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Caroline Royal Member of BonBon
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Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 8:23 am Post subject: |
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((A question about trains in the 1890s.
Hey, I have another oddball question. Since rail is a pretty strong force for moving people and things around in the 1890s, my question deals with railroads.
When did railroads become a standarized gauge? What I mean is, each railroad company had it's own dimentions for their rails. When did the rails just become "one size fits all" kinda thing. Not much of a question, but the idea poped into my head.)) |
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Tearlach Royal Member of BonBon
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Posted: Thu Jul 01, 2010 9:10 am Post subject: |
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In Britain the railways were owned and maintained by about six different companys each having their own engines and rolling stock all but one used a standard 4 Foot 8 1/2" wide track except Isambard Kingdom Brunel who's railway The Great Western operated on a 7 foot wide track upon his death in 1859 the track was replaced with the standard width track. As Britain was at the height of its empire at this time it would be safe to assume that all the railways in countries under British control would be of this standard gauge as British factories would be manafacturing the Locomotives, rails ect also it would be British engineers supervising the construction of the railroads. _________________ Terminus: http://forums.pleasurebonbon.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=239198#239198
We are grey. We stand between the star and the candle.
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Caroline Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 2173
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Posted: Wed Jul 07, 2010 7:07 am Post subject: |
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((Hey all,
Another everyday life question about 1895.
Okay, I know that, by this time brick / cobblestones were being used in roads... but were a lot of roads still unimproved. That is, were most of them still just hard-packed dirt? I'm thinking city / town roads might be cobblestone/brick, but what about roads from town to town?)) |
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Dorian Longstreet Rank: Super Veteran
Joined: 08 Sep 2010 Posts: 4141
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Posted: Thu Sep 09, 2010 5:46 pm Post subject: |
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Is Komy still here, oh I would love to talk to her about the 1800s. I am especially knowledgeable in this area. Oh god that would be great _________________ "Nothing is so strong as gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as real strength."- From your sincere gentleman of PBB |
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kommy Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 07 Sep 2006 Posts: 1000
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Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2010 5:36 am Post subject: |
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You rang?
*shakes her head as she survey her ancient thread* Really ought to put in another entry. Been much too long.
As for roads, it varies a lot by location. In Europe, many roads are the same roads that have been in use for centuries. In some cases, for millenia. Railroads are the infrastructure investment most countries are focused on at the moment. As for what they're like... It's pretty variable. Both old and new roads could be paved with stone, some newer ones with brick, and using tar or asphalt isn't out of the question, as it's been in use in oil rich areas for a long time already. Basically, whatever can be had cheap and how much effort the local economy wants to put into it determines what the roads are like. _________________ "Doktor! Are you sure this will work?!" "HAHA! I HAVE NO IDEA!"
Last edited by kommy on Sat Sep 11, 2010 8:11 am; edited 1 time in total |
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Dorian Longstreet Rank: Super Veteran
Joined: 08 Sep 2010 Posts: 4141
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Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2010 6:44 am Post subject: |
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Oh hey,
A few questions
1: Queen Victoria there was a plot to kill her correct. When did this happen i seem to have forgotten.
2: What would be considered a top state meal at the time.... Goose perhaps
3: Who was the Prime Minister for Queen Victoria at the time, as well as the main commander for the British military.
4: Did the British still hold a grudge against the United States.
5: Was the sun finally starting to set on the British Empire (was it in the throws of it's beginning decline).
6: Common names of men and woman at the time
Well your thread is a wonderful tribute to historians. I simply am in love with it. _________________ "Nothing is so strong as gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as real strength."- From your sincere gentleman of PBB |
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dragonfly Rank: Super Veteran
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Dorian Longstreet Rank: Super Veteran
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Posted: Sat Sep 11, 2010 4:53 pm Post subject: |
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So pig's were the best food you could have back then. _________________ "Nothing is so strong as gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as real strength."- From your sincere gentleman of PBB |
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Rikardo Royal Member of BonBon
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Tearlach Royal Member of BonBon
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Posted: Wed Feb 16, 2011 12:53 pm Post subject: |
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It was said of pigs that you could eat every thing, but the squeal.
