealed with red wax and left secretly on a lover's doorstep. Puzzle Valentines became popular. A puzzle Valentine had a puzzle to read and unfold. Scattered among their many folds were verses that had to be read in a certain order. Early 1800's young men wore slips of paper pinned to their sleeves with their sweeties name written on it. That is how the phrase "Wear your heart of you sleeve" came from. In the 19th century tiny paper hands symbolized asking for a lady's hand in marriage. It evolved into giving his sweetheart a pair of silk gloves as a marriage proposal. During the Civil War some valentines were made like paper dolls that were acturally dressed with cloth to resemble the person sending it. Sailors would carve a stay busk out of whale's teeth or wood and decorate it with hearts and flowers and give it to their sweethearts as a love token. They also carved lace bobbins, knitting sheaths and made valentines from shells.

"Accept, dear girl, this busk from me.

Carved by my humble hand.

I took it from a sperm whale's jaw

One thousand miles from land.

In many a gale had been the whale

in which this bone did rest.

His time is past, but his bone at last,

Must now support thy breast."

unkown

"The heart has its reasons that reason knows nothing of"

Blaise Pascal, Pensees 1670

"Many are the starrs I see, but in my eyes no starr like thee"

English saying used on posey rings

unknown

"Love, and a cough, cannot be hid"

George Herbert, Jacula Prudentum 1651

My favorite valentine personally was a hand written poem composed by my husband written on a homemade valentine card.

No matter how you decide to celebrate Valentines Day I hope you have a lovely one.

The first two pictures are of a wooden stay busk from the 18th century.

The other pictures are of a silver heart locket with intitials on the inside from the 17th century.

MORE 18TH CENTURY GOODIES

2010-02-06T19:47:00.000-08:00

BEADED NECK CHAIN

2010-02-06T18:52:00.000-08:00

This is an example of a 1830's beaded neck chain. The chain has a turquoise beaded background with white designs: key, anchor, hearts, arrows, crown and possibly an urn. It is signed Mary A. Wilson. It can be found on my website http://www.donnafineganantiques.com/

A 19TH CENTURY FASHION FAD

2010-02-05T15:23:00.000-08:00

Woman throughout history have always been aware of fashion. Some trends last longer than others while some have remained in one form or another for a very long time. I remember not so very long ago that paper dresses were the "in" thing in fashion.

In 1830 bead chains or neck chains made an appearance and only lasted a decade. A bead chain is comprised of tiny colored beads, thirteen beads per half inch compared to about seven beads today, are woven into strips, 1/2 inch wide and 40 to 60 inches in length and ended with silk ribbon ties. Not unlike samplers, the chains were worked with motifs of anchors, keys, crosses or hearts. Some had names and even phrases while some were signed and dated. They had various uses. They were used as watch chains by both men and women, others were woven in a woman's hair and draped over the forehead. At times they were made and given to a loved one. A phrase like "Forget me not" and "We part to meet in Heaven" were both sentimental and phrases of remembrance. The chains could either be commissioned or they could be purchased in a jewelry store. Sometimes they originated in young ladies' academies. These bead chains often had a religious and moralistic mottoes or had memorials and family registers stitched on them. Some of the more frequent symbols incorporated on a chain were a cross, an anchor and a heart which symbolized Faith, Hope and Charity. Others were a key and when worked in gold beads symbolized the "golden key of knowledge" - education and wisdom. A crown motif represented the ladder to heaven while birds and butterflies were symbols representing the soul and Resurrection. The three leaved clover represented the Holy Trinity.

Fashion trends over the years have taken many diverse forms. I have found this one particularly interesting and fun to research.

"THE FRUIT OF EXPERIENCE FRESHLY GATHERED FROM ELDERLY LIPS"*

2010-02-01T20:15:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to do on a winter's afternoon is to read. I try to find a warm spot in the house, preferably in some sunlight, get one or all of my six cats to cuddle me and arm myself with a hot cup of coffee and a good old book. Today I came across a couple of olde time alternatives that I just had to share with you. You never know when these might come in handy.

