Echoes of the Ancient New Testament Cities: Pergamum and Thyatira

Matthew James Elliott

Here we are again with two more of the churches from the book of Revelation, and these two churches are nothing compared to the two churches I shared about in last month's post, Smyrna and Philadelphia. In truth, there are some similarities, but when it comes down to it, Pergamum and Thyatira had their own struggles, and they were significant enough to be noted in the vision given to the Apostle John. 

By stepping into the history of these two churches, we are going to dig into some troubling details about how the early believers often faced political terror and even financial ruin because of their faith. The story's background involves false rituals and forced circumstances that oppose the very idea of spiritual freedom. That only hits the surface of how deep the story goes with these two. 

The struggles they faced were important.

The outcome of the struggle was powerful.

~ Pergamum ~

Acropolis in Pergamum by Friedrich Thierch – 1882.

In Revelation 2:12-17, John is given a letter for the church in Pergamum. It encourages them because of their faithfulness. The one who has a sharp, double-edged sword speaks to them and says, “You did not refuse to tell about your faith in me even when your leaders were killed before you.” This is a direct correlation to the fact that Pergamum was the seat of imperial authority. It was the capital of Roman Asia and a political power with massive stone monuments dedicated to gods like Zeus (the king of the gods) and Asclepius (the serpent god of healing). 

Long before John received the Revelation, Pergamum was already Asia's first city to receive permission to build temples like the Altar of Zeus and the Asclepion. The Altar of Zeus was a massive, chair-shaped stone altar that overlooked the city, and the Asclepion was a medical center famous throughout the world at that time. In 29 BC, the Romans built the first Imperial Cult Temple in this city.  Needless to say, when Jesus said, “This is where Satan lives,” you can guess who he was talking about. 

Pergamon was an aristocratic city dominated by the false teachings of Balaam and the Nicolaitans. When it came to standing up for their beliefs, one man stood out to me, and his name was Antipas. Scripture indicates he was the man killed for his faith, but a local legend about him being sealed inside a bronze bull and burned alive particularly struck me. Talk about scary, right?

Despite the brutality of this death, there is some good news: later in the letter, Jesus promises, “I will give hidden manna to everyone who stands firm and a white stone with a new name engraved upon it .” This is a promise of restoration. Instead of bowing to Rome, Jesus promised believers something much more powerful than Rome. 

~ Thyatira ~

Unlike Pergamum, Thyatira was a practical, working-class city that existed in the valleys of Asia along the major trade routes. Similar to how things were in Smyrna, trade guilds were the main attraction. In many historical accounts that I found regarding this city, it is a common belief that this city had a monopoly on trade guilds. Do you remember the story of Lydia in Acts 16? Well, she was from this city.

Ruins of Thyatira - Wikipedia

Thyatira had more active trade unions than almost any other city in ancient Asia. People knew the city for its clothing and dyes, potters and bakers, and, to throw things back to Pergamum for a quick reflection, bronze-smiths. Here is something to think about: Thyatira would have supplied the bronze that Antipas may have been sealed inside before he was martyred. It's incredible to think how connected the cities these 7 churches were in actually are, isn’t it? 

In Revelation 2:18-29, which is the longest letter of the seven, by the way, at 12 verses, we learn a great deal about the city. It was a city filled with false teachings, just like Pergamum, but the difference here was that this is by far the worst warning and the most encouraging promise. Basically, Jesus states that judgment will be cast and many will suffer greatly because of it, but those who stand firm in my teaching will have the ultimate victory. 

The church gave in to the teachings of a woman whom Jesus called a Jezebel.  Her influence likely combined the pagan practices with guild expectations, making compromise feel unavoidable. If you know your Old Testament history, Jezebel was one of the worst villains in biblical history. The entire city was controlled by these false teachers and the requirements of the guilds. If you weren't someone who followed these two groups, you had no chance of a life free from suffering.

The deep secrets hidden by these two groups left the city haunted by fear and led to compromise to save themselves from it. 

~ Bringing the History Home ~

Both of these churches teach us two powerful messages. From Pergamum, we learn that intimidation does not define our future. From Thyatira, we are reminded that even in the midst of overwhelming odds, we do not have to compromise our beliefs or deny who we truly are. In the vision given to John, Jesus acknowledges both the struggles these two churches endured and the hope they would have if they chose to let go. 

