Double Legacies of 19th Century Paris

Ah the New Year. It is January 3, 2025. Did you choose and are you still upholding your resolutions? Did you select “a word” for 2025? Whether or not you are steadfast in either or already in regret, time marches on.

What if we could consider another angle for the remaining 362 days?

What will we leave behind?

I’m not referring to a will or progeny. I am offering the concept of rendering something that will help your fellow man. Perhaps you give of your time, talents, and possessions to a charity? Maybe you volunteer at a hospital or museum? Do you contribute to your field of work? Are you a writer, blogger, or author, and you part with words for this generation and the subsequent? Whatever the case may be, we all have opportunities to give. Perhaps they are large in scale? Or maybe our gestures are small, but they are no less important. 

Whether you dedicate yourself to a current cause and your efforts are for the here and now, or you contribute to a legacy - ponder the possibility of helping another. Art. Education. Industry. Faith. There are numerous paths to take. Any present thoughts?

As I considered what to write for this month, I was also lamenting the lack of travel in 2024. Life was full and journeys were sparse. Even in those times, joy existed in reflection of where I’ve been, what I’ve seen. I searched through photos to discover if there was anything I had not shared from prior trips. This led me to the Musée Jacquemart-André. Fitting, as this mansion belonged to a couple who gave of their Art collection and abode for all who visit after, to learn about the culture of their days. Also apropos, the overhaul of Paris in the late 1800s, early 1900s.

It is important to understand the landscape of this couple's time. In the 19th century Napoleon III (third son of Louis Bonaparte, who was the third brother of Napoleon Bonaparte), entrusted Baron Georges-Eugène Haussmann to redesign the city of Paris. As the Prefect of the Seine Department, Haussmann (who did not have a background in architecture) overhauled the urban layout. From 1853 – 1927, his crews demolished entire areas of the city.

At a dark time riddled with disease and in a crowded landscape, Haussmann razed over 12,000 medieval buildings. These demolitions did not have the advantage of bulldozers. Sheer laborer grit, muscle, wheelbarrows, and basic tools accomplished the tasks. Instead of a maze of streets, he created a grid with elegant boulevards and over 40,000 new structures. As a goal, he featured monuments as centerpieces for diagonal streets. One iconic example is the Arc de Triomphe amidst twelve arterials.

Haussmann established a unified look with most of the designs featuring six stories or less. Freestone with its light gray hue adorned the outside. The bottom floor and mezzanines contained businesses, shops, and restaurants and had the tallest ceilings. Many intricate doors adorn these levels.

The second floor with 10.5’ ceilings housed the elite of the time. The dressiest portions of the exterior touted iron balconies and ornate details. Interiors touted intricate molding and parquet herringbone patterns.

This balcony at left stands out as the long-time resident seeks to bring the outside in. Lovely, no?

While the fifth floor also had balconies, they were only for balance in the appearance of the structure. The sixth-floor attics contained servants’ quarters. In present day, these are coveted as they offer stunning views. The dormer windows and mansard roofs allow more sunlight at street level because of the angles. 

Often there were entrances where the wealthy entered via horse-drawn carriages. In addition, Haussmann established new sewers, viaducts, and fountains. He left margin for Les Halles - the marketplace and the Palais Garnier. You can read about the home of the Paris Opera Ballet in Cindy Kay Stewart’s post. Below, view photos of the carriage door and passageway of the Musée Jacquemart-André, now solely used for foot traffic.

Speaking of the Palais Garnier, the owners of the mansion in question purchased land on Boulevard Haussmann and hired Henri Parent to design their home. Earlier, Parent applied to the Palais project but lost the post to his colleague, Charles Garnier. Inspired by similar classical models, Henri Parent’s use of staircases resembles those in the Palais. Set back from the boulevard, this allows passersby to focus on the equilibrium of the design. 

Palas Garnier interior with steps in photo below at left. Musée Jacquemart-André steps in photo below at right. Notice the similar styles of design, composition, and construction.