"SUBSTITUTES FOR TEA AND COFFEE: The leaves of currant bushes picked very small and dried on tin can hardly be distinguished from green tea. Peas roasted and ground are an excellent subsitute for coffee and you would hardly know which is best."*

"SHOE BLACKENING: Wash elderberries in a kettle of water. Set them in the shade for a day or two to ferment, then boil it half a day, adding a little water as needed. Strain the liquid and boil it down to the thickness of molasses. It will give a fine gloss with rubbing."*

"TO PREVENT FLIES from injuring picture frames. Boil three or four onions in a pint of water; then with a gilding brush do over your pictures and frames. The flies will not light on them. This may be used without apprehension, as it will not do the least injury to the frames."*

"TO PRESERVE EGGS: One pint of coarse salt, one pint of unslacked lime, to a pail of water. Eggs will keep sound and wholesome for years in this, if kept in a cool place."*

Boy that was a lot of typing and I sure could go for a nice cup of coffee. Oh yeah, I'm out. Guess I'll run down to Starbucks.

*The Pocumtuc Housewife

HERE'S A COUPLE MORE..

2010-01-29T17:04:00.000-08:00

JACK PUDDING is not a desert. The 18th century definition is "A buffoon". So the next time you get mad at someone, which I hope doesn't happen too often, call them a Jack Pudding. I bet you will both forget what the argument was about.

IRON RUFFLES are not a fashion statement. The 18th century definition is "Handcuffs". Iron ruffles sounds so much better if that is possible.

JACULATE is a variant spelling for chocolate. For some reason jaculate just doesn't conjure up something sweet in my mind. I suggest you don't use jaculate on Valentine's Day. You might not get the response you thought you would.

A SECRET LANGUAGE

2010-01-22T17:46:00.000-08:00

I never gave much thought about a fan. To me it was strictly used to keep one cool in the hot summer months. I did not know a fan was an instrument that was used in a secret language!

Apparently fans have been around since the 6th century in the Far East. The use of fans peaked in Europe during the 18th century adorning both men's and women's fashionable attire. They were elaborately painted and very detailed. Many featured dreamy romantic scences. In the later half of the century women's fans were printed with dance steps, song lyrics and card game rules. How very clever!!! Men's fans had painted bugs, like a beetle or mospuito, on them to distinguish them from women's fans. But the language associated with the fans is even more fascinating.

1. LETTING THE FAN REST ON THE RIGHT CHECK, "YES"

2. LETTING THE FAN REST ON THE LEFT CHECK, "NO"

3. THE FAN PLACED NEAR THE HEART, "YOU HAVE WON MY LOVE"

4. A CLOSED FAN TOUCHING THE RIGHT EYE, "WHEN MAY I BE ALLOWED TO SEE YOU?"

5. HALF-OPENED FAN PRESSED TO THE LIPS, "YOU MAY KISS ME"

6. HIDING THE EYES BEHIND AN OPEN FAN, "I LOVE YOU"

7. SHUTTING A FULLY OPENED FAN SLOWLY, "I PROMISE TO MARRY YOU"

8. DRAWING THE FAN ACROSS THE EYES, " I AM SORRY"

9. THE NUMBER OF STICKS SHOWN ANSWERED THE QUESTION, "AT WHAT HOUR?"

10. COVERING THE LEFT EAR WITH AN OPEN FAN, "DO NOT BETRAY OUR SECRET"

11. PRESENTING THE FAN SHUT, "DO YOU LOVE ME?"

12. TWIRLING THE FAN IN THE LEFT HAND, "WE ARE BEING WATCHED"

13. A FAN IN THE RIGHT HAND IN FRONT OF FACE, "FOLLOW ME"

14. CARRING THE OPEN FAN IN THE RIGHT HAND, "YOU ARE TOO WILLING"

15. OPENING THE FAN WIDE, "WAIT FOR ME"

What a wonderfully covert way to communicate. How flirty and romantic! I know I'll never think of a fan as merely something to use to keep myself cool during the hot summer days.

(information from Amazon Dry Goods)

IT'S COMPLICATED

2010-01-20T15:37:00.000-08:00

Sometimes life gets so very busy and complicated that it is hard to keep up let alone to make sense of it all. The Fall and the Holidays went by in a blurrrr. I can't believe it has been such a very long time since I posted a thing to my blog. I must apologize and promise not to neglect it in the future. I have many topics I would like to share with you.
Maybe I am a silly romantic thinking that life in the past was somehow easier and fuller than the lives we are forced to live today. My goal for 2010 is to slow down, pay attention to what is truly important in life; family and friends and spirituality. I wish the following Irish blessing for all of you this new year and for every year.