In whatever we face, standing up for what we claim to believe does not have to lead us into fear or compromise; it can give us courage we can live out in our daily lives. In our faithfulness, we are promised a “white stone and given a new name,” but we are also promised the “ultimate victory” in those same struggles that have held us down in life. I encourage you to look into the deeper meaning behind these letters. Who knows, you may even learn something for yourself.

~ Biography ~

Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a passionate writer who loves to encourage and inspire others. He served in various ministry roles for over 15 years, which gave him a unique perspective on people and Biblical History. Matthew holds a degree in Biblical Studies from Oklahoma Wesleyan University, with a focus on Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship.

Matthew is married and has three wonderful children who bring him immense joy and inspiration. One of his favorite things to do with them is to share stories they can someday learn from. When writing a story, he aspires to minister to others with love, equip them with encouragement, and use the gift God has given him as a writer to help readers experience God in a real and meaningful way.

Find Matthew on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, BookBub, and His Website. He has written Devotionals, An Episodic Series, Novellas, and Commentaries for The Gospel Daily.

~ Highlighted Release ~

If you're curious about The Hope of Inheritance or any of my books, you can keep up with me on REAMStories or Facebook. The Hope of Inheritance was selected as the book of the month for my Biblical Fiction Facebook Authors Group, so keep your eyes on my Facebook for some fun things this month. You can also read Mysteries in Ephesus, Season 2 of The Ephesus Pages on REAM Right Now!

~~~

In the aftermath of the Great Fire of 64 AD, Rome lies in ruins. Emperor Nero and his ruthless Prefect of the City, Lysias, unleash a wave of persecution that threatens the very existence of the early church.

Nathaniel, a seasoned scribe and longtime companion of Luke, records the journeys that will shape the future of the faith as it was taught by those who walked with Christ. They are known as The Founders.

From the destruction of Colossae to the tribulations in Ephesus… From the Council of Corinth to the shattered streets of Rome… Nathaniel and his brother Zadok witness courage, betrayal, and the final days of two of the greatest founders — Peter and Paul.

Four men are chosen.

Their message will change everything.

Hope will rise again.

Black Bart, Gentleman Outlaw by Nancy J. Farrier

Wells Fargo Stage

The Wells Fargo stagecoach skidded to a stop in front of the armed man, clad in a long, soiled duster. His face and head were covered with an old flour sack with two holes cut for him to see through. His double-barreled shotgun, held at a jaunty angle, suggested he would put it to use in an instant if the driver didn’t stop.

“Please, throw down the box.” The bandit called out to the driver, then glancing around at the rocks, he raised his voice to be heard by everyone. “If he dares shoot, give him a volley, boys.” The stagecoach driver’s heart thumped as he noted at least six guns pointed at him from the surrounding rocks. 

The driver grabbed the strongbox from underneath his seat and tossed it down to the outlaw. He called back to his passengers to stay calm and not panic. One of the women became so distraught she threw her purse out to the outlaw. The hooded bandit crossed to the bag, picked it up and handed it back in to the woman. He said, “Madam, I do not wish your money.” Thus, the robber earned the name, Black Bart, the gentleman outlaw. 

Charles Boles, (Black Bart, aka Charles Bolton) resided in San Francisco in the 1870’s. He was an older gentleman in his 50’s with white hair, a nice grandfatherly type. He preferred fancier clothes, walked about with a cane, and enjoyed strolling about his neighborhood. No one who knew him would have guessed he also had lived a life as a bandit. Not this refined gentleman. 

Black Bart was different than many outlaws. He worked alone and didn’t rob every stage he heard about. He invested his money in small businesses, and only robbed Wells Fargo stages when he needed more funds. He loved stay in nice hotels and eat at fine restaurants. 

Bart treated women with great respect, as he did all the victims on the stages he robbed. On more than one occasion he refused to take the valuables and money from a flustered lady passenger. He always tried to assure them he meant no harm to them, but only wanted what Wells Fargo had to offer. 

Charles Boles knew of a popular dime store novel featuring a feared outlaw dressed in black. When he took the name of Black Bart, he capitalized on a known fear, even though he never dressed in black and didn’t resemble the description of the dime store novel’s outlaw. The one thing all the stage drivers remembered about Bart was his clear, blue eyes, shining out from the holes in the flour sack. They couldn’t forget the color of those eyes.

