Lizzy Borden

Lizzie was born on July 19, 1860. At the age of two, she suffered the loss of her mother. However, she remained close to her father. Lizzie told many she had no memory of her mother. Her older sister, Emma, appeared to be the only constant in Lizzie's life. Emma was friend and mother to a young Lizzie.

Who was the Good Doctor from Across the Street?

Dr. Bowen was a physician and neighbor of Andrew Borden, has, for over a century been a person of interest to those who study the Borden homicides.

The Story of Eli Bence, May Have Changed the Outcome.

The 27 year old face gazing earnestly above the tightly buttoned , notched lapels has a beseeching look. Other than a few courtroom sketches, this portrait is how most people who study the Borden case recall Eli Bence.

Where did Sunglasses Come From?

The summer. A time for relaxing at the beach or by the pool. But what about that bright sunshine? Sunglasses have been around a lot longer than most people think.

Oldest Game - Bowling

Bowling is the oldest known surviving sport, having originated with the ancient Egyptians in the BC era, and producing many variations through the years, including the game of billiards, which has its origins in Renaissance England.

Playing with a full deck

Common  entertainment included playing cards. However, there was a tax levied when purchasing playing cards but only  applicable to the "Ace of Spades." To avoid  paying the tax, people would purchase 51 cards instead. Yet, since most games require 52 cards, these people  were thought to be stupid or dumb because  they weren't "playing with a full deck."  

Mind you own bee's wax, crack a smile, and losing face

Personal  hygiene left much room for improvement. As a result, many women and men had developed acne scars by adulthood. The women would spread bee's wax over their facial skin to smooth out their complexions. When they were speaking to each other, if a woman began to stare at another woman's face she was told, "mind  your own bee's wax." Should the woman smile, the wax would crack, hence the term "crack a smile." In addition, when they sat too close to the fire, the wax would melt... therefore, the expression "losing face."

Big Wig

As  incredible as it sounds, men and women took baths only twice a year (May and October)! Women kept their hair  covered, while men shaved their heads (because of lice and bugs) and wore wigs. Wealthy men  could afford good wigs made from wool. They couldn't wash the wigs, so to clean  them they would carve out a loaf of bread,  put the wig in the shell, and bake it for 30 minutes. The heat would make the wig big and fluffy,  hence the term "big wig." Today we often  use the term "here comes the Big Wig" because someone appears to be or is powerful and wealthy.

Pawnee Bill

William Gordon Lillie worked as a teacher, interpreter, and advocate for the Pawnee people who were relocated to Oklahoma.

Dr. W.F. Carver

Dr. William Frank Carver was trained as a dentist but made his name as a buffalo hunter and champion sharpshooter.