May you always have these blessings...
A soft breeze when summer comes,
A warm fireside in winter,
And always the warm, soft smile of a friend.

Peace and happiness

Donna

MORE TREATS

2009-08-05T18:50:00.000-07:00

1. A set of three dresses: a purple and green striped silk open gown, c 1770 with a light brown quilted petticoat 19th century, a child's ivory satin gown c 1775 and a two piece, bodice and skirt, embroidered outfit with a chemise undergarment. Late 18th century.

2. A late 17th century sweet purse with gilt and silk embroidery.

3. An silk caraco. 18th century. French.

4. A two piece, bodice and skirt, embroidered outfit with a chemise undergarment. Late 18th century.

5. A late 18th century or very early 19th century young man's quilted waistcoat in salmon satin.

ONE DAY I HAD AN IDEA

2009-07-30T20:48:00.000-07:00

We all have a passion or passions in life. One of mine is collecting 17th and 18th century clothing and accessories. Another one is American history. I have a long standing relationship with Garfield Farm Inn & Tavern which is a fantastic local living history museum. In the past they have asked me to do presentations. When they approached me this year about doing a lecture I had an idea. Why not do an exhibit? The idea transformed into a vision. Why not exhibit my 17th and 18th century collection? The vision became a project. The project was to decide where to have the exhibit and how to display the collection. The project developed into a partnership. It was decided that the collection would be exhibited in the various rooms at Garfield Inn and Tavern. The partnership produced an exhibit. The exhibit was wonderful. It sounds simple doesn't it? Well there were mailing lists that had to be comprised, a vignette to be photographed, a postcard to be designed and printed, a mass mailing of over 2500 cards, publicity to be set in place, an arrangement to borrow mannequins from the Aurora Historical Society, the pickup and delivery of the mannequins, a three day display setup and a total of 505 miles traveled back and forth between my home and the museum. Somewhere in between all that I think I might have had one or two nervous breakdowns. I'm not sure. The results, however, were spectacular. The early clothing made the tavern and inn become alive. The day of the exhibit was sunny with a bright blue sky. We had visitors from Missouri, Wisconsin and Indiana. A number of people from The Northwest Territory Alliance, which is a re enactment group, dressed up in 18th clothing. How cool! Would you believe some people stayed FOUR hours! The next day I spent a solid 7 hours taking down the exhibit and packing. I was exhausted but oh so happy. I had never seen my entire collection out at the same time let alone on mannequins. WOW! I was even impressed. You might ask if I would do another exhibit and my answer would be not in the foreseeable future. However I did learn one thing. Ideas can be dangerous.

I want to thank everyone who helped with the exhibit. Also a special thanks to the wonderful people who took the time to come and visit me, the exhibit and Garfield Farm.

COME AND JOIN ME !

2009-07-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

I have an undeniable passion for 17th and 18th century clothing and textiles. The richness of the fabric, the complexity of the embroidery and the stately elegance of the design is astounding. Take that passion and mix it with a historic site. It's a natural. When I was approached by Garfield Farm Museum's assistant site manager, William Wolcott, and asked to due a lecture about clothing, I said "I'll do one better. How about an exhibit?" Thus the birth of a project that in reality is a labor of love.

I will have the pleasure of sharing my private collection of 18th century clothing and appropriate accessories with you at Garfield Farm Inn Museum, La Fox, Illinois. Some of the examples on display will be open robes, a man's matching frock coat and breeches, various waistcoats, a child's dress, numerous stomachers and stays, caps, shoes and miscellaneous sundries. There will also be a few choice examples of late 17th century items.

Take a trip back in time and get a taste of history. Join me, attired in 18th century clothing, at the picturesque 1840's Garfield Farm Inn Muesum and view my collection in an intimate setting located in the historic inn and tavern. Take a stroll and wander around this fascinating and important living history farm. Garfield Farm Inn Museum is listed in the National Register of Historic Sites.