 

Edouard André and his wife Nélie Jacquemart collected paintings from artists of the time, jewelry, ceramics, silverware, tapestries, and miniatures. In the manner of profession, Edouard served as a member of the National Assembly. He started collecting in 1860. Nélie, an artist, continued locally and in travels even after he passed at the age of 60.

Not only did they acquire objects, they sought decoration for the mansion building itself. For example, Giambattista Tiepolo painted a fresco for the Venetian Villa Contarini in 1745. This couple learned of the opportunity to purchase the nearly 150-year-old depiction of a wedding. Logistics did not deter their visions. Eight months of dismantling, transportation, and installation yielded décor for their staircase and dining room. If you observe the bottom right hand portion of the mural, you will see a trompe l'oeil of the painter hanging out and observing the scene. Nifty, yes?

What was life like for Edouard and Nélie? Below you can see her bedroom as the norm for the elite consisted of separate rooms. The couple did not have children and instead devoted themselves to their cause. Parisians and travelers alike benefit from their benevolence to this day.

Elaborate events found them entertaining in this luxurious home. The foyer and stairs offered a place to be seen, much like the purpose of the hall and stairs at Palais Garnier. The dance hall with parquet floors presented entertainment with the musicians playing from the balconies above.

After perusing these vignettes, where are we? We see how Haussmann left a changed landscape recognized worldwide. We learned that Edouard and Nélie left a collection of treasures and a mansion of culture for education and appreciation. 

Do you recall a person who impacted you with their contribution? Will you leave something behind to make a mark?

Happy New Year and may 2025 be more than you imagined!

As a child, Rebecca loved to write. She nurtured this skill as an educator and later as an editor for an online magazine. Rebecca then joined the Cru Ministry - NBS2GO/Neighbor Bible Studies 2GO at its inception. She serves as the YouVersion Content Creator, with over 125 Plans, in 44 languages on the Bible.com app.

Rebecca lives near the mountains with her husband and a rescued dog named Ranger. She is a proud mom of a soldier. If it were up to Rebecca, she would be traveling - right now. First up, trips to see their two grown sons. As a member of ACFW and FHLCW, she tackles the craft of fiction while learning from a host of generous writers. (Rebecca snapped the photos in this post on two Paris trips.)

Connect with Rebecca: Facebook Goodreads Instagram Pinterest X/Twitter

Unexpected Legacies: Louisa M. R. Stead

Matthew J Elliott

It is a busy season for many of us, and with the ‘Big’ holidays just around the corner, things are not going to cool off any time soon. We also have an election coming up, and while I do not advocate for promoting any candidate, it is important to take a few moments to focus on the motivations behind the choices we make before all the chaos of that election, and the upcoming holidays ensue. Sometimes it’s better to put our focus on something a little more heavenly than what the world brings.

While I have typically been highlighting the painful memories of certain songs or authors, today, I’d rather focus on the message left behind by the person. In truth, there is a bit of sadness to the story behind ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus’. She struggled with health issues for most of her life. Despite failing to accomplish her goal of becoming a missionary to China, Louisa married William Stead and together they had a daughter named Lily. 

After tragedy struck, her husband died trying to save a young boy from drowning in the ocean. Louisa and Lily found themselves destitute, with only a prayer to guide them. However, faced with this loss, Louisa found the courage to pray and seek guidance. In the end, that prayer paid off and eventually, she became compelled to write the hymn we all know. While we all know and love the words of this classic hymn, that is not where the most impactful aspects of her legacy lie.

Rather, the most impactful aspects of her legacy come from the missionary she became after the tragedy struck. Less than a year after Stead penned the chorus of her song, she and Lily moved out of the country and became missionaries in Africa. While she was living there, Louisa married a gentleman named Robert Wodehouse. As they began to experience their life together, they both worked in various African countries. They were all about serving others and sharing a message of hope with those around them. Many came to believe through their ministry. 