Black Bart began to write poems, which he left at the site of his robberies. He signed them P o 8, which stumped the lawmen who were trying to catch him. He always disappeared without a trace. Even the poems gave no clue as to who Bart might be or where to find him.

Black Bart’s life of crime came to an end after a robbery he committed in November 1883. The sheriff who investigated the robbery examined the ground closely and found a handkerchief which contained a laundry mark. The handkerchief was taken to San Francisco and a search began for the laundry that used this mark. They found the correct laundry and as they were questioning the owner, Charles Boles, the owner of the handkerchief came through the doors.

Boles spent over six years in prison, but the story has it that after he was released, he disappeared. Another robbery occurred and the bandit left a poem. Upon examination it was agreed this poem was a copycat. Rumor has it that Bart was so successful in his efforts against Wells Fargo that the company paid him a yearly stipend to cease from robbing their stagecoaches, and he did.

Have you ever heard about Black Bart, the gentleman bandit? Can you guess why he signed his notes P o 8? Thank you for stopping by.

Nancy J Farrier is an award-winning, New York Times best-selling author who lives in Southern Arizona in the Sonoran Desert. She loves the Southwest with its interesting historical past. When Nancy isn’t writing, she loves to read, do needlecraft, play with her cats and dog, and spend time with her family. You can read more about Nancy and her books on her website: nancyjfarrier.com.

HHH July Book Day!

10 Books You Don't Want to Miss!

ALL ALONG
by Kimberly Keagan

 

A sweet, Gilded Age friends-to-more romance. FREE when you subscribe to Kimberly's email list.

It’s the summer of 1895, and Clara Hawthorne is determined to make Oliver Townsend see her as more than just his childhood friend. But when his charming older brother, Simon, unexpectedly awakens feelings she never anticipated, Clara must question everything she thought she wanted. 

Set against the backdrop of Long Island’s glittering summer cottages, this historical romance novelette is a reminder that love often has plans of its own.

A SLIGHT CHANGE OF PLANS
by Denise M. Colby 

California, 1870. Pastor William Baker built his life on steady faith and safe choices, but the arrival of Lydia Spencer upends everything. Independent and outspoken Lydia is unlike any woman he’s ever known. Lydia is a Pinkerton detective, undercover as a schoolteacher while tracking a dangerous crime boss. She’s determined to protect her friends in Washton even if it means keeping her distance from the kind, steadfast pastor who sees too much. But when Will and Lydia are thrown together in a search for truth they find themselves fighting not only for justice, but for a future neither had planned. 

EYE OF THE BEHOLDER 
by Linda Matchett 

 

Shunned for his appearance, a disfigured veteran encounters acceptance and love where he least expects it. Left with physical and emotional scars after the Great War, Hank Drake has been shunned by polite society as the Ugly Duckling. Fine by him. He’d much rather be alone. Until he meets the kind proprietress of a tea stand at New York’s World’s Fair who isn’t repulsed by his appearance. Can he hope for acceptance…or even love? A retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's beloved fairytale set at the 1939 New York World’s Fair.

FREED BY THE FRONTIER
By Denise Farnsworth, Sherry Shindelar, and Susan Craft

Three remarkable women find themselves caught between two worlds on the American frontier. A captive of the Comanche must choose between escaping to white society or her growing feelings for a rising war chief in 1850s Texas. A Georgia judge's daughter flees an unwanted betrothal, only to be captured by Creek warriors but protected by a mysterious brave. And in 1754, an English lady traveling the Great Wagon Road to become a teacher discovers her carefully planned future may not survive her attraction to a protective frontiersman.

LIGHTER THAN AIR
by Linda Hoover

Elena Biship’s father has until the end of August to pay a gambling debt or lose their home. She believes God is telling her to have a family camp on their estate.

Justin Ramsay, Elena’s neighbor, wants to fulfill the secret mission given to him by his grandmother. His older brother wants him to join the military unless he can keep Elena and the neighborhood safe while he’s away.

Justin and Elena disagree over the camp, even as an attraction beyond friendship ignites. The deadline for the debt is looming. Can they find their way together, or will both lose?

LISSA AND THE SPY
by Camille Elliot 