As for the most extravigant food you could eat, that would vary. Swan, venison, salmon quail, partridge and pheasent were all for the rich for the most part, poachers would steal them of course.
For most common people meat would be a luxury they could only afford perhaps a Christmas, goose being the most prelivent at the time.
Queen Victoria ruled for 63 years and survived at least three attempts on her life, the last was in 1894 or there-abouts.
The British goverment is elected every five years, so that is a lot of Prime Ministers to name during Queen Victoria's reign. How ever the most famous was Mr Benjamin Disraeli 1874-1880.
The decline of the British Empire really began after WWI and finally entered its "death throws" at the end of WWII when Britian was almost bankrupt due the the enormous cost of fighting the war.
One of the conditions of India providing troops to fight for the British was its independence from British rule. _________________ Terminus: http://forums.pleasurebonbon.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=239198#239198
We are grey. We stand between the star and the candle.
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Rikardo Royal Member of BonBon
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Caroline Royal Member of BonBon
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Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2011 10:02 pm Post subject: |
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((Hey... not sure if anyone checks the questions here anymore, but I have a couple more about trainlines and whatnot.
Okay, what sorts of differences did European rail have when compared to American rail of the same time period? For example, was the track gauge different? What about signal lights? Did they run off coal, lumber, or peat? What about types of cars? OH! Thinking of that as well, did Europe have any famous train accidents?
Just trying to get some ideas, as... I'm pretty sure that the two rail systems were very different from each other back in the 1890s.)) |
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Evan_Himmel Rank: Super Veteran
Joined: 04 Mar 2009 Posts: 1548
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Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2011 2:36 am Post subject: |
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Caroline wrote: | ((Hey... not sure if anyone checks the questions here anymore, but I have a couple more about trainlines and whatnot.
Okay, what sorts of differences did European rail have when compared to American rail of the same time period? For example, was the track gauge different? What about signal lights? Did they run off coal, lumber, or peat? What about types of cars? OH! Thinking of that as well, did Europe have any famous train accidents?
Just trying to get some ideas, as... I'm pretty sure that the two rail systems were very different from each other back in the 1890s.)) |
I found some thing on the net that may help, a copyed archive from the the New York Times from 1860. (or at least a digital retypeing of it at least.)
Now on to some thing differnt. Seens my main charicter is part Jewish, i thought i would bring up an event that politicaly split France durring the 1890's. The Dreyfus Affair that oddly brought the world the Tour De Fance, as well as brought about the WZO (World Zionist Organization,) as well as inspired a bill in 1905 that brought the seperation of church and state in France. |
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Tearlach Royal Member of BonBon
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Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 1:00 pm Post subject: |
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Caroline wrote: | ((Hey... not sure if anyone checks the questions here anymore, but I have a couple more about trainlines and whatnot.
Okay, what sorts of differences did European rail have when compared to American rail of the same time period? For example, was the track gauge different? What about signal lights? Did they run off coal, lumber, or peat? What about types of cars? OH! Thinking of that as well, did Europe have any famous train accidents?
Just trying to get some ideas, as... I'm pretty sure that the two rail systems were very different from each other back in the 1890s.)) |
As to fuel European trains ran on coal, far more effecient then wood and peat. In Britain at least there where three types or class of carriages.
Third class as the cheapest and most basic, a single open carriage with bare wooden benches and doors placed placed between the benches.
Second class. An open carriage like third class. However the benches are upholstered with a hard wearing woolen cloth, there are cord luggage racks above the seats and possible small pictures or advertising posters on the end walls of the carriage.
First class. This carriage has individual compartments each with its own door on to the platform and opening on to a interior corridor which runs the length of the carriage. Exterior Doors are situated on both ends and sides of the carriage. The interior of the individual compartments would be quite comfortable. Two rows of seats facing each other, again upholstered in fabric with cord luggage racks above. Small pictures or mirrors just above the seats and individual lighting in the compartment.
As to famous accidents there are quite a few, one of the most famous was the collapse of the Tay Railway Bridge during a storm, on the 28th December 1879. _________________ Terminus: http://forums.pleasurebonbon.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=239198#239198
We are grey. We stand between the star and the candle.
