Holiday Staples: The History of Stuffing

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A staple of any holiday table, stuffing is one of the most popular side dishes for American holiday dinners. But did you know that stuffing has been popular since the first century? We’re taking a closer look at the history of stuffing, and offering up a unique recipe with a twist to try during your holiday festivities!

A Roman Cookbook, A Delicacy, and… A Dormouse?

Although experts are not clear on when or where stuffing was first made, the first recorded history of the dish comes from Apicius de re Coquinaria, a Roman collection of popular recipes from the first century AD. These recipes frequently mixed spelt (a type of early wheat used to make breads), spices, herbs, and vegetables, which was then stuffed into a variety of animals. In particular, the Romans favored stuffed chicken, rabbit, or pigs for their everyday meals. But during special occasions, the Romans turned to their favorite delicacy: edible Dormouse. Today, dormouse is still considered a delicacy throughout Slovenia, and in certain areas of Croatia.

Stuffing remained a popular dish past the Roman empire, and has gathered several names over the centuries, including: farce (from the 14th century), forcemeat (from the 17th century), and most recently, the 19th century term dressing. The recipe has also gone through many different renditions, depending on which culture it appears in, resulting in there being a large debate over what a “true” traditional stuffing consists of.

Stuffing during American Holidays

But what about at the first Thanksgiving meal? One might think that, surely, given its popularity, stuffing was a main part of the first Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, we have no clear record of whether or not stuffing was present when the Pilgrims broke bread with the Wampanoag tribe. While records indicate there were many turkeys and waterfowl present, there is no mention of whether or not these birds were stuffed for the meal.

However, as Thanksgiving meals became more common over the years, stuffing began to take a much more prominent place at the holiday table. Early Thanksgiving menus from the 19th century list stuffed turkeys and hams as main courses, indicating that by the 1800s, stuffing had come to the forefront of most holiday meals.

Today, the holidays in the United States would be considered incomplete without this classic side-dish. Whether it’s the small, spiced bread cubes of New England, or the meaty corn bread dressing of the South, there’s little doubt about whether stuffing will make an appearance at a modern holiday meal. This winter, try your hand at this unique stuffing recipe from the Trailer Food Diaries Cookbook:

Turkey Stuffing with Altengartz Bratwurst

Courtesy of Altengartz Bratwurst
 
This authentic German sausage makes a savory stuffing for your next holiday dinner.

1 (10–12 pound) turkey, with giblets removed
1 quart chicken broth
2 ounces dried mushrooms (chanterelles are nice but pricey)
½ pound Altengartz Bratwurst (2 links), removed from casing and crumbled into pieces
1 cup onion, chopped
1 cup celery, chopped
1 cup green bell pepper, chopped (you can use red bell pepper if you like a sweeter taste)
3 cups Challah bread, cut into ½-inch cubes (from approximately 4–5 slices)
4 ounces unsweetened dried cherries, approximately 1 cup
2 ounces chopped pecans, approximately ½ cup
2 whole eggs, beaten
2 teaspoons dried rubbed sage
2 teaspoons dried parsley
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra for seasoning
3–5 tablespoons olive oil for rubbing on turkey
1–3 tablespoons kosher salt for seasoning turkey

Special equipment:
1 reuseable organic cotton produce bag.

Cook’s note: This bag is optional. Once the stuffing is made, you can place the stuffing into the bag and then place the bag into the cavity of the turkey.

• Preheat the oven to 400˚F.
• Place the turkey into a deep, high-sided bowl with the stuffing end up. Set aside.
• Heat the chicken broth in the microwave in a large microwave-proof container. Place mushrooms in a glass bowl and pour heated broth over them. Cover and allow to sit for 35 minutes.
• In a large sauté pan over medium heat, cook the crumbled bratwurst, onion, celery and bell pepper, stirring only occasionally. When stirring, scrape the browned bits from the pan. Continue until the sausage is cooked through. Place the sausage/vegetables mixture on a sheet pan. Spread the cubed bread over the mixture and roast for 10–15 minutes or until the bread tips are toasty and brown.
• Drain mushrooms, reserving 1 cup of the liquid. Chop the mushrooms and place in a large microwave-proof bowl with the vegetables and bread, reserved chicken stock, cherries, pecans, eggs, sage, parsley and black pepper. Stir well in order to break up pieces of bread. Use your hands to combine if necessary. Heat the stuffing in a microwave on high power for 6 minutes.
• While the stuffing is heating, rub the bird with oil. Working quickly, place the stuffing into the cavity of the turkey to avoid losing heat. Place the turkey into a roasting pan, on a rack, and season with salt and pepper. Place the roasting pan on the middle rack of the oven. Roast for 45 minutes and then reduce the heat to 350˚F and cook for another 60 to 75 minutes or until the bird reaches an internal temperature of 170˚F. Serve immediately.