Louisa’s health issues continued through all of this and eventually, she had to return to America. However, once the healing came, the missionary could not stay in one place. Instead, she returned to the missionary field in Rhodesia. This is where Louisa would spend the rest of her days ministering anywhere the road would take her. In time, Lily became interested in being a missionary like her mother and chose to pursue the same calling. 

So again, the legacy was not in the song “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.” It was about the courage Louisa showed through her dedication to serving as a missionary to so many in Africa. It was through this determination and dedication that her daughter Lily found her own path and several South African churches flourished. Louisa trusted that in all things, it was truly so sweet to trust in Jesus. Regardless of what she faced, Louisa continued to believe in the calling she felt she should embrace.  

As each day passes, we are confronted with many difficult trials and choices that require our attention. While overcoming the pain of those hard moments is not always easy, we can look at others as an example. Louisa trusted in something bigger than herself and things worked out for her. While she still endured pain and sickness throughout her life, she accomplished many things. We can do so as well. What are some ways we can pursue our own unexpected legacy? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I’ll be looking to reply to any comment I see.

 

See you in the pages and sooner than you think!!

Matt

PS (Next Time, The Unexpected Legacies Series, will be traveling back to ancient biblical times. It's going to be fun and I can't wait to go back there.)
PSS (I will be giving away a few copies of my newest book, The Cyprus Journal, at the Mid-Month Madness Takeover this month. Are you coming?)

~ Biography ~

Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a passionate writer who loves to encourage and inspire others. He has served in various ministry roles for over 15 years, which has given 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 happily married to Traci, and they have three children named Leyla, Caleb, and Hannah, who bring them immense joy and inspiration. As a writer, Matthew's goal is to share love, equip others, and edify them for the greater good. He loves connecting any amount of scripture to his stories and uses his knowledge of Biblical History to do so often.

You can find Matthew's works on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, and His Website. He has written Devotionals, An Episodic Series, Novellas, and even Commentaries for The Gospel Daily.

~ Highlighted Release ~

A Paperback Exclusive, Finding Philemon, The Entire Limited Series!

A Former Slave. His Emotional Journey. Searching For The Way Home.

Are you ready to dive into a captivating series that delves into the journey of a young runaway slave who discovers God in his quest for redemption? Finding Philemon is exactly that kind of series. Come along on this unexpected journey as Onesimus faces the haunting demons of his past and witness his story unfold before your eyes in this first-hand account of someone many know little about.

Kitty Wilkins – Horse Trader Extraordinaire

 

By Suzanne Norquist

Imagine a striking, blond-haired, blue-eyed woman running a major business enterprise. She dresses at the height of fashion and commands all aspects of her organization. The newspapers love her and call her a queen, even describing her pearly teeth and full, red lips. She’s well educated and plays her own grand piano.

Now imagine that woman in the late 1800s. Horses are her business. Katherine (Kitty) Wilkins was known as the Horse Queen of Idaho or the Queen of Diamonds. Her ranch used a diamond brand. She wore tailor-made Parisian clothing and rode side-saddle when away from the ranch.

Her family moved out West a few years before her birth in 1857. She grew up in various mining towns and camps as her father started several businesses, including mining, a grocery store, and a hotel. Despite setbacks, he earned enough to provide her with a good education at the Sacred Heart Academy in Ogden, Utah and Notre Dame Convent school in San Jose, California.

She was a gifted rider, and her brothers taught her the necessary skills of shooting pistols and rifles. Education and life experience provided her with the best of both worlds.

By the time she was twenty, her father had started ranching both cattle and horses in Idaho. She learned the business from him. He took her on horse-selling trips east. Soon, she’d developed her own marketing flair. She recognized good horseflesh and took pride in her stock, claiming she would never ship a blemished animal. Eventually, she and her brothers took over the ranch with them managing the cattle and her the horses.

She liked to tell the story of how she started buying horses as a young child. A family friend had given her two twenty-dollar gold pieces as a gift, and her father spent them on a horse for her.

Regardless of her beginning, she became the undisputed queen of the business. On the Diamond Range, all the hands, no matter how rough their edges, respected her. Anyone who didn’t was removed.