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Caroline Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 2173
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Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2011 1:18 pm Post subject: |
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((Tearlach,
Were European trains set up the same way as American trains? What I mean is that American trains tended to have the wealty sit at the rear of the train, the furthest away from the noise, smoke, and ash from the engine. Was it the same way in Europe? So, the cheapest (3rd class) seats were closest to the engine and hopper car while the nicer cars were situated further and further away.
Hey, this made me think of a different question. What about cold-cars? Was there such a thing as refrigerated or icebox cars in the 1890s for transportation of goods that needed to be kept cold? Or just for transportation of ice in general for sale?
OH! Thinking of that as well, was there a European equivalent to the Pullman-style of train car?)) |
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Tearlach Royal Member of BonBon
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Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2011 8:10 am Post subject: |
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My apologies for taking so long to reply.
It would seem the arrangement of the carriages in Britain were similar to the U.S. The first class carriages being towards the rear of the train.
The trains themselves would be smaller them most of the U.S. counterparts the average length would be four or five carriages for short hauls and seven or eight for the longer runs.
As for refrigerated cars they were available and used for the transportation of fish from the coast to the major cities as part of freight trains. Even though London was a major freight port its self at this time.
Pullman carriages were built in Britain under license from the Pullman company in the U.S. The livery on the exterior of the carriages was a dark brown with cream trimming around the windows, doors and other edging.
These carriages were only used on the more prominent lines such as the " Flying Scotsman" which ran from London, England to Edinburgh, Scotland. The Pullman carriages were also used on the " Boat Trains" to Paris, France. These trains would run from London to the coast, usually Dover and the whole train minus the Engine would be rolled on to the ship and sailed across the English Channel to a French port where another Engine awaited and the train then continued on to Paris.
This allowed the passengers to travel without having to disembark the train on to the ship and vice-versa at the other end. _________________ Terminus: http://forums.pleasurebonbon.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=239198#239198
We are grey. We stand between the star and the candle.
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45dragoons Rank: Super Veteran
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Tearlach Royal Member of BonBon
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Posted: Mon Apr 11, 2011 10:24 pm Post subject: |
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Indeed it was. Corsets made of whale bone were used to squeeze the ladies waists down to incredable sizes, I believe the record was a mere 18" inches!
This of course had the draw back of forcing most of the internal organs up into the chest cavity and causing all sorts of side-affects such as fainting at a moments notice and even more dire consequences. _________________ Terminus: http://forums.pleasurebonbon.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=239198#239198
We are grey. We stand between the star and the candle.
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45dragoons Rank: Super Veteran
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Caroline Royal Member of BonBon
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Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 7:18 am Post subject: |
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((Hey,
Another set of odd-questions about the 1895s, these dealing with currency.
Didn't the great gold/silver debate happen in the late 1890s, where some folks wanted to move from the gold standard to a silver standard? And, along those same lines, how common was bartering done when conducting business? That is, instead of using coins and bills, people would still use "Hey, I'll trade you my cow for six of your chickens" kinda thing?
Lastly, was there a "global" currency at the time? The best I could figure, during the 1890s it would have been the pound; however, with the unbridled growth and expansion of American economic power... was the US Dollar becoming more popular as an international currency?)) |
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Tearlach Royal Member of BonBon
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Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 8:05 am Post subject: |
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Not odd questions at all.
I am afraid the gold/silver standard has me stumped, however your are correct that with the British Empire at its peak the pound/gold sovereign was a powerful currency, with as much as ten or twelve Dollars to the pound at the time.
I believe the dollar its self only became popular as a "International" currency after the First World War as America's industrial strength and out put began to manifest its self and the American goverment/people began to take a greater interest in the rest of the world its self.
I also believe it was about this time that America began to expand its territories into the Pacific, bringing small chains of islands such as the Northern Solomons under its influence. _________________ Terminus: http://forums.pleasurebonbon.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=239198#239198
We are grey. We stand between the star and the candle.