Christmas Classics: The History of Rice Pudding

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Chances are good you’ve tried rice pudding at least once before. That’s because humans have been eating the dish for thousands of years across the world – but did you know it wasn’t always sweet? As holiday plans and parties get into gear, we’re sharing a last minute recipe for your holiday table, and diving into the delicious history of rice pudding!

The Dessert of Kings

Today, rice pudding is considered a humble dessert – a simple mixture of rice with milk, sugar, and spices. But for centuries, rice pudding held a place of distinction in the royal courts of Europe. The true root of rice pudding is hard to discern – the dish can be traced to multiple culture across millennia, including ancient China, the Byzantine Empire, and ancient India, where rice was a major food source. In India, rice pudding (known as kheer) is a staple food that potentially dates back as far as 6000 BCE, as it was included in the Ancient Indian diet prescribed by Ayurveda, an ancient alternative health regime.

However, many early rice puddings did not resemble the sweet dessert we think of today. For example, early renditions of Indian kheer did not use rice at all, instead substituting sorghum, a type of cereal grain. This had changed by the 1300s, when rice pudding was first recorded in Europe. This pudding too, however, lacked in the essential sweetness to the dish – the “Ryse of Flesh” was instead a savory dish, featuring rice with broth, almond milk, and saffron.

A sweetened rice pudding didn’t arrive until the 15th century, but by then, rice was already considered the food of the elite. Because rice did not grow well in the European continent, it had to be imported from Asia along the Silk Road or by water. The extensive trade routes made rice an expensive commodity that only the rich could afford.

As the world seemingly grew smaller through the effects of globalization, the import of rice became more affordable and common, and by the 18th century, rice pudding was considered an “every day” dish. The gradual decline of the dish continued into the 19th and 20th centuries, as the “cheap” meal became a staple of children’s school lunches. Today, rice pudding is considered an easy and versatile dessert, which many of us associate with our childhood.

This holiday season, bring back a classic, and try this recipe featured in Lost Tea Rooms of Downtown Cincinnati:

Rice Pudding

1 quart milk
½ cup rice
1 tablespoon flour
1 egg
¼ cup milk
Sugar, approximately ¹/3 cup
Salt, approximately ¼ to ½ teaspoon

Put milk in the top of a double boiler. Add rice to cold milk, and cook until the rice is tender. Beat together the flour, egg and milk. Stir this into the rice and cook until it thickens. Stir in a little salt and add sugar to taste.
Serve hot or cold.
Yield: Approximately 6 servings

This recipe is from Depression Era Recipes (copyright September 1989) and has been kindly provided by Patricia R. Wagner. Published by Adventure Publications Inc., Cambridge, MN.

Author’s Note: Whole milk produces a creamier pudding. Try some of these optional additions: ½ teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon, grated lemon rind, ½ teaspoon vanilla, ½ cup chopped dried apricots, ½ cup raisins.

As typical of many recipes of the time, no measurements were given for the sugar and salt. The approximated measurements worked for me.

Chocolate in the Air: A Preview of Nestlé in Fulton, New York

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For the residents of Fulton, New York, there was nothing quite like waking up to the smell of chocolate. For a century, Nestlé operated a 24 acre plant in the New York town, manufacturing everything from Crunch Bars to milk chocolate. But what happened to this former giant? Jim Farfaglia explores the history of the Nestlé plant in Nestlé in Fulton, New York: How Sweet It Was. Read on for an exclusive preview of the book, and a taste of life in a chocolate town!

