18th Century Hygiene, Part 1: Waste Management—And a Giveaway!

When you write historical fiction, as I do, you end up researching strange things. Such as hygiene and the contemporary sanitation systems. Today we take for granted that toilets, hot and cold running water for daily bathing, and sewer systems to carry off the waste are available everywhere. But it isn’t so long ago that those conveniences weren’t available. My focus of study has been the 18th century for quite a while, so for the next few posts I’m going to delve into various aspects of hygiene and sanitation. Today we’re starting with the all-important topic of waste management.

Many cities in Europe had latrines and sewer pipes from the time of the Roman Empire. However, by the 18th century, systems to take care of human waste weren’t widely available except in the largest cities and even there they were limited. Lacking flush toilets, people availed themselves of the good old chamber pot, which would be emptied either by the individual or a servant whenever it filled up, which in the meantime naturally occasioned interesting odors. Or not so much.

From the book Toilets of the World
by Morna E. Gregory & Sian James

Those who lived in proximity to water sources such as rivers, streams, and lakes dumped their waste into them, where it could drift downstream for someone else to deal with. But in cities and towns where waterways and cesspools weren’t close at hand, people simply emptied their chamber pots along with other wastewater from a window into the street, warning those below by hollering something like “gardy loo!”, a corruption of the French “Gardez l’eau” or “Watch out for the water!” This is where we get the tradition of gentlemen walking on the outside of a sidewalk to prevent ladies from being splashed by noxious substances as carriages passed. Human waste joined the animal dung already in the streets, so the stench of urine and feces, not to mention their physical presence, was common. And pungent. And whenever you went for a walk you had to be careful to watch your steps. I suppose you just got used to it, but …. eeewwww!!! I grew up on a farm, and we dealt with more of it than I care to remember!

Not only were chamber pots ubiquitous, but there was also a vessel called a bourdaloue. This was a type of chamber pot that conformed to the female form, a necessary when wearing hoops and layers of petticoats. With the help of a chambermaid women could use them while standing by lifting the petticoats out of the way. I actually found an image of a lady making use of one, but, alas, it is a bit too explicit to include here. This device was convenient to carry along when away from home or traveling. Actually, there’ve been times when I wished I had one on hand!

Bourdaloues originated in the 1700s and according to legend were named after the Jesuit priest Père Louis Bourdaloue. He preached at the court of Louis XIV, and it’s said that his sermons were so long that the ladies demanded small chamber pots convenient to use when at Mass. Other accounts maintain that Bourdoloue suffered from a disease called hypospadia and needed the vessel himself. Whatever the reason, they sure are pretty for such a mundane and intimate use. Hmm … they’d make a lovely pot for plants, don’t you think?

I’ve just received the first copies of Refiner’s Fire, Book 6 of my American Patriot Series—wooo hoooo!!!—so I’m offering a free copy! To enter the drawing, please answer the question below about my series in a comment on this post by the end of today. Of course, if the winner hasn’t read one or more of the previous books, they can choose any of the books of the series.

QUESTION: Who is your favorite character in the series and why?