In Regency-era London, Miss Lissa Gardinier enters her second Season seeking a marriage in order to escape her mother's constant criticism. So she represses her cheeky remarks behind a quiet, innocent facade. The enigmatic Lord Jeremy Stoude is dismayed when a chance encounter with Miss Gardinier entangles her in his world of secrets and subterfuge. He cannot afford to be distracted by Lissa’s charming smile and unflappable demeanor. As danger stalks them and true feelings come to light, can Lissa and Jeremy navigate the labyrinth of society’s expectations and their own insecurities to find love?

 

 

MRS. WITHERSPOON GOES TO WAR
(Heroines of WWII series)
2023 SELAH Award 3rd Place Winner!
By Mary Davis


 

 

A WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) embarks on an unsanctioned mission to rescue three US soldiers held captive in Cuba.

Margaret “Peggy” Witherspoon is a thirty-four-year-old widow, mother of two, flying for the WASP. When her new supervisor, Army Air Corp Major Howie Berg, gives her an order she can’t follow, sparks fly. In the course of her duties, Peggy learns of US soldiers being held captive in Cuba. She undertakes a daring rescue mission. She will need all her WASP skills to succeed and come out of this alive while trying not to ignite an international incident.

SWEPT INTO DESTINY
by Catherine Ulrich Brakefield

Ben (first book of Destiny series) McConnell is a proud Irish immigrant who is determined not to give up despite hunger and deprivation. He clings to his mustard seed faith believing—nothing is impossible.

Maggie Gatlan is a rebel disguised as a Southern belle. Bens and Maggie’s journeys delve deeply into the truth about faith and devotion.

“… Brakefield’s flowing descriptions pull you into Swept into Destiny and keep immersed in the world of the Antebellum south…This isn’t just a world of beaus, belles, and balls, but of moral ambiguity and searches for truth…” L.H. Reader

TEXAS FORSAKEN
by Sherry Shindelar


 

 

Maggie Logan (Eyes-Like-Sky) lost everything when a raid tore her from her family. She adapted—marrying a Comanche and rebuilding her life. But the U.S. Cavalry destroys that life. Forced into a world she wants nothing to do with, Eyes-Like-Sky’s only hope may be an engagement to the man who killed her husband.

Plagued by guilt, Captain Garret Ramsey seeks redemption by taking responsibility for the woman he widowed and her baby. Though he is determined to do whatever it takes to protect them, is he willing to risk everything for a woman whose heart is buried in a grave?

 

 

THE RELUCTANT HEALER OF HALIFAX
by Terrie Todd

RE-RELEASED WITH A NEW COVER AND BONUS MATERIAL!

Rose Onishi is on track to fulfill her lifelong goal of becoming a concert pianist. When forced to leave her beloved home to work on the Thornes’ farm, her dream fades to match the black dirt staining her callused hands. When Rusty Thorne joins the army, he never imagines becoming a Japanese prisoner of war. Though he begs God to help him not hate his brutal captors, Rusty can no longer even hear the Japanese language without revulsion. Only his rare letters from home sustain him—especially the notes from his mother’s helper, which the girl signs simply as “Rose.”

 

Alaska's Acquisition Inspires a Famous Dessert by Linda Hoover

                                            

                                                                                                                                                     Emperor Alexander II               

 

Emperor Alexander II of Russia was in a difficult financial and logistical position. The Crimean War left the country in debt, and their enemy, Great Britian had troops in Canada, just on the other side of Russian America, or what we now know as Alaska. In 1859, the logical thing to do was offer to sell Alaska to the United States. The matter was discussed, but when the Civil War started in 1861, it was put on hold. In 1867, Alexander told the Russian Minister to the United States, Eduard de Stoeckl, to open negotiations for the sale. Secretary of State William H. Seward was in favor of acquiring Alaska. The two men agreed to a price of $7.2 million, which amounted to 0.02 cents per acre, and signed the treaty ceding Russian America to the United States on March 30, 1867. The treaty was ratified on May 15, 1867. The United States officially took possession on October 16, 1867, in a Flag-Changing Ceremony. The small population of Russians living in Alaska moved back to Russia.

Alaska Timeline: Russian American 1733 -1867

Department of Alaska – 1867 – 1884

District of Alaska – 1844 – 1912

Territory of Alaska – 1912-1959

State of Alaska – 1959 - Present

    
                                 

                                                                  



