I laughed out loud the other day when I read a Facebook post from another writer who mentioned being sucked into the “black hole” of historical research. It’s a pull I’ve been fighting myself. Somehow, when I read historical fiction, it never dawns on me the hours that writers put into getting the historical background correct. People are much the same –we dream, feel, hurt in much the same way throughout the centuries (though our responses may differ). But the details about language, clothing, culture, technology, historical events, and so on… Those can really trip you up.
But with the gift of the internet and google, historical research has never been simpler. You can find all kinds of interesting anecdotes. You can literally eat up hours poking around in strange websites that can teach you all kinds of obscure (and potentiall incorrect) information.
Here are some of the things I’ve learned recently about life in 1906 (the setting for my novel,
Shaken.)
Women used to collect hairs from their brushes and keep them in a small box to make into “rats” or “topsies;” hairpieces that would help fluff out their large pompadour hairstyles. They also used hair to make jewelry and artwork. These were especially valuable in times of mourning.
Corsets were not only worn during the day, but women slept in them as well. They starting wearing them at a young age (perhaps 8 or 9 years). In 1906, the popular style was the “S-shape,” which pushed your bosom forward and your rear… well, to the rear.
Leukemia was originally treated with arsenic. Around 1900, they started experimental treatments with x-ray radiation. Unfortunately, most doctors tested the x-ray levels on their own skin. They needed it to be set so that the skin would be slightly reddened after treatment. Many of these doctors later died from the disease they were seeking to cure.
San Francisco (and other cities) had a medical school which trained women doctors during the early 1900s.
During the massive fire of 1906, firemen used anything available to battle the flames. The water mains were broken, so they used dynamite, sewage, sea-water and even liquor from a distillery to try to fight the fire.
Even language has changed over the years. I have heard many humorous stories of writers being chastised for using the term “okay,” which is considered “modern” slang. Apparently the term dates to the 1830s when it was fashionable for Boston newspapers to shorten common phrases to initials. Think of today’s “lol” (laugh out loud) and “bff” (best friend forever) that has come out of the texting and instant messaging craze. People especially enjoyed them if the initials were used incorrectly. In the case of “OK,” it stood for “all correct” or “oll korrect.” It was then taken up as a battle cry for Martin Van Buren’s 1840 bid for re-election. His nickname was Old Kinderhook (OK) and his supporters claimed that it was the job of the democrat party “to make all things ok.” This caught the nation’s fancy and the term ok… later to be written “okay” became common vernacular.
So, here’s hoping that your week is “OK.” Have a great one!
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I laughed out loud the other day when I read a Facebook post from another writer who mentioned being sucked into the “black hole” of historical research. It’s a pull I’ve been fighting myself. Somehow, when I read historical fiction, it never dawns on me the hours that writers put into getting the historical background correct. People are much the same –we dream, feel, hurt in much the same way throughout the centuries (though our responses may differ). But the details about language, clothing, culture, technology, historical events, and so on… Those can really trip you up.
Interesting facts. Couldnt sleep like that…whew!!
Great article, Karen! I’m SO glad I’m not alone getting lost in research-land. Just when you think you’re wasting your time, you find that one little factoid that makes your story spring to life.