If you’re entering the drawing, please include your email addy so I can contact you to get your mailing address if you win.

~~~

J. M. Hochstetler is the daughter of Mennonite farmers, a lifelong student of history, and an author, editor, and publisher. Her American Patriot Series is the only comprehensive historical fiction series on the American Revolution. Book 6, Refiner’s Fire, releases in June 2019. Northkill, Book 1 of the Northkill Amish Series coauthored with Bob Hostetler, won Foreword Magazine’s 2014 Indie Book of the Year Bronze Award for historical fiction. Book 2, The Return, received the 2017 Interviews and Reviews Silver Award for Historical Fiction and was named one of Shelf Unbound’s 2018 Notable Indie Books. One Holy Night, a contemporary retelling of the Christmas story, was the Christian Small Publishers 2009 Book of the Year and a finalist in the Carol Award.

May/June Releases by Rita Gerlach and Roseanna White and CQ Two Year Anniversary Party

Feel free to copy & share this graphic with a link back to CQ! Thanks!

In celebration of Colonial Quills 2 year Anniversary we bring you our May/June Colonial American Christian Fiction releases. Our members and contributors also share their thoughts on CACW and CQ! Please have some cake and enjoy (the first piece goes to Carrie, our wonderful founder). Please comment below to be eligible for our giveaways!

Rita Gerlach

John Nash, has built a new life in the Maryland frontier, and journeys back to England to see his father before the first shots of the Revolution are fired. Rebecah, a young woman who has known little more than the solitude of an isolated manor, has lost her father and is now under the control of a domineering patriarch. As their romance unfolds, they become trapped in the schemes of her uncle and immersed in one of the most infamous Indian wars in Colonial history.

As the firebrands of Revolution grow hot, they marry and work together to build their estate, Laurel Hill. Facing a strange new world, Rebecah experiences the prejudice of being English, but finds friendship and acceptance in the wilds of the Maryland frontier. Joy reins at Laurel Hill when she announces she is carrying a child. Nash, known as Jack, is captain of a band of rangers who protect the frontier families from Indian attack. His friendship with Chief Logan has not prevented the Indian War from reaching their peaceful home along the lush hills of the last outpost.

Can he protect his wife from warring Indians and from a man who has no allegiance to any nation, tribe, or creed, wanted for robbery and murder, who has vowed vengeance? In Thorns in Eden and The Everlasting Mountains, love and faith are the sustaining forces that cannot be overtaken by the vines of adversity.

Amazon ebook: http://tinyurl.com/c6pwlzd
In Paperback:  http://tinyurl.com/bhvlqz3

Rita's Reflections

When Carrie first approached me two years ago about Colonial Quills, I was thrilled to have been asked to participate. I had just signed a contract with Abingdon Press for the Daughters of the Potomac Series, three books intertwined, set in the Colonial era along the Potomac. Being a part of this fellowship of writers has broadened my knowledge and love for the many people who played a role in the founding of our great nation. 

Writing for CQ has been a blast, and kept  me moving forward. I am currently writing an Edwardian era novel, and just received news I have been chosen to collaborate on a series about the Pilgrims with bestselling author Gilbert Morris. 

As you may know, we are a group of women writers dedicated to bringing readers many things that have been forgotten, and often sadly ignored or revised to fit the current politically correct agenda. I feel privileged to have been a part of CQ. 

Happy Anniversay, CQ! 

Roseanna White
 

Fairchild's Lady by Roseanna White

June 1, a fun, FREE bonus novella is being released (and is available for pre-order now!) in my Culper Ring Series! Fairchild's Lady is set at the beginning of the French Revolution and gives the love story of a character from Ring of Secrets, whose daughter is the heroine of the next book. Please download and share the link!

In 1789 General Isaac Fairchild travels across the Channel on a very special assignment. After surviving the American Revolution, he is now gathering information on life at King Louis XVI’s court. But he must also locate a countess and her grown daughter and escort them back to England before revolution explodes in France. He knows danger is in the task set before him, but when he meets the beautiful Julienne, a new peril beckons him deeper into the intrigue of Versailles.

Roseanna's Reflections

When I had the privilege of joining Colonial Quills at its start two years ago, I was still riding high from the sale of my first American-set historical romance to Summerside Press, still several months from its release. My previous books had been set in biblical times, so this was still pretty new to me...but I'd caught the bug. And I wanted (oh, how I wanted!) to write more about this era I'd fallen in love with!

