By Susan G Mathis
The Gilded Age 1890s marked a significant period in history, witnessing the emergence of societal changes, technological advancements, and a growing awareness of humanitarian values. In this era, the concept of adoption began to evolve, reflecting the shifting perspectives on family, child welfare, and societal responsibilities.
During the 1890s, traditional notions of family structure were undergoing transformation. The Victorian era emphasized moral values and family stability, but societal shifts, including urbanization and industrialization, were challenging these established norms. As families faced new economic challenges and societal expectations, the idea of adoption became a solution for both childless couples and orphaned children.
Adoption, however, was not yet a formalized legal process during this period. Instead, informal arrangements and personal agreements often characterized the placement of children into new families. Legal adoptions were rare, and there was minimal regulation governing the process. As a result, the well-being of adopted children depended largely on the intentions and capabilities of the adoptive parents.
The 1890s witnessed a gradual shift in the perception of parenting. While biological ties were still highly valued, there was a growing acknowledgment that love, care, and proper upbringing were crucial factors in ensuring a child's well-being. This changing perspective laid the groundwork for a more inclusive understanding of family, paving the way for the formalization of adoption processes in the decades to come.
Despite the positive intentions behind adoption efforts in the 1890s, challenges and controversies persisted. The lack of legal regulations meant that some children faced uncertain futures, and unscrupulous individuals took advantage of the informal nature of adoption arrangements. Additionally, societal stigma surrounding non-biological parenthood contributed to the challenges faced by adoptive families.
In my latest novel, Libby’s Lighthouse, Libby is adopted and grows up at Tibbetts Lighthouse, but she faces rumors, innuendos, and prejudices connected to adoption during this time. The challenges faced during this period also underscored the importance of establishing proper legal safeguards to ensure the well-being of adopted children and the integrity of the adoption process.
Do you know someone who was adopted? Leave your answer or comments on the post below and join me on October 19th for my next post.
ABOUT LIBBY’S LIGHTHOUSE:
Elizabeth Montonna, daughter of the Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse keeper, thought she’d love the lighthouse life forever—until her dying mother reveals a long-buried secret. Now Libby questions if she’ll ever truly belong and be loved. But when a dashing wounded sailor appears knowing nothing about his past or identity, his kindness and character steal a little more of her heart each day. Owen has no choice but to accept the hospitality of the lighthouse keeper and his lovely daughter. As his relationship with Libby turns serious, he knows their budding romance can go no further until he uncovers his past. With each passing day, Owen discovers the secrets of his identity, but will the revelations bring him closer to Libby or tear them apart forever?
ABOUT SUSAN:
Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has eleven in her fiction line. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan lives in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling the world. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.
By Susan G Mathis
In the late 19th century, the concept of amnesia captivated the minds of medical professionals and the general public alike. This mysterious condition seemed to erase memories, so amnesia became a subject of intense fascination and scrutiny during the 1890s. It marked the beginning of systematic investigations into the complexities of memory loss as scientists and physicians sought to understand the enigma surrounding amnesia.
In the 1890s, medical knowledge was still in its formative stages, and the understanding of the human brain was limited. Neurology was emerging as a distinct field of study, and amnesia posed a perplexing challenge to physicians, and the term "amnesia" itself was relatively new.
As the field of psychology evolved, pioneers like William James and Sigmund Freud began contributing their insights into the understanding of amnesia. Freud, in particular, explored the role of psychological trauma and repressed memories in the manifestation of amnesia. His theories on the unconscious mind and the impact of early life experiences added a new layer to the ongoing discourse surrounding memory loss. The prevalence of amnesia in popular literature and theater during the 1890s reflected society's fascination with the condition. Novels, plays, and short stories often featured protagonists grappling with memory loss, adding a dramatic and mysterious element to the narratives. These fictional portrayals contributed to the public's perception of amnesia as a captivating and somewhat romanticized phenomenon.
In my latest novel, Libby’s Lighthouse, a dashing sailor, Owen, suffers from amnesia and sojourns at Tibbetts Point Lighthouse. But with limited medical and psychological knowledge, treatment options for amnesia in the 1890s were mostly experimental. Some physicians prescribed rest and relaxation, believing that reducing mental strain could aid in memory recovery. Others explored the use of hypnotism and suggestion as potential therapeutic tools. But these treatments remained uncertain, and amnesia continued to baffle the medical community. The study of amnesia in 1890 was characterized by a blend of medical, psychological, and cultural perspectives.
Have you met someone with amnesia? Leave your answer or comments on the post below and join me on September 19th for my next post.
ABOUT LIBBY’S LIGHTHOUSE:
Elizabeth Montonna, daughter of the Tibbett’s Point Lighthouse keeper, thought she’d love the lighthouse life forever—until her dying mother reveals a long-buried secret. Now Libby questions if she’ll ever truly belong and be loved. But when a dashing wounded sailor appears knowing nothing about his past or identity, his kindness and character steal a little more of her heart each day. Owen has no choice but to accept the hospitality of the lighthouse keeper and his lovely daughter. As his relationship with Libby turns serious, he knows their budding romance can go no further until he uncovers his past. With each passing day, Owen discovers the secrets of his identity, but will the revelations bring him closer to Libby or tear them apart forever?
ABOUT SUSAN:
Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has eleven in her fiction line. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan lives in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling the world. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.
By Pamela S. Meyers
While researching for one of my novels, I came across a beautiful lighthouse that isn't located very far from me on Lake Michigan. As I write this, nearly the entire U.S. is on shelter-in-place orders due to COVID19. However, as soon as the restrictions are lifted and it's safe to be out and about, I plan to visit Grosse Point Lighthouse in Evanston, IL.
The lighthouse has a unique history having been constructed in 1872 at about the same time as the City of Chicago, a short distance to the south, was recovering from the effects of the Great Chicago Fire.
As the U.S. population moved westward, Chicago's lakefront became a primary port for schooners and other vessels to deliver their cargo for transport inland.
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| Lady Elgin Public Domain |
As ships approached Chicago's port from the north, they were unaware of shallow spots in the water just off Grosse Point that are called shoals and many ships went aground. One of the worst instances was in 1860 when a steamship called the Lady Elgin sank and an estimated 300 lives were lost.
The U.S. Government began construction of the lighthouse in 1872 and it was completed in 1873, but the light wasn't installed and lit until March of 1874. On a clear night, the beam could be seen from 21 miles away. It warned of the shallow water and guided arriving ships around Grosse Point and toward the Port of Chicago. In 1934, a photoelectric device provided a means to automatically turn the light on at night and a light keeper was no longer required to live there. In 1935, the site became the responsibility of the Lighthouse Park District.
The lighthouse is, which is now a national landmark, open for tours and inspection on weekends during the summer months. Evanston is located a short distance north of the city of Chicago and is easily accessed by public transportation or car.
To read a detailed history and more details about the lighthouse, go to www.grossepointlighthouse.net,
Sources in addition to the website include:
Wikipedia
Color photos used by permission by Sam Padron
Pamela S. Meyers writes her historical fiction stories set in her home state of Wisconsin from her cozy condo in northern IL that she shares with her two rescue cats. She is currently writing the fourth book in her series set in her home town of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, a short drive north of her home.
