Our modern Memorial Day holiday was established in the 1970s, but its long history began when Emilie Loring was a toddler. Boston’s first “Decoration Day” was on May 30, 1868. “Every soldier’s monument in New England on that day should be crowned with floral emblems, for the living can pay no more beautiful tribute to … More Little-known History of Decoration Day
“The world changes. Times change. People change. Habits change…” Preface to Whispering Pines by Clara Endicott Sears With more of us staying at home instead of going to work these days, daily schedules have dissolved. We don’t have to be dressed, fed, and out by 7:00. There’s no prescribed lunch hour at work or school, … More Dragging Days? Try a “Kettle Drum”
Spring is here, and with it come the clear, bright colors of new grass, spring blossoms, and growing leaves. What nice timing it is for MyHeritage to unveil its photo colorizing tool. I actually love black-and-white photographs. I love the way they emphasize contour and contrast. I love the nostalgic feeling they evoke. But past … More Emilie Loring: The Colorized Version
My original plan was a schedule of events that began in March and ended in late September. I was going to come to Oregon for the birth of my first grandchild and stay a couple of weeks to help out afterward. Then, I planned to go home to host our wine club–this time, the “bold … More “It Meant a Change in Plans”
My father was born during the Spanish Influenza pandemic of 1918. Just over one hundred years later, my granddaughter will be born during the COVID-19 pandemic. This reflection sent me to look through the Boston Herald of 1918 to see how things looked for Emilie Loring during the crisis. Quarantine and self-quarantine are all over … More QUARANTINE
The weight of composition now lifted, the fun of Emilie Loring’s biography has returned. Bits of fascinating things keep bubbling up in my thoughts, so with snow on the ground outside and a steaming, Emilie Loring mug of extra-foamy latté at hand, let’s see what bubbles up today. This is the Park Theater in Boston. … More Fascinating Bubbles of History
Take a few moments for yourself, and enjoy Emilie Loring’s memories of Christmas Eve on Beacon Hill in the 1930s. “Christmas Eve on Beacon Hill! Was there a lovelier sight in the world, Julie wondered? “Candles in every window and a vague spirit of reverence silencing the milling crowds. Candles in rigid rows. Candles in … More Emilie’s Christmas Eve on Beacon Hill
