Anita Mae Draper - Writing/Author Blog

Dissected Puzzles in Jane Austen's World

9/5/2020

Wallis's New Dissected Map of World, published June 25, 1812. Library of Congress Geography and Map Division, Public Domain

Did you know that the puzzles we call jigsaw or interlocking puzzles are mentioned in Jane Austen's Mansfield Park? I didn't make the connection until I researched them for my history post Dissected Puzzles in Jane Austen's World for the Heroes, Heroines, and History blog.

If you like jigsaw puzzles, join me as I delve into the history and creation of one of my favorite pastimes which has been a lot longer than I ever imagined.

Carom or Crokinole

8/5/2020

The deciding shot, 1903. Public Domain, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division

See the children in the above stereograph? Are they playing caroms like the caption questions?

I don't think so.

Join me for Caroms and Crokinole as I continue my board game series on the Heroes, Heroines and History blog with images and ephemera to support my theory that the children are actually playing a hardy game of crokinole.

What do you think?

Life Board Game

7/5/2020

The Checkered Game of Life board. Wikipedia, Public Domain

I've covered Geographical Board Games and Virtue Board Games, but as the 19th century progressed, people pursed wealth and success along with happiness and virtue.

If you like board games, join me at Heroes, Heroines, and History where I bring you the story of the Game of Life, one of the most successful board games of all time.

Virtue Board Games

6/5/2020

The New Game of Virtue Rewarded and Vice Punished, London, 1818. Courtesy of SLSA B1715487

I'm carrying on with my board game theme with the topic of virtue, or morality, games over on the Heroes, Heroines, and History blog.

Of this theme, the most famous is the Snakes and Ladders game where my research led me to several versions including winter-themed and a Christmas version.

You can find it all on my HHH post, Virtue Board Games.

Geographical Board Games

5/5/2020

The road to Washington, c1884. Library of Congress, Public Domain

We're talking board games over at the Heroes, Heroines and History blog and my post this month is all about geographical or map games from the 19th century.
These games are fun and educational and just the thing for kids and adults with too much time on their hands.

Join us and see how you can get your hands on one.

Butchart Gardens Trip

4/5/2020

Almost 30 years ago in March 1992, I had the opportunity to visit The Butchart Gardens near Victoria, BC on Vancouver Island. Perhaps I've been thinking of that time because it's spring, or maybe it's because we're all in lock down, but whatever the reason, I wanted to share the beauty of the sunken garden and my photos with you.

So pop over to the HHHistory blog where I compare my pics along with some one-hundred-year old ones of when these special Butchart Gardens were created and why they were built in a quarry.

Giant Victoria Lily Pads

3/5/2020

Woman playing violin, standing on lily pad at Shaw's Garden (Missouri Botanical Garden), in front of Linnean House, c1905. Courtesy of Missouri History Museum, Public Domain

The woman in the above image is playing her violin while standing on a giant lily pad. Sound incredible? It's not. The leaves of the Victoria regia can grow up to 8 feet across depending on conditions. With a fascinating underside that allows it to support weight, many historical images show people standing or sitting on the giant leaves.

If you're interested in learning more, and seeing historical images about this wonderful plant that grows in the wilds of South America and many of the world's botanical gardens, check out my post on the Heroes, Heroines, and History blog.

Valentine Ephemera

2/5/2020

Valentine in form of a bank note. Philadelphia c. 1852. Library of Congress, Public Domain

With Valentine's Day coming up I'm showing three pieces of Valentine ephemera including picture and word puzzles.

And keeping with the topic, I'm giving away a print copy of The Secret Admirer Romance Collection which contains 9 novellas, including my love note story, Love in Store. (Bookmark in the right column shows the book and love notes.)

So head on over to the Heroes, Heroines, and History blog and get yourself entered for the giveaway by leaving a comment before midnight, Feb 5th.

Historical Snowman Pics

1/5/2020

Winter, Penrhyn Stanlaws, artist, 1907. Source: LOC Prints and Photographs Division

Snowman, snow woman, snow people photos in history...that's what I researched for my 1st post for 2020. So join me at www.hhhistory.com on January 5th when I bring you through illustrations, photos, a woodcut, and more the history of a fun winter activity.

Giveaway on Sleigh Bells Post

12/5/2019

Lady in cutter, Calgary, Alberta, ca 1910. Courtesy of Glenbow Archives

I love the sound of sleigh bells and their modern jingle bell cousins, and that's why I'm featuring them on my December 5th post at Heroes, Heroines, and History blog.

Did you know that driving a sleigh without bells is still a law in some areas? I even found a video showing different sleigh bells and how the sound changes according to weight and size.

If you do get a moment to visit my post on the HHH blog today, enter for a chance at my giveaway.

Hope to see you there.