Finding like-minded sisters with this group was amazing for me. I love being able to share joys, triumphs, and questions with the wonderful women who are so passionate about all things early American. The summer CQ was getting underway, I was hard at work on my second Colonial novel and hopeful about it's chances. Now, two years later, that second book is out from Harvest House too.


What a journey it has been! And what a blessing to watch this beautiful blog grow at the same time! I know I'm but a small part of it...but I'm so proud to be a little finger waving in joy for all we've accomplished.

Happy birthday, Colonial Quills!!

MaryLu Tyndall's Musing's


I'm so thrilled to be a part of this incredible group of talented ladies!!  I was asked to join about a year ago by Carrie and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Especially the camaraderie of the ladies here, the way they all support each other and care about one another. And I simply adore the Tea Parties!  My only regret is not having the tine to participate as much as I’d like.  I love Colonial times because they were filled with “newness” new lands, new countries, new ideas. I love the adventure ^th century!  I’m anxious to return to Colonial days, so I’m warming up my time machine. I’ll meet and wildness of our nation at that time. In fact I started my writing career with books set in Colonial times, A pirate series set in the Caribbean, but then my latest releases ended up way out in the last 19 you there!

I’d love to give away a free copy (paperback or e-copy) of either of my two prior books, Veil of Pearls or Forsaken Dreams. Please leave a comment with your email to win!  And tell us why you like Colonial times. To read about the books, click on their names above.


Jennifer Hudson Taylor's Thoughts

I was delighted to join Colonial Quills two years ago and I have been so blessed to be among such wonderful authors and historical enthusiasts who share this passion with me. At the time, I was in the midst of seeing my second novel, Highland Sanctuary, release after my debut, Highland Blessings. While not colonial, these books are set in late medieval Scotland. Over the next two years, I had two novellas release and another historical novel, Path of Freedom, set in 1858 regarding a Quaker characters who help a pregnant slave couple reach freedom. This year, I will finally see my first colonial in print, For Love or Loyalty, set in 1760, book 1 in The MacGregor Legacy. Book 2 in this series is For Love or Country, set during the Revolutionary War. Thank you for being part of this exciting journey with us!



Observations from Carla Olson Gade

Has it been two years? It has sailed by! How blessed I have been to have the support and companionship of the writers from CACW and the quillers! We have a special connection cemented in our love of Colonial America - the historical era as we tell it through our stories, and many of the values which we still hold dear. I love having the resources of so many ladies with such an immense wealth of knowledge of this period with access to it it via our email loop and here on the CQ blog. What a tremendous group of talented writers, and researchers! I know I am not alone in my appreciation of our beloved Carrie for everything she does for us in promoting Colonial American Christian Fiction and our authors (even if its set in another time period ~ Carrie, you are the best!)

Since I began at CQ my debut released and recently came out as an e-book. Although its a 19th century western I hope you'll check out The Shadow Catcher's Daughter.  My novella "Carving a Future" in Colonial Courtships was my first colonial, released last fall. Pattern for Romance (Abingdon's Quilts of Love series), a colonial novel, releases this August while 'Tis the Season, a Christmas novella (set in 1820) in Mistletoe Memories releases in September. My short story, Upon a Christmas Schooner, will release (alongside Carrie's) in time for Christmas in Guidepost's A Cup of Christmas Cheer. It has been an amazing time and I look forward to seeing how our CQ authors are doing by our 3rd anniversary!  I'd like to offer 2 copies of Colonial Courtships for my giveaway, so please leave a comment below!


Susan F. Craft

I love researching for my historical novels and when I discover a fascinating piece of history I have never seen before, I call it "my treasure."  Finding and becoming a part of Colonial Quills is one of my most valuable treasures. My talented sisters in Christ, each a gem in her own right, never cease to amaze me with their knowledge and their generosity in sharing that knowledge.

I'm working on a third in the trilogy that began with The Chamomile, a Revolutionary War romantic suspense set in Charleston, SC. The second in the trilogy is Laurel, and is about the daughter of my main characters. The third, Cassia, takes place in the Outer Banks of North Carolina with lots of adventure and pirates.