Ask anyone who lived in Fulton, New York, during the one hundred years Nestlé operated a factory there and they’ll surely mention this: the whole city smelled like chocolate. For those who never spent time in Fulton during Nestlé’s heyday, a town that smelled as good as a chocolate bar sounds like something out of a Disney movie, or a plot point in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. And while you won’t find that fragrant fact recorded in history books, those who remember waking up each morning to the smell of Nestlé churning out millions of Crunch Bars and Toll House Morsels know it’s true—as true as any memory shared by thousands of people.

I can attest to that truth, not only because I grew up breathing in the sweet smell of chocolate but also because I’ve spent the last few years researching the Nestlé plant’s century-long history in Fulton. Every interview I conducted with those who worked in the factory or lived their whole life under its influence included some reference to that delicious smell. Without fail, each person chose to start their Nestlé story by mentioning the aromatic advantage of living in our city. Even those who knew I’d grown up in Fulton couldn’t resist explaining this important detail to me. It’s like they needed to say it out loud—as if by uttering those words, we could once again smell chocolate in the air.

Wouldn’t we all love to have it back again? Is there any sensory experience that compares to the alluring smell of chocolate? By the time Fulton began producing it, in 1907, the tasty confection already had a long history of enchanting those who’d sampled it. Our powerful draw to chocolate can be traced back three thousand years, when the cacao tree, producer of cocoa beans, became so important to the Mayans’ way of life that it played a prominent role in their mythology. Archaeologists uncovered Mexican drinking vessels dating to shortly after the birth of Christ decorated with symbols praising chocolate, and by the 1600s, it was part of religious celebrations such as the Days of the Dead, which included All Hallow’s Eve. Yes, Halloween always was a special holiday in Fulton, when children’s trick-or-treat bags were sure to hold plenty of Crunch, Almond, and Milk Chocolate Bars.

Even on dreary days, people in and around Fulton enjoyed the smell of Nestlé chocolate. Reprinted from Nestlé in Fulton, New York: How Sweet It Was by Jim Farfaglia, courtesy of the Fulton Nestlé archives (pg. 16, The History Press, 2018).


The smell of chocolate also brings to mind its strong association with love. Jesuit missionary Antonio Colmenero wrote a poem about chocolate’s mesmerizing qualities when he first encountered it in South America, more than four hundred years ago:

Twill make old women young and fresh,
create new motions of the flesh,
and cause them to long for you know what,
if they try but a taste of chocolate.

Colmenero brought his wonderment with chocolate back to Europe, and by the mid-1800s, people were offering it to their special someone on a holiday set aside to honor love: Valentine’s Day. Scientists eventually figured out why giving chocolate as a sign of one’s affection often feels so right. A chemical with an unromantic-sounding name, phenylethylamine, was discovered at very high levels in the brains of happy people, like those in love. Chemists also discovered phenylethylamine in equally large amounts of a certain food: chocolate. With such a long association with matters of the heart, it’s understandable how, when chocolate-making came to town, Fultonians would fall in love with its tempting fragrance.

The reality that our heartfelt association with chocolate was gone for good really hit home when the Nestlé buildings started being torn down. In 2010, seven years after the factory produced its last chocolate bar, the long process of demolishing its entire twenty-four-acre facility began. Certainly, we were all sad those first few mornings in 2003 when the air no longer offered its sweet wakeup call. But like many others, long after those buildings were dark, I held on to the hope that one day I’d drive by to see Nestlé’s lights on, hear the candy-making machines kicking into gear and smell the good news that Fulton was back in the chocolate-making business. That dream died when the first wrecking ball came to town.

Though I never worked at Nestlé, nor did any of my family, I found myself getting emotional watching those towering buildings topple. The first structures taken down were in the back of the factory’s campus, out of sight from our daily drive-bys. But when the teardown really accelerated in 2016 and you could see the change from a distance, I decided I needed a closer look at what was happening. Driving down Fay Street, where Nestlé’s main entrance was once located, the immensity of the demolition took my breath away. I pulled off to the side of the street, got out of my car and took it all in.

One of the sixty Nestlé buildings constructed during the chocolate factory’s century in Fulton, New York. Reprinted from Nestlé in Fulton, New York: How Sweet It Was by Jim Farfaglia, courtesy of the Fulton Nestlé archives (pg. 17, The History Press, 2018).


