Our Past Is Present November 17, 2017

November 17, 2017

            This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.

 If we get some rain, this story will have more meaning.  The story comes from a November 1910 newspaper and is about using an umbrella in other ways than protecting us when we are outside in the rain.  The author of the newspaper article wrote that “Umbrellas require a great deal of attention to keep them in good repair but at the same time they are well worth it.”  The author asked: “How often have your bonnets and hats been saved from ruin when caught in a sudden downpour with no shelter at all?  Upon arriving home after being caught in the rain, it was suggested that the umbrella should not be stuck in the stand and left to drain.  The moisture would gradually accumulate in the silk causing it to rot and go into shards in a short time.  It should be placed open, in a dry, airy room until it is thoroughly dry.

The article went on to instruct that when put away the umbrella should be left unrolled to avoid having the creases wear through.  One’s best silk umbrella should never be put in a stand, where the commonplace ones are kept.  Anyone coming in in a hurry, which places a walking stick or other umbrella in the same place, could unintentionally poke a hole in your umbrella. Old, worn out elastic or dilapidated and discolored tassels should promptly be discarded and new ones replaced.” 

            Well, if we get some rain and if you are a user of an umbrella, perhaps these tips from 1910, will be of use to you at least that is our hope. 

            Thanks for reading today, to “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.