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In the 17th and 18th centuries, betty lamps were a readily available lighting source. The name of the lamp is from the German word besser, meaning better. Betty lamps were an improvement over rush lamps in that they provide more, brighter light. They burned oil (fish, ��ֱ����, or vegetable). The wick was a piece of twisted cotton that sat in the oil and was held in place by the spout. The lamps came with wick picks to pull the wick out farther and keep it burning.

• What's New Wednesday

Small songbirds have been popular pets over the years. Many pioneer women kept canaries, parakeets or finches for their beauty, companionship and for their song. Birdcages are often seen in photographs of pioneer homes as well as in urban Victorian home interiors. This Art Deco style wire cage is painted pale yellow, has two wooden perches and two white ceramic feeders. On the door of the cage is a metal tag reading "Hendryx New Haven, Conn. USA.”

• What's New Wednesday

The Boys Working Reserve was a joint program of the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor. Boys ages 16 to 18 were recruited for service mainly on farms; Industrial and Vocational units developed later.

• What's New Wednesday

The fun and sport of plowing snow! Harper’s Weekly published this picture in its Jan. 16, 1897, issue.

• What's New Wednesday

This handy little tool keeps you from burning your hands while maintaining a fire in your parlor or kitchen stove.

• What's New Wednesday

In this 1868 image, these men used an ax to make fishing holes and seem to be having a pretty good day of fishing.

• What's New Wednesday

This 1911 postcard was sent from Springfield, Minnesota to Charles H. Gamble, Brookings. Gamble’ family moved from Springfield to Brookings in 1907. He received this postcard when he was 21-years-old. At age 26 he worked as a bookkeeper for Farmer’s Coop Elevator. As his friends did in 1911, we wish you a Happy New Year!

• What's New Wednesday

Merry Christmas and joyful holiday wishes! This charming cardboard novelty box bears the scene of a child whispering his Christmas wishes to Santa Claus. The box has a white string handle and on the top and bottom is printed a red airplane.

• What's New Wednesday

The new sport of snow yachting was introduced in the March 9, 1887 issue of Scientific American magazine. The snow yacht in the image was constructed by Dr. H. M. Wheeler, Grand Forks, ��ֱ���� Territory.

• What's New Wednesday

The Marion Giant FlipFlop Model 66 toaster is stainless steel construction and Art Deco design. Patented July 28, 1914, it was manufactured by Rutenber Electric Co., Marion, Ohio. The Rutenber Electric Company produced ranges, irons, grills, toasters, fans and more. The Marion Flip Flop Toaster, patented in 1914, was followed by the Marion Giant Flip Flop Toaster.

• What's New Wednesday