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A Traditional Victorian Afternoon Tea
During the Victorian era, mealtimes looked a little different compared to today. For example, many meals would often start and end later throughout the day. This was due to the fact that wealthier...
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A Sneak Peek at Archival Work
Throughout the year, Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum hosts multiple social events, private tours, specialty tours, exhibits, rentals, and daily general history tours. When it comes to museum work, a lot...
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Summer with the Tinkers
The summer days can be long and hot; so what do you do if you feel a little bored and looking for something to do? Ask the Tinkers! Below are some of the many things the Tinkers did locally and at...
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A Brief History of the Sock Monkey and Nelson Knitting
The Rockford Sock Monkey is one of Rockford’s claims to fame. They were originally made at the Nelson Knitting Company factory, located at 909 South Main Street in Rockford. Swedish immigrant John...
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Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About
When you visit the Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum you will see several stunning frescoes and paintings, including the portraits of three men in the dining room. Benjamin Franklin, Peter Paul Rubens, and...
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A Tale of Two Swiss Cottages
In 1872, stonemason George Morrison purchased land fifteen miles southwest of Denver, Colorado to establish his quarry business. He aptly named this place “Morrison Town,” which he eventually...
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Indigenous People and Manifest Destiny
Many of us started this week celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a holiday that celebrates and honors the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples in North America. This holiday...
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Colorado Coal Mines
Coal is a finite, non-renewable resource. It was formed millions of years ago through the compression of dirt, rock, and decomposed vegetation from the Cretaceous Period. Coal deposits were found...
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Native American Heritage Month
In honor of Native American Heritage Month this November, we pause to recognize the rich history of the woodland tribes that once inhabited the very grounds our vibrant city now occupies. Before the...
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A Brief History of Victorian Christmas Cards
Let’s delve into the fascinating history of Christmas cards – a tale filled with humor, innovation, and Victorian societal etiquette. Our narrative unfolds during the mid-19th century, a period...
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A Victorian Season of Giving
‘Tis the season for giving thanks and gifts to loved ones near and far! The spirit of giving was very much a part of the Victorian Era and some of its charities are still with us today. One of the...
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The Fascinating History of the Penny Post
In the annals of postal history, a revolutionary chapter emerged in the mid-19th century, forever changing the way people communicated. The advent of the Penny Post marked a significant milestone,...
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A Royal Swiss Cottage
On the southern coast of England is the Isle of Wight. The Isle is known as a coastal destination and holds many popular beaches and idyllic scenery. The Isle is also known for being a holiday...
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Whispers of Love: The Language of Fans and Flowers in Victorian Courtship
On February 14th, the holiday of St. Valentine’s Day is celebrated throughout the world. While the holiday’s origins stretch back to the 8th Century, the day did not become associated with romantic...
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Unraveling Toxic Layers of Victorian Wallpaper
Victorian wallpaper is renowned for its opulence and elegant designs, encompassing pastoral scenes to floral elements. However, its humble origins in European interior design have left a toxic legacy...
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A Celtic Chronicle: Robert Tinker’s Irish Odyssey
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, this article will focus on Victorian Era Ireland – specifically Robert Tinker’s travels through the Emerald Isle! In July 1862, Robert H. Tinker embarked on a nine-month...
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Celebrating Women’s History Through Girl Scout History
The Girl Scouts organization traces its roots back to 1912 when Juliette Gordon Low founded it in Savannah, Georgia. Inspired by the scouting movement for boys, Low envisioned a similar program...
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Stitching History: The Colorful Tapestry of Barn Quilt Squares
Nestled amidst the serene rural landscapes of North America lies a tradition as vibrant and intricate as the patchwork quilts themselves—the striking display of quilt squares adorning barns. These...
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Legacy of Liberty: Exploring the Revolutionary War in the Tinker Family Tree
As we begin to approach our country’s 250th Anniversary, the museum staff decided to take a look at how the Tinker and Dorr family participated in the American Revolution. We still have more...
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Spring Into the Language of Flowers
We have all heard the phrase, “April showers bring May flowers,” but what do those flowers tell us? Throughout the month of April, early signs of spring allude to the blossoming of flowers. However,...
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