Author: Doris Montag

Mistletoe comes from two Anglo Saxon words ‘mistel’ which means dung and ‘tan’ which means twig or stick. Translated, mistletoe

The brown paper bag is often taken for granted. Before the invention of the sewing machine (1850s), goods were transported

The critical issue for glass is the ability to adjust to temperature changes. Glass expands at different rates resulting in

Almanacs are known for predicting astronomical events, supplying historic climate information, forecasting weather patterns and recommending when farmers and gardeners

In ancient times sickness was terrifying because it was unpredictable and often deadly. Myths from the devil to God and

From human beginnings, swimming and bathing were done naked. During the 1500-1700s, swimming was considered immoral and had to be

The can opener has its own unique history, but first, the can. Last month’s column reviewed its evolution but in

Over two centuries ago, the first cans were designed to sustain military campaigns. In 1772, the Dutch Navy carried salmon

A new type of fastener, VELCRO, was marketed in 1955. It revolutionized the fastening industry. VELCRO is the Brand name

The roulette wheel is a spinning horizontal wheel divided into 38 or 39 numbered and colored slots. The bowl, traditionally

I was recently asked if the Dunce Hat was real. Here is the answer: Originally the Dunce hat was a

The European holiday customs centered around St. Nicholas; a charitable Catholic Turkish Bishop born in the 4th century. St. Nicholas

What do we know about the trinkets and treasures of the Christmas holiday season? When did all this hoopla happen?

In 1892, John Froelich of Girard, Iowa, introduced the pioneering 2-cylinder gas powered tractor engine capable of propelling the tractor

Cave people may have played with small round balls. Clay balls have been found in the tombs of Egypt, in

Lightning strikes are dangerous when they hit a structure resulting in a fire, or electrocution if they hit a person.

An umbrella, as well as a parasol, is a folding canopy supported by wooden or metal ribs that is usually

A crayon is a stick of pigmented wax used for writing or drawing. Wax crayons differ from pastels which use

The words ‘rocking chair’ appeared in the Oxford English Dictionary in 1787. Benjamin Franklin was credited with the invention in

Overalls were originally essential workwear intended to be worn over the wearer’s clothes. The design of overalls is a bib

How did early builders ensure the structures they were erecting were plumb vertically and horizontally? The principle they had observed

Do you wonder about the history of women’s undergarments? From the time of our origins until the 1500s, NO underwear

The Zamboni ice resurfacer was invented by Frank Zamboni, an Italian immigrant born at the turn of the century. In

The European holiday customs centered around St. Nicholas, a charitable Catholic Turkish Bishop born in the 4th century, was associated

Stockings refer to over-the-knee hosiery. They have been worn by European noble men for horseback riding since the 15th &

In the western world, from the 6th-19th centuries, most writing instruments were “quills” made from the large wing feathers of

The 1862 Homestead Act, signed by Lincoln prior to the Civil War, was an important piece of legislation about federal

We aren’t the first to wear feather accessories! The Neanderthals wore the darker feathers of birds of prey. Later, high-ranking

Hillerich & Bradsby, Co. and Adirondack, Inc. dominated bat manufacturing during the early days of American baseball history. Following is