Of Mice and Men: A brief exploration of rodents’ history in America

by gwffoundation | Sep 11, 2023 | Archaeology, Colonial Grossology, Daily Life in the 1700s, Historic Kenmore, Lives & Legacies, Natural History

A pest is a broad term for any organism that spreads disease, causes destruction, or is generally a nuisance. In the 21st century, we still constantly battle pests from squirrels who chew through your internet cables or spiders who set up house in the high corner of...

Dental Care in Early America

by gwffoundation | Sep 2, 2015 | Colonial Grossology, Lives & Legacies

Editor’s Note: Looking back in time, people’s personal hygiene, fashion choices, medical treatments, and more sometimes look, at the very least, bizarre, if not outright disgusting.  When confronted with these weird or gross practices, our first reaction can be to...

Of Chamber Pots and Close Stool Chairs

by gwffoundation | Jul 15, 2015 | Colonial Grossology, Lives & Legacies

Editor’s Note: Looking back in time, people’s personal hygiene, fashion choices, medical treatments, and more sometimes look, at the very least, bizarre, if not outright disgusting.  When confronted with these weird or gross practices, our first reaction can be to...

‘Not Having Been Wett All Over at Once, for 28 Years Past’: Bathing in Early America

by gwffoundation | Mar 25, 2015 | Colonial Grossology, George Washington's Ferry Farm, Lives & Legacies

Editor’s Note: Looking back in time, people’s personal hygiene, fashion choices, medical treatments, and more sometimes look, at the very least, bizarre, if not outright disgusting.  When confronted with these weird or gross practices, our first reaction can be to...