The Chamomile won the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Fall 2011 Okra Pick as one of the best novels of the season. Laurel is represented by Linda Glaz of Hartline Literary Agency.

I also have a contemporary inspirational novel ready entitled Promises Kept about three couples who face and overcome almost insurmountable situations in their marriages - the death of an adult child, sudden wealth and infidelity, and impotence.

My giveaway will be a copy of The Chamomile, a packet of chamomile seeds, and a mobcap.

J. M. Hochstetler

When Carrie invited me to become a contributor to Colonial Quills, I was absolutely delighted. I was already deep into my American Patriot Series, set during the American Revolution, and I knew being part of this group devoted to everything 18th century would be loads of fun, not to mention being an excellent research resource. And so it’s turned out to be. I’m deeply grateful to Carrie for offering me the opportunity to be a part of this enterprise.

Since CQ began two years ago, the first 3 books of my series, Daughter of Liberty, Native Son, and Wind of the Spirit have been released in an awesome, newly revised Heritage Edition. Book 4, Crucible of War, expanded the series last fall, continuing Elizabeth Howard and Jonathan Carleton’s epic adventure and romance as they seek to build an enduring legacy of love, hope, faith, and freedom. I had to take a hiatus from CQ during the winter to work on Book 5, Valley of the Shadow, but I hope to return to contributing regularly later in the summer.

Thank you, Carrie and all the members of this amazing group, for 2 years of fun, fellowship, and learning as we share our passion for the 18th century with each other and with our wonderful visitors to the blog!

I’m offering a copy of one of the books in my American Patriot Series in either e-book or print edition at the winner’s choice. For more information about the series, go to www.theamericanpatriotseries.com.


Reflections From Elaine Marie Cooper

I cannot remember a time when I did not love history. I grew up in New England surrounded by the monuments and tombstones of the Colonial Patriots who fought in the American Revolution. It stirred a love in me for our country's heritage and I wanted to discover even more about the courageous men and women who fought for freedom both in the homes and on the fields of battle.

This love of history and passion for writing blended in my award-winning series called the the Deer Run Saga. Book 1 (The Road to Deer Run) begins in the American Revolution, Book 2 (The Promise of Deer Run) follows the veterans of the war who suffered from post traumatic stress, and Book 3 (The Legacy of Deer Run) follows the next generation of Americans, still keeping the country safe from its enemies. My upcoming fall release, Fields of the Fatherless, is based on a true incident that occurred on the first day of the American Revolution in my hometown.

I am giving away a copy of The Road to Deer Run to one winner today. I hope it blesses you!

And HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Colonial Quills!! I am so blessed to be a part of this wonderful group of Colonial American Christian Writers!

To read more about my Deer Run Saga, go to my website here.

Lisa Norato

Lisa, author of Prize of My Heart says: I want to say Happy Anniversary to Colonial Quills with a special huzzah! to our founder and dear Carrie. Carrie invited me to join CQ a little more than a year ago and gently coaxed me into becoming a contributor. My experience with CQ has been a blessing and a joy as I have gotten to know the talented, sweet and wonderful ladies who make up Colonial Quills. During that time, I have enjoyed and shared their enthusiasm for stories set in colonial and federal times, and I have been exposed to and have read some truly wonderful novels. CQ has also been an invaluable source for my own writing, and I am proud to be a CQer!

Cynthia Howerter joined us this past year and has an upcoming release "God's Provision in Tough Times" co-authored with La-Tan Murphy. It contains twenty-five true stories of God's provision for the seventeen authors as they experienced unemployment and financial despair.  This title releases in July, 2013, and is available for pre-order now.

 

Kathy Maher is one of our newer members.  Kathy is the debut author of best selling Civil War novella Bachelor Buttons.

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Carrie Fancett Pagels says "whodathunkit?"  Her fiction debut was with a Civil War novella pulled from a proposal with earlier-set stories.  God is so good--the novella, like Kathy's, is a best seller in Civil War on Amazon. In the past two years, Carrie headed up CQ's popular serial story A Forted Frontier Christmas, wrote two novellas, completed and polished one manuscript, completed another that  she has set aside till next fall, has written the proposal for another story, and got to enjoy hanging out with all the lovely CACW ladies. Whew! We've been especially appreciative of Joyce Lamb's inclusion of our authors' new releases on the USA Today HEA blog.  So very happy to see our group growing!  And while we miss some of our founding members we are happy that some have had to depart because of how very busy they've gotten with their writing--which is a good thing for colonial authors!