Let’s travel back in time to Delmonico’s Steak House in New York City. It was known as the first fine dining restaurant in the country. Customers were actually able to order from a menu. Steaks were their specialty, but they created other unique culinary dishes as well. Chef de Cuisine Charles Ranhofer joined the Delmonico team in 1867 and was known for creating and naming dishes after famous or frequent diners. Some dishes commented on current events. The Alaskan purchase inspired a dessert made with banana ice cream, walnut spice cake with apricot jam covered with toasted meringue. He called it “Alaska Florida” because of the frozen ice cream and warm meringue. There is some debate about who officially created it, but most people agree it was to celebrate the purchase of Alaska. The most supported theory of the inventor is Ranhofer. He included it in a cookbook he published in 1893, still calling it “Alaska Florida.” In 1896, Fannie Farmer published it in her “Boston Cooking School Cook Book” with the title “Baked Alaska.” 

                                                                                                         Delmonico's 1890s
              

I, and other people I’ve talked to, have wondered why the ice cream doesn’t melt when the cake is heated. I found there is a scientific answer. When egg whites are whipped, they form air bubbles, which in turn insulate the ice cream from the heat. You can make Baked Alaska with any kind of ice cream, gelato, or sorbet, and any kind of cake. The writer of the recipe for the cake below makes it sound doable. Tap the link to see if you think so. The other picture is of the Baked Alaska served on the Alaskan cruise I took in June. It was delicious.

   

                                                                   Baked Alaska

  Linda, a retired librarian, lives in west central Ohio with her husband and grandson. An avid reader and writer since childhood, she began her publishing career writing columns and a middle-grade serial for the South Charleston Spectator. Her desire is to entertain, but more importantly, to encourage readers with God’s faithfulness.

You’re invited to visit her website. Browse the pages to learn more about her and her books. Stay in touch when you sign up for her newsletter. You’ll receive a free novella as a thank you.


https://lindahooverbooks.com

                                                                      JOEL & ELLA

1881 Boston. It’s been a year since Ella's fiancé left town on the eve of their wedding, and she still can’t bring herself to go to church or see her friends. To help her move past her hurt, her parents insist she get a job. In the process, she gets reacquainted with Joel, a neighbor who accompanies her on the trolley to and from the large department store where she finds work. They enjoy each other’s company, and Joel begins to think they might share a future.

Then, Ella’s ex-fiancé returns, asking for a second chance. He’s already broken her heart once. Can she trust him? Does she still love him? Her feelings for Joel pull her in another direction. Or maybe she should stay away from any man so she won’t get hurt again. Mama advises her to pray. Will Ella look to God for her answer or turn away from both men to avoid heartache?

Famous Horses in History…Trigger – by Donna Schlachter with Giveaway

Roy and Trigger courtesy MorganHorse.com

Trigger the horse was one half of a famous team that included Roy Rogers. So let’s spend a little time looking at the famous man whose untiring devotion to the horse, and whose acute business sense saw the benefit in marketing this animal to his audience (many of whom were children), made Trigger’s fame possible.

Roy was born in 1911 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the third of four children. Leonard Franklin Slye lived with his family on a hand-built houseboat, which they moved to dry land during the Great Flood of 1913 and continued living in it.

In 1922, when Leonard/Roy was 11 years old, he was given a horse and learned to ride. The family was musical, so Leonard/Roy learned to sing, yodel, and play several instruments. During the Depression, the family moved to California, and although Leonard/Roy worked as a fruit picker and other itinerant jobs, he longed to pursue singing. He eventually co-founded the Sons of the Pioneers, making their first records in 1934 when he was 23. The actor Gene Autry gave them their first break with singing parts in his movies. Sometimes, who you know matters.

Just a few years later, Leonard/Roy got a lengthy contract with Republic Pictures, who wanted to cash in on the popularity and recent passing of Will Rogers, so Leonard/Roy changed his name to Roy Rogers. His first movie, Under Western Stars, released in 1938, required the use of a horse. Several were brought to him, and he chose the third mount, Golden Cloud, not even looking at the rest.

Roy and Trigger (MorganHorse.com)

 

From the beginning, Roy observed that Golden Cloud was no ordinary horse. Smiley Burnett, a co-worker, said, “he is quick off the trigger”, and Roy thought that a good name.