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Caroline Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 2173
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Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 8:52 am Post subject: |
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((Tearlach,
Well, in the states the "Gold/Silver" debate was precious metal would the currency be founded upon. That is, gold or silver. There was a serious push, and I can't remember when, to opt for the silver over the gold; however, the biggest detractor was the fear of rampant inflation caused by switching the currency value. Business, at the time, liked gold as it was a "hard" currency, while silver was considered "soft".
I just don't recall when the actual debate took place. I want to say the 1880s-1900s, due to the huge industrialization that took place at the time... but I don't recall.
As far as I know, expansion into the Pacific was mostly for coaling stations for trans-Pacific operations... and a small bit due to the global-land-grab that was going on in general. As, up to WWI, America pretty much followed the "Monroe Doctrine" which, in brief, says "this hemisisphere is ours, that one is yours. Stay out."
And, I do like the saying "Sound as a Pound".
You're British, right Tear?
OH! Dumb fashion question. When did denim, the cloth, develop? About this time as well? And, thinking of that, what were "cheap" colors to dye clothing in?)) |
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Tearlach Royal Member of BonBon
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Posted: Sun Apr 17, 2011 11:22 am Post subject: |
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Caroline wrote: |
And, I do like the saying "Sound as a Pound". |
Alas a saying which has taken a rather harsh battering of late.
Caroline wrote: | You're British, right Tear? |
Indeed. In real life my father is Welsh, my mother was Scottish and I myself was born just outside of London, England.
Caroline wrote: |
OH! Dumb fashion question. When did denim, the cloth, develop? About this time as well? And, thinking of that, what were "cheap" colors to dye clothing in?)) |
Denim, I believe began its useful life as canvas cloth for tents, during the gold rush of 1849. The miners trousers/pants were in constant need of repair and replacement due to crawling aroung in, around and under the ground.
Some bright spark, some stories name a man called Levi, came up with the idea of using the canvas cloth to make a pair of hard wearing trousers/ pants and the idea took off.
As to dyes, well that takes in a very broad time scale. Pre-industrial dyes were natural dyes made from plants such as nettles and also from insects and rocks. Urine was used to set the colours, such was the demand for urine that men were employed to collect the urine from the local households.
It is also believed this is where the British expression " Taking the piss" meaning some thing unbelievable or making fun of some one, comes from.
The begining of the 19th Century saw the beginning of brighter and more permanent dyes being produced from chemicals rather then natural means and so the use of urine declined rather rapidly. _________________ Terminus: http://forums.pleasurebonbon.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=239198#239198
We are grey. We stand between the star and the candle.
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Caroline Royal Member of BonBon
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2011 2:22 pm Post subject: |
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((Hey another question set for all you 1895 historian's out there.
Okay... since The Industrial Revolution is in full swing, has there been a trans-pacific steam-voyage? And, if so, what was the usual time to cross the pacific?
Also, when did petroleum start to be refined into gasoline for use with Internal Combustion Engines?
And, about the Coca-Cola company. When did Coca-Cola start being seen in Europe? I'm pretty sure in the 1890s it was familiar in the States, but... I'm not sure when it made it across the Atlantic. )) |
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Tearlach Royal Member of BonBon
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2011 2:55 pm Post subject: |
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Caroline wrote: | ((Hey another question set for all you 1895 historian's out there.
Okay... since The Industrial Revolution is in full swing, has there been a trans-pacific steam-voyage? And, if so, what was the usual time to cross the pacific? |
The British engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel build the SS Great Western in 1838 which was the first custom built steam liner to ferry passengers between Britain and the US. The voyage took about two weeks, each way.
Quote: |
Also, when did petroleum start to be refined into gasoline for use with Internal Combustion Engines? |
Not sure, but a German with the unusual name of Benz invented the first petrol driven car in 1886. So I would assume that petroleum was invented before that time.
