While researching lots this week, I learned;

• A “matross” is the old term for artillery crewman- he helped load, fire and sponge out the cannon.
• “Diorama” was originally traveling theater presentation using painted linen panels and lighting to produce what was for then a stunning three-dimensional effect.
• and I learned about the “Freedman’s Bank” established to help ex-slaves learn how to save and manage their money after the Civil War. It unfortunately collapsed, as so many banks did back then, from chicanery and fraud.

I have been lucky enough to be able to turn this lifelong interest and contacts made throughout my life into a career where people send me neat old things in the mail, and I get to research them! This blog is a place for me to share interesting things that cross my desk with friends, and whoever else wanders across this site.