Congratulations to our anonymous reader who answered the trivia question at 10:02 am this morning!
On Saturday, August 28, I posed a question to our readers: Why did old houses not have closets?
The answer is: The wire coat hanger had not been invented! It was invented in 1903 by Albert J. Parkhouse. Prior to 1903 clothes were hung on nails or pegs, or folded and stored in trunks or shelves (some houses had "closets" but they were simply shelves enclosed by a door, not true closets as we have today).
I learned this quite by accident from Lou Ann. I had given her a book, The Geography of Home, and the answer lay within.
You can do an Internet search for "invention of the coat hanger" or "Albert J. Parkhouse" for more information.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter, Looking for the Wahabs of Ocracoke, was written by Dr. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecrafsmen.com/news082110.htm.
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do I now win a all expense paid trip from Connecticut to Ocracoke !!!!! I'll be waiting to hear.
ReplyDeleteWait some historians think Thomas Jefferson invented a clothes hanger. If this were true all his inventions were not patented. because well was there a patent office?? This fellow you speak of either patented the clothes hanger and MASS produced it . if a great thing is not mass produced and sells the product which is good ole capitalism at its best well how the heck would we know about it or to try making our own blasted coat anger.
ReplyDeleteNow, I'm glad to know the answer to the closet mystery . I feel dumb, but nevertheless, I'm glad to know.
ReplyDeletePhilip, my attentions are more focused on hurricane Earl and the growing possiblity the storm will affect Ocracoke.
I'm sure you will be sharing your thoughts soon about the pending storm.
As always, thanks so much!
Philip Am counting on you to be my eyes and report to us concerning hurricane Earl. Are they evacuating yet? Are the ferries running? Do you board up and leave? How bad do you think it will be?
ReplyDeleteMEE TOOO !! We have resevations to come this Friday! I just need a link or something to see if the ferries are running!
ReplyDeleteHi Philip, I have just been watching the early morning news and see that Hurricane Earl is heading your way. According to this report Ocracoke is being evacuated..Seems like a good idea to me as "Fiona" is close behind. I hope that everyone stays safe. You and the rest of Ocracoke's inhabitants are in my prayers. Best wishes for a safe few weeks..Judy
ReplyDeleteIs there a web site where residents go for news about hurricanes and evacuations? How do you get information on such?
ReplyDeleteWhere/how do the people of Ocracoke dispose of large household items, like old mattresses and refrigerators?
ReplyDeleteRumors are flying. This comment was posted at 8:22 this morning, "According to this report Ocracoke is being evacuated."
ReplyDeleteNonsense.
We won't know anything definite until about noon Wednesday.
Sit down and shut up.
There is no need to be rude previous poster! I did see the CAPE LOOKOUT was being closed, maybe the poster was confused. Just wait for Phillip to give us the FACTS!
ReplyDeleteWell said! I thought previous poster was rude also!
ReplyDeleteNarrative this morning strikes me a bit like conversation among anxious characters in a scene from Alfred Hitchcock's Lifeboat. The preferred approach would indeed seem for all to take their seats, remain calm, and await word from Cap'm Phillip, who, I'll bet, is likely enjoying a walk on the beach this morning in advance of checking the hurricane forecast, among other things.
ReplyDeleteLarge items such as mattresses and refrigerators are disposed of at the "convenience center" next to the Sheriff's Office.
ReplyDeleteOh, my. My comments posted at 8:22 a.m. a few days ago were not meant to cause such a ruckus. I really was watching the morning news program. And that program DID convey that Ocracoke was being evacuated. My sincere apologies to anyone who was offended...Judy
ReplyDelete