Saturday, July 25th, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m..
Garfield Farm Inn Museum, La Fox, Illinois
(Just off IL. Route 38, 4 miles west of Geneva)

For more details:
Donna Finegan (847) 991-3911 or website http://www.donnafineganantiques.com/ or email address df@donnafineganantiques.com

Garfield Farm Inn Museum (630) 584-8485 or website http://www.garfieldfarm.org/ or email address info@garfieldfarm.org

Hope to see you on the 25th!

Donna

2009-06-19T15:00:00.000-07:00

CALIBOGUS (noun) A rum drink with spruce beer and molasses added.*

*"Colonial American English"

AN 18TH CENTURY EXPERIENCE

2009-06-19T13:51:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I traveled back in time to the 18th century. You heard me correctly and I didn't even use a time machine. Cool, huh? My husband and I attended the "Klash On The Kankakee" for their "Grand Encampment". The Revoluntary War Reenactment was put on by The Northwest Territory Alliance, www.nwta.com. There were two Fife and Drum groups, River Valley and Theatiki, who played outstanding period music and rousing marches, an artillery demonstration complete with LOUD, exploding cannons, a tar & feathering,(not so much fun for the poor gentleman) a multitude of British and Colonial soldiers and a large civilian encampment where my friends, Dawn, Vaughn and their daughter Dori, were camped. There was even a section for the merchants who sold everything to outfit an 18th century reenactor. Turkey Roost Traders (www.turkeyroosttraders.net) who are Purveyors of Fine Wearables and Wm. Booth, Draper who sells woolen, flax and hemp fabrics (www.wmboothdraper.com)were some of the fine merchants that were selling their wares. Everyone was dressed in WONDERFUL 18th century clothing. What a feast for the senses. The campfire smoke wafting on the breeze,the food cooking on those fires teasing our taste buds, rows and rows of tents with all the costumed participants going about their 18th century lives and the music filtering thru the trees made me believe I had left the 21st century behind. Life back then was basic and simple. Despite the hardships, the ever present dangers, the lack of modern conveniences and the extremely hard and physically challenging work perhaps our 18th century ancestors could teach us a thing or two about what really matters in life; Family, our religious beliefs, a strong work ethic, our country and it's ideals and being a part of something greater than ourselves. Not a bad history lesson.

First two pictures are from "Turkey Roost Traders" tent.
Third picture are the colonials firing their cannon.
Fourth picture are my friends Dawn and Vaughn and their tent and camp.

To view pictures from the encampment go to http://www.wayba.com
click on "Find your event"
click on "NWTA Grand Encampment"
click on "Klash on Kankakee"

FOR THE LOVE OF OLDE WORDS

2009-06-12T15:51:00.000-07:00

I love words. I especially love olde 17th and 18th century words. Their definitions and usage are fascinating. I am sadden that today they have fallen out of favor soooooo every now and then I will post an olde word along with it's definition. Try using them in a conversation and see what happens. You may even impress your friends or at the very least they may think you are little strange. Have fun with them.

GYNECANDRICAL (adj.) - Mixt or promisciuous dancing. Men and women together. In 1684 Increase Mather deplored. "There are questions regarding gynecandrical dancing or that which is commonly called mixt promiscuously dancing viz men and women together. Now this we affirm to be utterly unlawful and it cannot be tolerated in such a place as New England without great sin".*

* Colonial American English

TREASURES FOUND

2009-06-10T14:24:00.000-07:00

The Heartland Antique Show in Richmond, IND was this past weekend and it was a huge success. I got to visit with old friends and I had the opportunity to meet some new and wonderfully interesting people. That is a BIG plus in this business. People travel from all over the country to attend antique shows. They come from different backgrounds and live very different lives but we share a common thread and that is the love of antiques. For a brief day or two we talk about those antiques, our collections, our houses, our unique decorating styles, our gardens, our 18th century or Civil War reenacting groups or we just share funny stories. The outside world and all it's problems and worries melt away. Sure for us dealers it is a LOT OF WORK! A friend of mine, Susan who helped me do this show, (bless her heart) remarked to her husband, "They do a months worth of work in two or three days". But where else could you go and be with other people, both customers and dealers, who love what you love and are all under one roof? This time I met or should I say re-met a man who saw me at a Civil War show probably about 8 to 10 years ago. I spent time with a woman from South Carolina who owns and runs a B&B. And then there was a folk artist from Missouri who creates period correct gourd containers. That is just the customers. Every show always has new dealers or dealers that you did not have the chance to chat with in the past. They are a wealth of information. Yes shows are work but they are also FUN!!

