From Nancy's Notebook
Stories, history, inspiration, and a glimpse into the writing life.
Halloween in the 19th century
Learn about Halloween in the nineteenth century and the origins of traditions, costumes and seasonal folklore.
Dogs in the nineteenth century
Discover how dogs fitted into nineteenth-century households and how Victorians thought about their animal companions.
The Ghost of Watson's Mill
Explore the ghost story and local history surrounding Watson's Mill, a historic landmark in Ontario.
Charles Dickens: wanna meet him?
Learn about Charles Dickens, his literary success and the nineteenth-century world that inspired his stories.
Time Travel in the 19th Century
Step into nineteenth-century history through a time-travel story and the challenge of adapting to another era.
Robert Frost and the 19th Century
Explore Robert Frost, his poetry and the literary world that shaped his early years.
Writing a 19th Century Character
Learn about developing a nineteenth-century fictional character through research, history and storytelling.
A 19th Century Apothecary
Explore 19th-century apothecaries, medicines and pharmacy tools, including the historic Niagara Apothecary in Ontario, with author Nancy Thorne.
Meals in the 19th Century
Discover what people ate in nineteenth-century households, from meals and ingredients to dining customs.
Pregnancy in the 19th Century
Learn about pregnancy and childbirth in the nineteenth century, including historical medical knowledge and family life.
Boxing in the 19th Century
Discover the world of nineteenth-century boxing, including the sport's history, culture and changing rules.
Victorian Grooming for Men
Discover Victorian grooming and fashion for men, from facial hair to the standards of a nineteenth-century gentleman.
Gardens in the 19th Century
Take a tour of nineteenth-century gardens and the plants, design and leisure activities of Victorian life.
Fortune Telling in the 19th Century
Explore fortune telling in the nineteenth century, from popular beliefs to Victorian fascination with the supernatural.
Beer in 19th Century Canada
Explore beer and brewing in nineteenth-century Canada through a historical look at drinks, business and daily life.
Treason in 19th Century Canada
Learn about treason in nineteenth-century Canada and the political and legal ideas surrounding the charge.
Spies in the 19th Century
Explore spies and espionage in the nineteenth century through stories of secrecy, politics and suspicion.
Fathers in the 19th Century
Explore fathers and family roles in the nineteenth century, from household expectations to Victorian parenting.
Guests in the 19th Century
Explore the etiquette of having guests in a nineteenth-century home and the expectations of Victorian hospitality.
Bathroom Showers in the 19th Century
Explore bathrooms and showering in the nineteenth century, before modern plumbing became standard in homes.