In front of me were dozens of mammoth refuse piles, each composed of a haphazard mix of broken pavement, shredded insulation, twisted rusty metal, collapsed plastic piping, moldy sheetrock and fragments of glass. But most of all, there were bricks—enough bricks to erect the dozens of buildings that once housed our busy chocolate factory.

Those mountains of weathered brick seemed like unrecorded history to me, as if knocking those buildings to the ground had released the memories of all that happened within them. Someone needs to capture these stories before they’re gone, I thought. As I stood and considered the end of Nestlé in Fulton, this book was born.

I didn’t have to look far to find people willing to share their Nestlé histories with me. On the day I took a visual survey of what remained at the plant, cars were slowly driving by. I noticed that many in the driver’s seat sported gray hair, and I was certain some were among the tens of thousands of people who once worked there. On the other side of Fay Street, a family walked by. An elderly gentleman—a grandfather, perhaps—was holding the hand of a small child. His other hand pointed to the array of debris as he told a story I could not hear but could imagine.

Others told me about this phantom chocolate smell near the factory site, and I wasn’t sure what to make of it. Chocolate hasn’t been produced on those grounds for fifteen years, so it seems unlikely that the familiar smell would still be lingering. On the other hand, as I learned from my interviews, there were manufacturing mishaps at the plant from time to time. Perhaps traces of chocolate seeped into the floors, walls and even the bricks that gave shape to those buildings. When they came down, along with brick, glass and metal, could bits of long-forgotten chocolate be among the rubble, just waiting for the wind to spread their scent across our city?

Standing near remnants of the plant on that autumn day in 2016, I couldn’t smell any hint of chocolate, but I did get a chill as I looked over those massive piles of bricks. Once, they were the backbone of a one-of-a-kind manufacturing facility: the first Nestlé factory in the United States, and for decades after, the largest chocolate-making plant in all of North America. In more ways than one, during all those years that Nestlé was part of our city, chocolate was as good as gold.

Heading back to my car, thinking about how to write this book, I imagined the time it took for each of Nestlé’s demolished buildings to be constructed, laborers laying them brick by brick. Now those bricks have fallen away, and each one represents a trace—a fragrant reminder, if you will—of the chocolate history that took place in our city. The time has come to hear the stories of those who made Nestlé’s century in Fulton a success.

9 Gifts for Your Amusement Park and Roller Coaster Junkie

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Did you know the first roller coaster was invented in 18th century Russia? Originally named Katalnaya Gorka, or “sliding mountain,” the ride was constructed almost entirely of wood, and was not securely fastened to the track. This rough engineering lead to frequent crashes and derailments. It wasn’t until nearly a century later that modern roller coasters and amusement parks began to take shape. With the establishment of parks like Disneyland and Six Flags, amusement parks and their roller coasters have continued to excite and inspire their fans.

Finding the perfect gift for a die-hard roller coaster fan can be challenging. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of items. You can rest easy knowing you’ve found a one-of-a-kind gift for your roller coaster enthusiast. From detailed historical accounts of some of the most famous parks and rides throughout history, to light-hearted t-shirts, there is something for every coaster aficionado. 

Idlewild: History and Memories of Pennsylvania's Oldest Amusement Park

1) Idlewild: History and Memories of Pennsylvania’s Oldest Amusement Park, by Jennifer Sopko

Fifty miles east of Pittsburgh lies the amusement park that sparked a long history of roller coasters in Pennsylvania. Around 1878, Idlewild was established by the Mellow family. Through the first half of the 20th century the park expanded rapidly, and all the while remained family-owned for over 100 years. It is the oldest amusement park in Pennsylvania history.

Over the years, the park has expanded to include several renowned roller coasters, as well a water park. Soak Zone was originally a bath house, but in 1985 slides were added. In more recent years, the park’s management has added a lazy river and heated wave pool. The park is home to one of the only Fred Rogers attractions based on his television show Mister Roger’s Neighborhood. Famous rides like Hootin’ Holler, modeled after a classic western town, and Confusion Hill, an optical illusion attraction, continue to draw visitors by the thousands every year. Idlewild: History and Memories of Pennsylvania’s Oldest Amusement Park takes readers into the detailed upbringing of Pennsylvania’s first ever amusement park.