She bought stallions from around the world to develop her stock. No native Oregon or Spanish horses for her. Her vast herd required forty men for fall roundup.

Wilkins horses were in demand all over the United States. Her ranch provided most of the horses used by the US in World War I.

Kitty wasn’t particularly interested in women’s rights, but people held her up as an example of what women could do. She also didn’t care for bicycles, not because they were unladylike, but because they competed against horses.

After World War I, when automobiles and machinery replaced horses, Kitty retired to Glenns Ferry, Idaho. She died of a heart attack in 1936 at age seventy-nine.

Her ability to command respect is what I most admire. People let her do the work she loved. And she used the varied aspects of her life experience and education to create an empire. What a fine example for women today.

***

”Mending Sarah’s Heart” in the Thimbles and Threads Collection

Four historical romances celebrating the arts of sewing and quilting.

Mending Sarah’s Heart by Suzanne Norquist

Rockledge, Colorado, 1884

Sarah seeks a quiet life as a seamstress. She doesn’t need anyone, especially her dead husband’s partner. If only the Emporium of Fashion would stop stealing her customers, and the local hoodlums would leave her sons alone. When she rejects her husband’s share of the mine, his partner Jack seeks to serve her through other means. But will his efforts only push her further away?

For a Free Preview, click here: http://a.co/1ZtSRkK

Suzanne Norquist is the author of two novellas, “A Song for Rose” in A Bouquet of Brides Collection and “Mending Sarah’s Heart” in the Thimbles and Threads Collection. Everything fascinates her. She has worked as a chemist, professor, financial analyst, and even earned a doctorate in economics. Research feeds her curiosity, and she shares the adventure with her readers. She lives in New Mexico with her mining engineer husband and has two grown children. When not writing, she explores the mountains, hikes, and attends kickboxing class.

She authors a blog entitled, Ponderings of a BBQ Ph.D.

 

The Taste of Autumn

By Kathy Kovach

Fall is my favorite time of year. A chill kisses the morning air. Leaves present their last hurrah in a finale of bursting color. Spicy, earthy scents rise up from the path, like an incense presented upon the death of something beautiful.

Then there are the tastes. A cornucopia of delicious delicacies only to be appreciated during the season that ushers in winter. The first, and most obvious, is pumpkin. Imagine yourself on a New England farm in 1672. Pumpkins grew in abundance, and thus was born the first recorded recipe in New Englands Rarities Discovered by John Josselyn.

In the 1800s, sweet pumpkin dishes began to grace holiday tables. Pumpkin pie was the most popular, but other creative recipes also made an appearance. Such as a scooped-out shell filled with ginger-spiced milk and roasted by the fire. Mmm...wish I had a recipe for that.

Autumn harvest also reminds me of apples. From Golden Delicious and Granny Smith to Gala and Pink Lady. I can still remember the aroma of fresh apples bobbing in a tub just before I plunged my face in to capture one of the beauties, during a festival or party at home. Having a slight overbite gave me an unfair advantage. This tradition didn’t start out as an innocent game, however.

Hundreds of years ago, the ritual started with the British as a way of choosing a mate. The romantic game may have had superstitious roots, but I’m sure it evolved into a fun way to connect with that special someone. In one variation, each apple was assigned to a different fellow. The young lady would try to bite into the apple of one she fancied. If she succeeded in one try, their romance was certain. Two tries meant he would court her, but their romance would fade. A third signaled a doomed failure as a couple. Not sure I’d keep trying. I’d just grab the guy and run. Another game constituted a race. Whichever young damsel caught a bobbing apple first would be the next to marry. I wonder if the men ever deigned to get their faces wet?

The game eventually faded in popularity, but was brought back at the end of the 19th century by Americans seeking their immigrant roots.

Finally, a less healthy and cavity-inducing indulgence shows up every fall. The stores have bags of the stuff, and my husband becomes a child when I bring the first bounty home. Can you guess? Candy corn, of course. The most loved/hated confection in existence.