Trigger’s ancestry has always been up for debate, but Roy did some research, and he learned that the sire was at least part Morgan, part Thoroughbred, and his dam was also part Morgan. Despite that, Trigger’s bloodlines included the work ethic of the Morgan and the intelligence and agility of the Thoroughbred.

Trigger doing tricks with Roy (MorganHorse.com)

 

Hollywood Horse Trainer Glenn Randall trained Trigger on more than 150 tricks, including his famous two-legged rear, sitting in a chair, covering himself with a blanket and taking a nap, and because of a hectic travel schedule, was even housebroken.

Although Roy carefully guarded the secret that there was more than one Trigger, the horses were not identical. Trigger had one white stocking, while Trigger Jr. and Little Trigger had four. Their sizes were slightly different, and had Roy stood them side by side, even the little children would have realized their beloved Trigger had look-alikes. Interestingly, because Trigger was never bred, neither of his stand-ins were direct descendants. When asked why he didn’t allow Trigger to breed, Roy said he didn’t want to risk losing the docile spirit of the horse, as that made him trainable and also able to stand quietly while inexperienced riders sat on him.

Here are some interesting facts about Trigger and Roy:

-- Trigger, as Golden Cloud, had first been used in a movie featuring Olivia de Havilland as Maid Marion in The Adventures of Robin Hood

-- Trigger and Roy appeared in 88 movies from 1938 through the mid-1950s

-- Trigger had his own fan club, with members worldwide.

-- Trigger and Roy have their prints in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre 

Handprints and hoof prints at Grauman's Chinese Theater (MorganHorse.com)

-- Little Trigger was the horse that folks called “the smartest horse in the movies”, but Trigger got the fame

-- The Denver Broncos NFL team received permission to use the mold that created the form for Trigger after he died, and Bucky the Bronco was used to create the blue stallion with the blazing orange eyes that is synonymous with the Bronco team. The mold was destroyed after that.

-- In 1999, actor Val Kilmer led a horse named Triggerson on stage at the 71st Academy Awards as a tribute to Roy Rogers and his cowboy peers. Triggerson was reportedly grandsired by Trigger Jr.

Trigger died of natural causes one day shy of his 30th birthday at Roy’s ranch in Apple Valley, California. Unwilling to let his long-time friend and companion go, Roy arranged for a professional taxidermist to preserve the hide on a foam likeness of Trigger. The likeness was put on display in the original Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum in Apple Valley in 1967, then moved to the new museum location in Victorville, California, in 1976, and then resided in Branson, Missouri, since 2003.

Classic two-legged stance (Courtesy of wikipedia)

 

When the museum closed in 2010, its contents were sold at public auction. Trigger’s likeness was initially purchased by a television station, which planned to include it in a western museum, but those plans never materialized. But that hasn’t stopped Trigger. Instead, he’s spent the years since greeting visitors at the station’s corporate headquarters, along with Buttermilk, Dale Evans’ horse, and Bullet, Roy’s companion dog. The trio are occasionally lent to venues like John Wayne: An American Experience, and The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, where they continue to delight audiences of all ages. 

 

As Roy would say, "Happy trails to you!"



Leave a comment about any fond memories you have of Trigger and Roy Rogers, and I will randomly draw from all comments for a free ebook of Hollenberg Hearts to be sent to one lucky recipient.

 

About Hollenberg Hearts: A mail order bride. A crippled stationmaster. No way out for either of them—except with each other. Can they surrender their hearts and find true love?

About Donna:

A hybrid author, Donna writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 60 times in books; is a member of several writers' groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter. She is taking all the information she’s learned along the way about the writing and publishing process, and is coaching committed writers eager to tell their story. Learn more at https://www.donnaschlachter.com/the-purpose-full-writer-coaching-programs Check out her coaching group on FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/604220861766651

Website: www.DonnaSchlachter.com

Newsletter: https://www.thepurposefullwriter.com/newslettersignup Stay connected so you learn about new releases, preorders, and presales, as well as check out featured authors, book reviews, and a little corner of peace. Plus: Receive 2 free ebooks simply for signing up for our free newsletter!