2) Millenium Force Roller Coaster Poster

As one of the most iconic roller coasters to date, the Millenium Force holds a place on every coaster lover’s bucket list. To ride this logic defying coaster is to forever be marked by its twists and turns. And for the die-hard fan, there’s this Millenium Force Roller Coaster Poster to hang in their space and remember when they tested their stomach on this legendary ride. It’s the perfect holiday gift for any roller coaster enthusiast.

Six Flags Great America

3) Six Flags Great America, by Steven W. Wilson

Six Flags Great America is the second of two Marriott Corporation themed parks. It was originally opened by Marriott as “Great America” in Gurnee, IL on May 29, 1976, but was acquired by Six Flags just a few years after opening.

The park is divided into six subsections, each designed to align with an era of America’s past: Hometown Square is based on early 20th century Midwestern small towns, County Fair plays off the early 20th century rural county fair, Yukon territory resembles a logging camp in the Canadian Yukon or Alaska, Yankee Harbor is a 19th-century inspired New England port based off Cape Cod, Orleans Place is modeled off the French Quarter in New Orleans, and Carousel Plaza at the front of the park is centered around the double-decker Columbia Carousel.

Today the park has over 16 roller coasters and a 20-acre waterpark named Hurricane Harbor. In 2017, the park saw over 3 million visitors, making it one of the top 20 amusement parks in North America for attendance. In Six Flags Great America by Steven W. Wilson, amusement park fans will take a deep dive into the history of one of the county’s most iconic amusement parks.

The Golden Age of Roller Coasters in Vintage Postcards

4) The Golden Age of Roller Coasters in Vintage Postcards, by David W. Francis and Diane Demali Francis

Any coaster lover will be familiar with the most terrifying roller coasters in American history: Blue Streak at Cedar Point, Kingda Ka at Six Flags, Intimidator 305 at King’s Dominion, among others. It wasn’t until 1919 (when the work of John Miller hit the market) that newer technologies of underfriction allowed for coasters to take sharper turns at greater speeds. Less than ten years later, the historic Cyclone opened at Coney Island, and it was one of the first to implement these new heart-pounding techniques. By the mid-to-late-20th century, inventors figured out how to invert riders and introduced an entirely new era of twisting and turning roller coasters across the nation.

While the Golden Age of roller coasters may have passed, the mark they left on the industry is everlasting. In The Golden Age of Roller Coasters in Vintage Postcards, coauthors David W. Francis and Diane Demali Francis examine the history of roller coasters through a collection of unique images, looking at their evolution and the public’s growing love for them. It’s a read no coaster lover will want to miss.

Maryland's Amusement Park

5) Images of America: Maryland’s Amusement Parks, by Jason Rhodes

For 130 years, Maryland has claimed one of the richest histories of amusement parks and roller coasters in the country. There are only five remaining today, but nearly three dozen have come and gone, helping to shape Maryland’s definition of thrill and adrenaline. Parks like Glen Echo, Gwynn Oak, Pen Mar, and The Enchanted Forest are fan favorites. Cabin John Park was the first amusement park in Maryland, opening in Montgomery County in 1876. This park helped mold Maryland into a training ground for roller coaster legend L.A. Thompson and carousel connoisseur Gustav Dentzel. Trimper’s Rides and Amusements in Ocean City is the oldest of the parks still running. It first opened in 1902, and gives enthusiasts one of the most authentic amusement park experiences they could have.

While not all parks survived the 20th century, their memories live on through more than 200 images delicately preserved in this volume. Author Jason Rhodes invites readers to take a glimpse through a multitude of images that chronicle the history of amusement parks in the state in Images of America: Maryland’s Amusement Parks.