Most historians agree that the peculiar candy was introduced in the 1880s by George Renninger, an employee of the Wunderle Candy Company in Philadelphia. At this time, farmers made up about half of the work force, therefore, marketing swung that way. Candies were formed into tiny pumpkins, turnips, chestnuts, and even pea pods. Renninger came up with a unique tri-colored design in the shape of a corn kernel. In 1898, Goelitz Candy Company, now called the Jelly Belly Candy Company, picked up the confection and labeled it “Chicken Feed.” Corn was not yet used for human consumption, but given to the livestock. Today, approximately 35 million pounds of the corn syrup based sweet treat are sold every year according to Lauren O’Toole, a spokesperson for the National Confectioners Association. My husband is a major stock holder.

Every season has its signature taste. Peppermint, sugar cookies, and hot chocolate in winter. Spring vegetable dishes. Watermelon and strawberries for the hot summer. But the autumn senses tantalize the most, in my opinion, with the rich harvest tastes and smells that seem to laude Americana.

Titanic: Legacy of Betrayal

A secret. A key. Much was buried on the Titanic, but now it's time for resurrection.

Follow two intertwining stories a century apart. 1912 - Matriarch Olive Stanford protects a secret after boarding the Titanic that must go to her grave. 2012 - Portland real estate agent Ember Keaton-Jones receives the key that will unlock the mystery of her past... and her distrusting heart.

To buy: Amazon

Kathleen E. Kovach is a Christian romance author published traditionally through Barbour Publishing, Inc. as well as indie. Kathleen and her husband, Jim, raised two sons while living the nomadic lifestyle for over twenty years in the Air Force. Now planted in northeast Colorado, she's a grandmother, though much too young for that. Kathleen is a longstanding member of American Christian Fiction Writers. An award-winning author, she presents spiritual truths with a giggle, proving herself as one of God's peculiar people.

Website
Blog With A Giggle
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The Kitchen Garden by Donna Schlachter (with giveaway)

 

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

A kitchen garden, so named because of its proximity to the rear door and kitchen of most pioneer houses, provided an important source of food and medicinal plants for the household. With the Westward Expansion in full swing following the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, tens of thousands of settlers moved west of the Mississippi in search of a piece of land to call their own. As a result, volumes of gardening advice were written and distributed. While some followed the 17th century European garden writers, in many parts of the country, Native American practices were adopted, and in some cases, both styles were implemented in the same plot of ground.

Important considerations included the length of the growing season in the area; the sometimes-drastic differences between high and low temperatures; the type of soil; the local wildlife which might eat the tender plants; the family’s food choices; and the amount of work required to raise a particular crop.

While American pioneers rarely had access to large animal manure, as their European cousins did, they made do with what they had. Dung from a family cow or horse provided fertilizer, as did the roaming herds of bison. Following the example of the Native Americans, pioneers learned that eels and dead fish could also be buried in the soil.

 

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Plant placement depended on fragrance; harvesting styles; whether a perennial or annual; and even fragrance. For example, sweet-smelling herbs and flowers might be planted closer to the kitchen window, while strong-smelling plants, such as cabbage and onions, were relegated to a distant corner. Annual plants, grown from seed, were planted together, while perennials, such as rhubarb asparagus, horse radish, strawberries, and raspberries, were grouped in another bed so the roots weren’t disturbed during harvest, and so that they were contained, as these plants tend to spread. Crops that were harvested continuously, such as radishes and lettuce, were grown in the same bed. Those plants that tended to spread, such as melons, squash, and pumpkins, were set apart, hedged in by cabbages. Crops which could be replanted throughout the growing season, including beets, often were sown a week apart in a separate row, so that a continuous crop provided food throughout the season.

Herbs commonly grown included lavender, marjoram, savory, thyme, and even roses, which provided a bountiful crop of vitamin C-rich rosehips that could stave off scurvy in the winter months. These herbs were dried and stored away, and used in salves, teas, cleaning products, and insect deterrent.