While walking the show, I came across two little treasures. Some people call them infant pincushions or pillows, layette pincushions or welcoming pillows. Pincushions have been around in England since the 16th century or even possibly earlier. Welcoming pillows are a special type of pincushion and were at their height of popularity from the last quarter of the 18th century to the end of the 19th century or approximately from 1770 to 1890. They were square or rectangular in shape, larger in size than the standard pincushions which measured 2 to 3 inches, stuffed with saw dust or maybe even sand, covered with silk, linen or cotton and were decorated with stuck straight pins that formed either a design, a message/verse or both. Some were signed or initialed while others were not.

"Angels guard thee, lovely blossom
Hover round and shield from ill
Crown thy parents' largest wishes
And their fondest hopes fulfill"

"May thy fragrance ever be
Like the rosebud in the tree
With a luster more sublime
And thy every virture shine"

Shorter messages were more common such as "Welcome Sweet Babe" or "Welcome Little Stranger" Some messages reflect the high death rates of babies and their mothers.

"Bless the babe and save the mother"

"God bless the babe and may it live and a deal of comfort may it give"

"May He whose cradle was a manger bless and protect this little stranger".

Pins were made by hand until about 1830 and were extremely expensive. The pincushion itself was given as a gift after the birth of a baby. Since there was a high mortality rate during childbirth it was more prudent to wait to deliver the gift until after the child was born. There was also a superstitious belief that it could increase the mother's pain during childbirth.

"For every pin a pain" and "More pins, more pain."

OUCH!!!!!!!!!

After the mother received this lovely and extremely expensive gift, she went on to probably use the pins to fasten the baby clothes. The pins were dangerous. They would sometimes stick the baby causing pain, illness or even death. Older infants could remove the pins, possibly swallowing them and causing servere harm. Thank goodness the safety pin was invented during the 19th century but unfortunately they were not available until 1878.

The first and second pictures are of Donna Finegan Antiques' booth.

The third picture are two welcoming pillows from Perkins & Menson Antiques,

442 Main Street, Townsend, MA 01469 (978) 729-5423.

The fourth picture is a welcoming pillow from D. Finegan's private collection.

AN ONGOING LOVE AFFAIR

2009-05-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

I have a weakness for early fabrics. The texture from years of numerous washings and the wear of generations can not be easily duplicated today. I not only adore the fabrics themselves but also their names: baize, fearnaught, everlasting, linsey-woolsey, moreen, dimity, diaper, tammy. Such creative names. The list of stuff * is almost endless. But my all time favorite is a simple fabric, homespun linen. I love the feel, the texture and the look of linen. And when I think of all the many steps and the work involved to produce a homespun linen sheet, well I'm in awe. When linen comes off the loom it is brown. It can be dyed or it can be bleached. One would think that after all the work and the many steps involved to get raw flax to a linen sheet, the bleaching process would be easy. Not so in the 18th century. Before 1760, the bleaching process was time consuming and labor intensive.
1. Soak the linen 30 to 40 hours in warm water, rinse and dry.
2. Soak in lye and cow dung for 48 hours.
3. Stretch cloth over the grass in bleach-yard.
4. Wash off the cow dung.
5. Beat cloth with "bat staffs" for 2 to 3 hours.
6. Place cloth into boiling lye and soak 24 hours.
7. Wash cloth. Stretch it over the bleach-green 4 hours.
8. Beat with bat staffs.
9. Repeat the last three steps for 8 to 10 days.
10.Place cloth in buttermilk for 1 or 2 nights.
11.Wash and beat the cloth again and then stretch it over the bleach-green.
12. Sour it again with buttermilk.
13. Repeat the process for another week, until the cloth is white enough.

OH MY GOODNESS!!!! This process takes a month to complete. If I didn't have a respect for our ancestors before I sure do now.
*Textiles in general and especially a lustrous, English fabric of cotton or wool.