Springlake Amusement Park

6) Springlake Amusement Park, by Douglas Loudenback

Springlake Amusement Park excited the public in Oklahoma City from 1924 to 1981. The park was opened by Roy Stanton with the intention of being a place for picnickers and swimmers to congregate and beat the summer heat. Springlake was an instant hit – so much so that just a few years after it’s opening, Stanton expanded the park to include rides. The legendary Big Dipper was built in 1929. This ride would become the pinnacle of the park for the next 50 years.
Springlake was most popular throughout the 1950s and 1960s, attracting several top performers of the time. Names like Johnny Cash, The Righteous Brothers, The Beach Boys, and Jerry Lee Lewis are just a few of the artists who rocked the park’s stage. Despite its growing popularity, admission remained free. Ride and pool access were pay as you go, making this the prime way for people in Oklahoma to spend their free time. The park closed for good in 1981, but the legacy still lives on thanks to the remnants of the park that can still be found on the property today, and well-researched books like Douglas Loudenback’s Springlake Amusement Park.

Early Amusement Parks of Orange County

7) Early Amusement Parks of Orange County, by Richard Harris

California may be most known for the magical and iconic Disneyland, but what most visitors may not know is that California actually has a long history of amusement parks. Author Richard Harris focuses in on one of the most famed regions of The Golden State for its history in the amusement parks industry: Orange County. Early Amusement Parks of Orange County delves into the long-standing history of the parks to the east and south of Los Angeles and the lasting impact they left on the history of California as well as the evolution of amusement parks.

8) “This Is My Roller Coaster Shirt” T-shirt

The only way to read a genuine roller coaster shirt is upside down. That’s why this t-shirt has printed on it in blocky lettering “this is my roller coaster shirt” upside down. When a roller coaster junkie is gracefully in their element, taking a corkscrew loop with their feet pointed toward the sky, onlookers will be able read the message. It will undoubtedly bring a smile to the face of your roller coaster lover this holiday season, and give them the opportunity to show their love for amusement parks both on the rides and off.

Western New York Amusement Parks

9) Western New York Amusement Parks, by Rose Ann Hirsch

Coney Island is just one of many historical and thrilling amusement parks in New York. Local businessmen saw an opportunity with the rising popularity of amusement parks worldwide. They created Celoron Park, Crystal Beach Park, and others to try to compete with the demand for thrilling rides. Not only did they meet the demand, but proved New York to be grounds for some of the best amusement parks in history. Shortly after, Glen Park, Darien Lake, and Fantasy Island joined the rank as some of New York’s most beloved amusement parks. Roller coasters like Coney Island’s Cyclone, the Silver Comet, and the Ride of Steel prove New York isn’t just a hub for parks, but a thrill seeker’s paradise.

In Western New York Amusement Parks, author Rose Ann Hirsch examines the history of amusement parks in the western side of the state, noting how some grew to be the most iconic parks of the twentieth century.

Giving one of these amusement park and roller coaster gifts to your coaster lover this holiday season will make their heart race as much as their favorite coaster does. Give them a present they’re certain to cherish.

8 Unique Gifts for Your Favorite Jazz Music Lover

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Did you know that no one actually knows how the term “jazz” came about? Or that jazz actually originated from pop? Or even that a jazz performance is full of secret hand and body signals? The books in the list are well-researched and detailed accounts of how jazz left its mark on the local history of each of these cities. Here, you’ll find a unique gift for your jazz music aficionado.

Jazz was born of an era when the death and destruction of war was imminent. World War I had transformed America into a fiercely patriotic and determined nation. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that it was jazz that rose from this dismal scene to become a generational-defining genre.

High-pitched and upbeat bops flowed through radios nationwide and venues packed with people excited for a night of music and dancing. The jazz genre was transformed into a musical phenomenon and with it, some of the most talented musicians in history: Miles Davis, Freddie Green, William “Cat” Anderson, and Billie Holiday, to name a few. With such a robust history, we know it’s difficult to find the perfect holiday gift for your jazz lover. This list will save you time.

These 8 gifts for jazz lovers will have them feeling 18 karat.

Austin in the Jazz Age

1) Austin in the Jazz Age, by Richard Zelade

When considering cities that were the most influenced by the vivacious uproar surrounding jazz, Austin, Texas most likely isn’t the first on the list. But as jazz took hold of the nation, Austin became an epicenter for the genre. The introduction of jazz transformed the city into one of individualistic and creative attitude. The Jazz Age put Austin on the map as a place for musicians to seek refuge among dedicated fans and like-minded artists. It didn’t take long for Austin to evolve into a hub for talented musicians trying to gain a foothold before venturing out to achieve national fame. Author Richard Zelade invites readers to join him in an exploration of Austin’s Jazz Age in Austin in the Jazz Age.

