Tag Archive: servants

The Servant Problem in the 1860s

Here are a few more cartoons from Punch, in 1861 and 1862.  One thing I like is that the cartoonists are sympathetic towards honest ignorance, and aim their wit mostly at pretension. I… Continue reading

Domestics and the Crinoline in 1862

Yesterday we went to an estate sale at a huge ranch.  Thousands of items were being sold, but most of them were just ordinary things like throw pillows or boxes of glassware from… Continue reading

Properly Attired Servants, 1907-style

Now that we have sprung forward, I’m sure spring cleaning is on your mind.  Which inevitably brings up questions, “How many servants should I have?” “How shall I occupy myself while they are working?” and… Continue reading