Planting in raised beds of soil allowed for adequate drainage where rainfall was plentiful, while in more arid areas, the plants were sowed at ground level, and often shallow canals were dug around the beds so rainwater collected in barrels could be distributed when the rain was sparse.

Protecting the garden from local wildlife, including rabbits, skunks, raccoons, and deer, was important. Sometimes dense thorny hedges were planted to keep these animals out. At other times, fences were erected, often with sharp points to prevent animals from climbing over. The upright boards, called pickets or pales, were placed close together to keep smaller animals from squeezing through.

 

To deter insects, a variety of remedies was used. Placing or planting sage as a border around plants sometimes worked. Cabbage leaves laid between plants attracted slugs and snails, and the leaves were burned each morning. Onion skins controlled squash bugs, and soapy water thrown directly on the plants killed some insects, particularly aphids on roses and cabbages.

Preserving the produce of a kitchen garden was often limited to drying or pickling. In particular, peppers and onions were hung in braids or wreaths, while fruit was dried on the roof.

Until the 1930s, seeds were ordered from a catalog at the general store or mercantile. Many hours were spent poring over the pictures, determining if the seed was right for the area and soil type. Pioneers were reluctant to try a new variety because if the seed failed to thrive, their family could go hungry. Favorites with built-in insect resistance and large yields were purchased year after year. Drought resistant plants were important in arid areas, while disease resistant were more important in areas with ample rainfall. Sometimes a household had a large enough garden that they could supply produce to other families, who paid for the herbs and vegetables with eggs, milk, cheese, or perhaps produce the originating family didn’t grow for themselves.

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

Because early kitchen gardens focused primarily on providing daily food plus durable products to store over the winter and spring, the range of produce was usually wide. However, the staples of potatoes, carrots, turnips, cabbage, beets, and parsnips, which could be stored in the root cellar, was critical, as this would sustain the family when fresh fruit and vegetables wasn’t available. The more delicate crops, such as lettuce, asparagus, berries, tomatoes, cucumbers, and the like, were enjoyed while they were fresh. Pickling, using a brine solution, was common for tomatoes and cucumbers. Peas, beans, beets, and corn were often canned.

 

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

For a household blessed with a hard-working woman, sometimes assisted by the children when it came time to weed or turn the soil, worries over not enough food were rare. Today, household gardens are coming back into popularity because of concerns over hybridization of crops, use of pesticides and insecticides, and the fact that many crops are harvested before ripening. There is nothing like the taste of a warm, off-the-vine tomato or sweet berries, picked moments before.

Contest: Leave a comment for the opportunity to be entered into a random drawing for “Kate”, the first book in Oregon Trail mystery series, print (US only) or ebook, winner’s choice.

About Kate:

Kate Benton, daughter of a saloon floozy, runs away, straight into the arms of Tom McBride, fleeing from his outlaw brother’s past. Can these two, damaged by life experiences, tear down the walls that separate them with God’s help? Or are they destined to remain alone forever?

Buy links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kate-Prairie-Roses-Collection-Book-ebook/dp/B084VTBGF2

Publisher: http://www.plsbookworks.com/2.html



 

 

Resources:

https://littlehouseontheprairie.com/pioneer-kitchen-gardens-how-the-pioneers-planned-and-planted/

http://www.lpmastergardener.com/pioneer-heritage-garden.html

http://www.lpmastergardener.com/pioneer-heritage-garden.html



About Donna:

Donna lives in Denver with husband Patrick. As a hybrid author, she writes historical suspense under her own name, and contemporary suspense under her alter ego of Leeann Betts, and has been published more than 30 times in novellas, full-length novels, devotional books, and books on the writing craft. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Writers on the Rock, Sisters In Crime, Pikes Peak Writers, and Christian Authors Network; facilitates a critique group; and teaches writing classes online and in person. Donna also ghostwrites, edits, and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, and travels extensively for both. Donna is represented by Terrie Wolf of AKA Literary Management.

 

 

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