Cape Cod Jazz

2) Cape Cod Jazz: From Colombo to The Columns, by John A. Basile 

One could call Cape Cod a veteran of the jazz scene. As the genre made a sweep across the country, Cape Cod was one of the earliest to see a boom in its popularity. Early on, Cape Cod had a steady queue of artists that would rise to be some of the biggest jazz stars in history, featuring names like Gerry Mulligan, Billie Holiday, Stan Getz, and more. Venues hosted some of the top bands and dancers crowded the halls, inviting a new era a music. In Cape Cod Jazz: From Colombo to The Columns, author John A. Basile takes readers through the detailed evolution from when jazz first came on the scene in the Cape to how it exploded to become one of the most prestigious places for an emerging jazz artist to play.

3) Jazz wall clock 

Vinyl has stood the test of time, making its way into the home of music lovers for decades. Whether that record is spinning on a player, filling the room with upbeat tunes, or creatively transformed into a decoration like this jazz wall clock, vinyl shows no signs of stopping. This wall clock captures the essence of any jazz lovers through its fully-customizable option. As the gift giver, you can include your jazz lover’s favorite artists, instruments, colors, and anything else that may love to see hanging in their space. It’s a gift that is truly one-of-a-kind.


The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band

4) The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band: More than a Century of a New Orleans Icon, by Sally Newhart 

For more than a century, the Tuxedo Jazz Band has been playing all through New Orleans. Beginning in 1910 with a performance at the Tuxedo Dance Hall in Storyville, the band went on to play across New Orleans and eventually the country. In 1953, it was the first jazz band to play at the White House, bringing the genre to a very public national stage. The band served as a starting point for several renowned players: Bob French, Albert French, William Ridgley, Octave Crosby, and Louis Armstrong. As a former Tuxedo Jazz Band player, author Sally Newhart details the long history of this renowned group in The Original Tuxedo Jazz Band: More than a Century of a New Orleans Icon. Her account features oral histories, a photo archive, and a previously unpublished list of members since 1910.

Ohio Jazz

5) Ohio Jazz, by David Meyers, Candice Watkins, Arnette Howard, and James Loeffler 

Like Austin, Ohio probably isn’t the first place one considers when naming American jazz havens. But over the past 30 years David Myers, Candice Watkins, Arnette Howard, and James Loeffler have dug into the surprisingly robust history of jazz in Ohio. In 1999, they pieced together “Jazz Ohio,” an exhibit at the Ohio Historical Society detailing the long history of jazz in their state. The exhibit was a hit. It ran for an entire year before being transferred to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Ohio Jazz is based on their collective work.

6) “Birth of the Cool” Miles Davis print 

Miles Davis’ album “Birth of the Cool” signified a move away from what was considered traditional jazz and is often credited with starting the cool jazz movement. Released by Davis’ record label, Capitol Records, in 1957, the album consists of 11 songs that would become some of his most iconic tracks. This “Birth of the Cool” print showcases the album cover printed on a sturdy and durable wood that comes ready to hang.

Charleston Jazz

7) Charleston Jazz, by Jack McCray 

Despite being a hub for American jazz, Charleston, South Carolina’s history of the genre remains largely untold – until now. A wide array of musicians came out of Charleston: Freddie Green, William “Cat” Anderson, and Edmund Thornton Jenkins together built a foundation for what would become a staple in American jazz. Author Jack McCray has spent three decades examining Charleston’s jazz legacy. For the first time ever, he reveals to readers its lush and little-known history in Charleston Jazz.

8) “I heard there would be jazz” t-shirt 

Comfy and casual, this “I heard there would be jazz” t-shirt is a one-of-a-kind gift for this holiday season. On the front is blocky lettering fitted around a jazz musician who is playing their trumpet. If there is a different saying or image you have in mind, don’t worry. Send the shop owner a description of your desired copy or image and they’ll happily personalize the gift.