EIGHTEENTH CENTURY BEAUTY TIPS

2009-05-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

It is no secret that women go to extreme lengths to be attractive. Million of dollars are spent on cosmetics each year for the sake of beauty. It was no different in the 18th century. Face patches were extremely popular for both women and men. They were made from the gummed pieces of taffeta, silk or even leather and were placed on the checks to heighten the brilliancy of the complexion and to hide the pock marks. They were made in different shapes, like stars, crescents & lozenges & were often dyed brilliant colors. Other people who did not want to wear patches choose to use a thick coat of face powder. Recipe: Several thin plates of lead, a big pot of vinegar, a bed of horse manure, water, perfume and a tinting agent. Steep the lead in the pot of vinegar, and rest it in a bed of manure for at least three weeks. When the lead finally softens to the point where it can be pounded into a flaky white powder(chemical reaction between the vinegar and lead causes the lead to turn white), grind it to a fine powder. Mix with water, and let dry in the sun. After the powder is dry, mix with the appropriate amount of perfume and tinting dye. Yuck! Since the base of the powder was lead it was also very poisonous! All for the sake of being fashionable and beautiful.

GOOD, OLD REMEDIES

2009-04-29T16:45:00.000-07:00

I love early American history; the way of life, traditions and customs. So ever now and then I will be writing about different aspects of early America. Recently while going thru my books I came across a favorite of mine titled "The Pocumtuc Housewife". The chapter "The Physical Director" is charming, innocent, funny and the remedies are oh so NOT to be tried.
1. A slice of salt pork spread with pepper and bound on with a strip of red flannel will cure a sore throat. Or in a pinch, a stocking taken warm from the foot and bound about the throat is efficacious.
2. For an ordinary headache take a shovel full of clean wood ashes, put them into clear cold water. When it has settled drink the water. It may cause vomitting; if it does the headache will be relieved the sooner.
3. For an earache soak the feet in warm water, roast an onion and put the heart of it into the ear as hot as can be borne and bind roasted onion on the feet.
4. An ointment made of ground worms simmered in lard, and rubbed on with the hand is excellent when sinews are drawn up.

A GRAND ADVENTURE

2009-04-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

If you are very lucky, every now and then you get an opportunity to do something unusual and exciting. May 16th and 17th I will get that opportunity. My very talented and gifted friend Susan Havens-Morris , who is the sole owner of Middleburg Folk Art Studio (www.middleburgfolkartstudio.com.), will be exhibiting at the Colonial Faire at The Endview Plantation in Newport News, VA. (www.colonialfaire.com.) The best part is that I get to help! But wait. It gets even better. Both Susan and I have to be attired in proper 18th century clothing. That includes petticoats, caraco jackets, stockings, hats and more. Oh my!! The absolute best part is that instead of displaying her wonderful paper mache items under a tent, Susan has envisioned creating a modular Mount Vernon. That's right. Mount Vernon as is George Washington's home . How cool is that? I told you she was gifted and talented. The room at Mount Vernon Susan choose will be the "Green" dining room complete with a fireplace mantle and windows that open. A beautiful and historic setting, being dressed in 18th century clothing and helping a dear friend sell her wares in a reproduction of Mt Vernon is a true fantasy. I can't wait to go.

Good Times at Fox Valley

2009-03-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

The March Fox Valley Antique Show is now over and I must say it was GREAT! The show was visually a feast for the eyes, with a treasure waiting for everyone. The participating dealers are all top notch professionals who tirelessly decorate their booths and always produce stunning results. The five-minute presentations were well attended as was the lecture on "Collecting Lincoln." Such fun! As always it was a delight to see my customers who have turned into such good friends over the years.

Sharing the love of antiques and history has given me the opportunity and privledge to meet some really great people. And then there is Pat, my dear friend from Michigan, who drove in on Friday to specifically help me set up my booth. She has done this for years out of the goodness of her heart. I could never begin to repay her kindness.

Also this show I had the help of another friend, Susan, who drove all Thursday night from Virginia to make sure she was with me on Friday for setup. How wonderfully crazy is that? Thank you, Thank you and Thank you again! I am truly blessed to have both Pat and Susan in my life. If you were one of the many people who came to the show I say thank you and please come again. If you were unable to attend I hope to see you at the next Fox Valley Show in October. Please come by my booth, introduce yourself, say "hi" and join my circle of friends.

Bring History Home...