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Donna-Schlachter/author/B01180A2EE

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donna-schlachter

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14116621.Donna_Schlachter



Resources:

Rearing image of trigger: (picture credit): https://ohiomemory.org/digital/collection/p267401coll32/id/15871/)

https://saddleupcolorado.net/blog/-roy-rogers-horse-trigger-breed-facts-where-he-is-no/?srsltid=AfmBOorpRamQCZ0b9o7ULLbs7GjmUBPAbA46x6t732KOmF74aA9J4MS9

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trigger_(horse)

https://www.morganhorse.com/upload/photos/page_1144_4-tmh_oct2020_historical_morgans_in_western_films_iv_roy_rogers_trigger.pdf

Shopping Comes Home: The History of Store Catalogs

by Kimberly Keagan

I'm old enough to remember the excitement of receiving the Sears & Roebuck, JCPenney, and Montgomery Ward catalogs in the mail, especially at Christmas. I'd sit for hours looking at the toys and, when I became a teenager, the clothes. It was the golden age of mail-order. Sears sent out its last catalog in 1993—nearly a century after it published its first, closing a chapter that had shaped how generations of Americans shopped.

Photo courtesy of thecatalogblog.com

 

That chapter began in the late 19th century, when shopping as people had known it for hundreds of years shifted dramatically. Thanks to the rise of the store catalog, the pleasures of browsing and buying arrived directly at the household door. These printed volumes transformed commerce—bringing fashion, household goods, and modern conveniences to an eager public.

Early catalogs were modest publications with simple price lists intended for merchants or rural customers. But by the Gilded Age, they had evolved into beautifully illustrated publications filled with detailed descriptions, persuasive language, and carefully curated selections. Engravings and fashion plates allowed readers to see what they were buying or what they dreamed of buying. Catalogs became entertainment as much as utility. Families pored over them together, circling favorites and discussing possibilities, often long before placing an order. For those living far from major cities, catalogs were nothing short of revolutionary. Rural households could now access the same goods as urban shoppers—ready-made clothing, furniture, tools, musical instruments, and even entire house building kits. Choice expanded dramatically, and with it, a sense of participation in modern life. 

                                     

Photo courtesy of thecatalogblog.com

 
Urban customers, too, embraced catalogs. They allowed for unhurried decision-making and offered a preview of styles before venturing into stores. The catalog bridged distance, time, and social barriers.

Clothing catalogs played a particularly important role. They standardized styles, spread trends rapidly, and introduced customers to silhouettes and accessories once limited to elite circles. Detailed measurements and descriptions helped buyers select garments suited to their needs, while illustrations encouraged confidence—and imagination. Catalog fashion helped shape a shared visual culture, making style more accessible and more democratic.    

                                       

Photo courtesy of Pinterest.

The language of catalogs was carefully chosen. Items were described not merely by function, but by promise—comfort, elegance, durability, respectability. Owning these goods suggested participation in a modern, orderly, and aspirational world. Each page invited readers to imagine improved homes, better appearances, and smoother daily routines.

Store catalogs laid the groundwork for modern retail, influencing how people shopped, planned purchases, and even dreamed about the future. They also left behind a remarkable visual record of everyday life—one that continues to fascinate historians and collectors alike.

In their crisp pages and confident prose, Gilded Age catalogs captured a moment when commerce met possibility. They brought the wider world into the parlor, proving that shopping could be as much about imagination as acquisition—and that sometimes, the most exciting journey began with turning a page. I still think about those hours spent circling toys and clothes on the pages of Sears and JCPenney, and I suspect that's exactly the feeling those first catalog makers were counting on.

 

Kimberly Keagan is a former investor relations consultant and corporate financial writer (not very romantic) who now crafts historical romances filled with strong heroines, swoon-worthy heroes, faith, and a touch of humor. Her debut novel, Perfect, released in May 2025. The fifth book in her Hearts on Display series releases September 9th. When not reading or writing, Kimberly enjoys baking, gardening, watching sports, and researching her family tree. Grab a free copy of her novelette, All Along, by subscribing to her mailing list here.