Unwrapping one of these gifts this holiday season is certain to bring a smile to your jazz lover’s face. From books covering the transformative history of jazz to small accessories for the recipient to show the world there are no bounds when it comes to their love of jazz, these presents will make for an unforgettable holiday.

​Legendary Ghosts of the Queen Mary

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If you love a good ghost story, you’ll be delighted — and admittedly, a little spooked — when you delve into the storied history of the RMS Queen Mary, a retired ocean liner that sailed the North Atlantic from 1936 to 1967. The ship became famous for ferrying troops that helped defeat Hitler during World War II, and it emerged as the choice ocean liner of the rich and famous in post-war 20th century. It earned the nickname The Stateliest ShipAfloat during this period, partially because of its palatial Art Deco interiors.

For many ghost-hunters, it’s the place that inspires spirits to stick around on this corporeal plane. From its military past — it was converted into a military vessel during the Second World War and was painted grey, earning it the nickname “The Grey Ghost” — to its posh, post-war amenities, this iconic ship provides plenty of opportunity for those who want to connect with the departed.

The Queen Mary, officially retired in December of 1967, now sits permanently moored at the port of Long Beach, California. This haunted legend is an essential site for lovers of haunted America and American maritime history. Just check out the legends for yourself… 

The White Lady

In present day, the Queen Mary functions as a tourist attraction and a hotel; visitors are especially intrigued by one woman who checked in, but never checked out. Guests and workers alike have reported sightings of the White Lady — a woman, dressed in a ghostly white evening gown, floating at the end of a first-class lounge called the Queen’s Salon— for more than half a century. Whether you believe it or not is up to you, but there is some photographic evidence for the curious.

Little Jackie

Perhaps it’s Little Jackie’s tragic history that inspired her to stick around the haunted vessel, but we may never know. Jacqueline Torin was 5 or 6 when she drowned in the ship’s second-class pool, which is now the Royal Theater. Visitors report hearing Little Jackie splashing, calling for her parents, and even responding to questions when prompted. Some visitors believe that Jackie has a friend, Sarah, who drowned in the same pool in 1949.

John Henry

Just like Little Jackie, John Henry has a sad story of his own that has inspired ghost-hunters to try to reconnect with his spirit. Henry worked in the boiler room, and it was here that his remains were found. Ghost-hunters report seeing Henry’s shadowy figure lurking between the boiler room and the green room. Some even claim to have spoken with Henry, who sometimes audibly responds to questions about beer.

Grumpy

Grumpy is arguably one of the Queen Mary’s most memorable ghosts. Also known as “Grumpy the Growling Ghost,” this spirit — whose actual identity is not known —tends to growl at visitors. Grumpy is rumored to lurk in a room under the stairs near the first-class swimming pool, and sometimes joins John Henry in the boiler room. You can hear audio recordings of Grumpy growling here.

Captain Treasure Jones

Captain John Treasure Jones was the last captain of the active Queen Mary, sailing the ship from 1965 to 1967, and captaining her final voyage from Southampton to Long Beach. This earned him some serious credit in the maritime community, transforming him into a media figure following the vessel’s retirement. He died at age 87 in 1993. Jones was well-known on the ship for his affinity for cigars, and visitors sometimes still report smelling cigar smoke in the captain’s quarters.

John Pedder

There were 49 reported deaths on the Queen Mary during its time in service, one of which was that of John Pedder, otherwise known as “Half Hatch Harry.”  The infamous door 13 located in the shaft alley crushed the 18-year-old crewman to death when he was playing chicken with another crewmember. Pedder is known to leave behind greasy handprints in areas where he roams. It remains one of the ship’s most popular attractions for ghost-hunters. 

Dana

Easily the creepiest of the Queen Mary’s on-board deaths, legend has it that someone murdered a young woman named Dana and her family in room B-474. The killer strangled Dana’s little sister and mother on the bed, then shot Dana to death in the bathroom. Dana’s spirit can be found lurking with the other ghostly children in the second-class pool, and sometimes joins Grumpy and John Henry in the boiler room.

Want to learn more about this haunted American landmark? Make sure to pick up a copy of Ghosts of the Queen Mary from Arcadia Publishing to learn more chilling tales of this infamous ship.

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