2009-03-04T20:50:00.000-08:00

The Fox Valley Antique Show is next weekend Saturday, March 14th and Sunday, March 15th and I am really excited. Besides showcasing in a new exhibition hall at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles, IL , my booth will have a fresh look. It will be full of wonderful finds from my recent buying trips. Displayed will be painted pantry boxes from Maine, two large wallpapered boxes, indigo blue and cream homespun blankets, a pristine stamped grain bag complete with it's original ties from PA, a couple of wonderful petticoats from PA., a nice selection of 19th century woman's everyday dresses, painted six board chests, a red painted dome box, a large painted brown dough bowl, an early & rare woven mattress for a rope bed plus lots, lots more.

In addition to 54 other superb dealers, the show will offer three five minute presentations; Saturday at 2:00 "Make-dos", at 3:00 "Silhouettes and Portrait Miniatures of the 19th Century" and at 4:00 "Antique Jewelry". On Sunday at 12:00 Ray McClaskey, a member of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum Foundation Board, will speak on collecting Lincoln.

The image above is just a sneak peak at some of the New pieces we will be bringing. These two large, 19th century, wallpaper boxes have great floral patterns and colors.

Hope to see you all next weekend!

My booth is #21.

2009-02-26T08:43:00.000-08:00

STAYING COZY ON A LONG NIGHT... BLANKETS

2009-02-26T08:24:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love getting in bed and snuggling under a couple of warm blankets on a cold winter night? Blankets were the mainstay of colonial beds. When linen sheets were not available, blankets were used instead as "woolen sheets".

Traditionally, blankets were woven in two panels with a center seam and finished with tiny overcast stitches. They were hemmed with a 1/4 inch, narrow roll. The weaves were either tabby, plain, a diagonal twill weave or a bird's-eye twill weave comprised of concentric diamonds. They may bear the owner's initials cross- stitched in a corner.

Early on the natural cream color seems to have been the most common. Later in the 18th century they were used under a checkered or embroidered top blanket. Over time the cream color mellows and develops an almost tactile patina. Cream colored blankets are my favorite. They are the basic component of any blanket collection.

Natural dyes were used in the 18th century. They included indigo for blue, madder for reddish brown to red and wood shavings from butternut bark for tans and browns and shavings from maple bark for cinnamon brown. These early colors were used to dye wool which was woven in a plain or a twill weave. Blankets were woven with a checked, cross-line, windowpane or plaid design. The cross-line and windowpane designs were woven in a plain weave that used less dyed wool and had a larger area of white. They were usually woven of all wool but occasionally had cotton warps and cross-lines. The early plaids often had a hem-stitched fringe at one end and a regular hem on the other end. Blankets with a deep indigo, a warm nut brown or a mellow mustard check, window-pane or plaid add dimension and interest to your blanket collection.

Blankets are so versatile. Whether you stack them on a blanket chest or in a cupboard, fold them over a rack, hang them from a peg or better yet use them to dress a rope bed, collecting blankets is fun and affordable. Blankets are functional, decorative and a piece of history you are preserving for future generations.

Welcome to The Powdered Wigs!

2009-02-26T08:04:00.000-08:00

Here is where I'll share my love of history, knowledge and passion for antiques with you and hopefully you can share with me your collections, historic interest and we'll both continue to learn about a way of life from long ago.

As the owner of Donna Finegan Antiques, my speciality is predominantly early American clothing and accessories from the late 18th century to the mid 19th century. In addition I offer a wide selection of painted smalls, homespun textiles, sewing items and early dolls. I also carry good, country painted furniture.

Twenty five years ago starting out strictly as a collector, my collection soon became a way of life. Acquiring a house full of wonderful furniture and smalls, I felt something was missing. I decided I was lacking the personal element such as clothing, textiles and accessories. Homespun, dresses and petticoats augment a collection of furniture. They add depth, texture, color and familiarity to a room. Hence I made the leap to textiles and clothing.

I consider myself a custodian of these pieces. You never really own them: you are just a caretaker, preserving them for the next generation. My passion and love for furniture, smalls, textiles and clothing, coupled with the philosophy of preserving them for the next generation, led me to open my business fifteen years ago. I exhibit at a number of quality antique shows and I also work out of my home by appointment only.

Thanks for taking the time to stop for a moment and read and learn and share with me. I'm so looking forward to your comments, please always include what you collect. So here we go!