The Centennial Celebration in Fall River, Massachusetts, on July 4th, 1876, was, “very fine, and far ahead of 1870” as the Daily Evening News reported. The paper went on to say: “considering the heat of the weather and the industry displayed, it was highly commendable.” Fall Riverites flocked to the streets to attend the event…
American Mourning traditions of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century conjure up feelings of interest, shock, and sometimes disbelief to those living in the twenty-first century. Once commonplace customs that were held near and dear to the hearts of the Victorian’s are now rarely practiced or considered downright macabre. It was considered appropriate etiquette…
David Anthony Brayton (1824-1881) was the second owner of the “Stone Mansion” – that now houses the Fall River Historical Society – after its relocation from Columbia Street to Rock Street in 1870. On February 21, 1868, Mr. Brayton purchased a brand-new Rosewood Overstrung Square Grand Pianoforte from Steinway & Sons, with stool, for the…