Quote: |
And, about the Coca-Cola company. When did Coca-Cola start being seen in Europe? I'm pretty sure in the 1890s it was familiar in the States, but... I'm not sure when it made it across the Atlantic. )) |
Coca-Cola was invented again in 1886 and it did contain cocaine, a drug along with morphine, of which heroin is a derivative was freely available at Pharmacists at the time. As to when it reached Europe, I am afraid that I do not know.However I believe it would be safe to assume it would be some time after 1941 when American troops were based in Britain and brought the comforts of home with them such as chocolate,gum and nylons
Popular soft drinks in Britain at the time were ginger beer, lemonade and a rather curious British concoction called dandelion&burdock. _________________ Terminus: http://forums.pleasurebonbon.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=239198#239198
We are grey. We stand between the star and the candle.
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Caroline Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 2173
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2011 3:02 pm Post subject: |
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((Tearlach,
Your Coca-Cola thing isn't entirely correct. There was a "pharmecutical"-grade coca-cola that did have cocane and various morphine derivatives in it. However, it was not sold as a "soft drink". That brand was sold as a "tonic" for health and digestion. But I guess that makes sense about the 1940s... Europe is always behind the mass-food production ^_^
Also, my question was about crossing the "Pacific". Was that steam ship used for Pacific Ocean runs, or just trans-Atlantic.
Lastly, technically, petroleum has been around for millions of years. I was actually asking about one of its refined products... gasoline. Though, I think in England it's called "petrol" or something. Which doesn't make any sense, as "petrol" is short for "petroleum", which is the unprocessed oil. The English are weird.
Anyway, just some quick thoughts. )) |
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Tearlach Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 04 Oct 2008 Posts: 2914
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Posted: Sun Oct 02, 2011 5:06 pm Post subject: |
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Caroline wrote: |
Also, my question was about crossing the "Pacific". Was that steam ship used for Pacific Ocean runs, or just trans-Atlantic. |
The Great Western also served as troop ship during the Crimean war and was scrapped in 1856.
I am afraid that I do not know when the first passenger steam ship crossed the Pacific. However the novels of Jules Verne have a steam warship looking for the Nautilus in 1869 and Phileas Fogg took a regular steam ship passage from Japan to the US in1872,; in the novel "Around the world in 80 days. Though whether this ship was a screw or paddle steamer is not stated.
[/quote]
In 1895 the predecessors of the "Titanic", such as the "Carinthia" :
Sailed the Atlantic ocean, while liners such as the "Empress of China":
Sailed the Pacific. _________________ Terminus: http://forums.pleasurebonbon.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=239198#239198
We are grey. We stand between the star and the candle.
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Caroline Royal Member of BonBon
Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 2173
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Posted: Mon Dec 12, 2011 8:42 pm Post subject: |
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((Hey Gang,
I had an odd thought pop up. Wasn't sure if I should make this into a new topic, or ask in the "Life in the 1890s" sticky-topic. So... for now, I'll put this here.
I was thinking about Sybillia, the gypsy fortune teller. And it made me wonder. In 1890s, were fortune tellers a common employment? Were fortunes told in the "standard" ways? Id est, crystal balls, tarot cards, palm readings, that sort of thing?
OH! Also thinking about that, what about Detectives? Weren't Detectives in the 1890s basically police consultants at the time? That is, they worked with the police, and conducted investigations, but were not actually police. )) |
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Pride Rank: Senior Member
Joined: 02 Oct 2011 Posts: 346
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Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2012 6:55 pm Post subject: |
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Caroline wrote: | ((Hey Gang,
I had an odd thought pop up. Wasn't sure if I should make this into a new topic, or ask in the "Life in the 1890s" sticky-topic. So... for now, I'll put this here.
I was thinking about Sybillia, the gypsy fortune teller. And it made me wonder. In 1890s, were fortune tellers a common employment? Were fortunes told in the "standard" ways? Id est, crystal balls, tarot cards, palm readings, that sort of thing?
OH! Also thinking about that, what about Detectives? Weren't Detectives in the 1890s basically police consultants at the time? That is, they worked with the police, and conducted investigations, but were not actually police. )) |
Consider is Bon Bon it is very tolerant. While the rest of the world shuns at Gypsies. This aren't easy times, religious and racial persecution are rampant throughout Europe. _________________ Renegade for life. |
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Artyom Derison Rank: Super Veteran
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