Every time I look through the posts written by this talented group of ladies I think how blessed I am that they have joined together on CQ to share really cool colonial - Early American information with our followers.  And our readers don't know this but the CACW group itself is full of prayer warriors and we've had some amazing blessings come from praying for each other!  Every author is here by invitation and has at least one colonial work. These are writers dedicated to getting their history right!



Giveaways (including those mentioned above, one book per winner) - to be eligible, please leave a comment. Tell us why you like colonial times! Signed copy of God's Provision in Tough Times, Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance (2 copies), Bachelor Buttons (2 copies), Ring of Secrets & Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland, Forsaken Dreams or Veil of Pearls by MaryLu Tyndall, the winner’s choice of 1 book of the American Patriot Series by J. M. Hochstetler, Colonial Courtships by Carla Olson Gade (2 copies).

Come have a seat and enjoy the lovely cake and your choice of beverage. Are you here in character? Your comments will count DOUBLE in the drawings! Twice as much fun for our two year anniversary!

Tea Party Carrie Fancett Pagels, Kathy Maher, and Joan Hochstetler

Charles City Tavern Sign

Welcome to the lovely Charles City Tavern, known throughout the region for its wonderful food! Having enjoyed Cate McKnight's hospitality on many an occasion, I know our guests will NOT be disappointed today in the wonderful Tavern fare we will be enjoying all day!

Front entrance to Charles City Tavern!

We are celebrating mere miles from Shirley Plantation, which is celebrating its 400th anniversary this year!

Partial view of building on Shirley Plantation, Left view

We are celebrating my story "Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance" as well as Kathy Mather's upcoming release of "Bachelor Buttons" and Joan M. Hochstetler's Heritage edition of her novel "Wind of the Spirit."

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Kathleen L. Maher

Kathleen L. Maher debuts with Murray Pura’s Civil War collection. She won ACFW’s 2012 Genesis contest and is represented by Terry Burns of Hartline Literary.

Bachelor Buttons: Rose Meehan longs for a better life than the tenements of Manhattan. She must choose between two suitors while the city explodes in the 1863 Draft Riots.

Website (blog): kathleenlmaher.blogspot.com

I'm giving away a copy of Bachelor Buttons, and a $25 Olive Garden gift certificate.

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Book 3 of J. M. Hochstetler's American Patriot Series, Wind of the Spirit, released in the new Heritage Edition April 1.

With the patriot cause on the verge of extinction, rebel spy Elizabeth Howard is drawn into the very maw of war at the Battle of Brooklyn Heights, where disaster nearly ends the American Revolution. But her heart is fixed on Jonathan Carleton, whose whereabouts remain unknown more than a year after he disappeared into the wilderness. Can her love bridge the miles between them—and the savage bonds that threaten to tear him forever from her arms?

An award-winning author and editor, Joan is the daughter of Mennonite farmers, a graduate of Indiana University, a professional editor, and a lifelong student of history. Her American Patriot Series is the only comprehensive historical fiction series on the American Revolution. Joan's contemporary novel One Holy Night was the Christian Small Publishers 2009 Book of the Year and finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Carol Award. She is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary Agency.

The American Patriot Series
American Patriot Series Blog
J. M. Hochstetler

I'm giving away a box of authentic Boston Harbor tea from the Mark T. Wendell Tea Company. This delicious tea is the same kind the rebels threw off English East India Company ships into Boston harbor during the Boston Tea Party in 1773, one of the incendiary acts that sparked the American Revolution. The winner will also receive a copy of one of the volumes in the American Patriot Series, at their choice.

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Book Blurb: Abducted against his will, Matthew Scott is conscripted into the Confederate army because of his Copperhead father’s political leanings. After being injured at Malvern Hill, Matthew is taken by the Union army to Shirley Plantation in Virginia where he is tended by seamstress Angelina Rose, a freed slave. Although given an opportunity to leave the South and start a new life for herself, Angelina remained for the sake of her sister’s orphaned twins who are still enslaved. Will Matthew’s return to Shirley Plantation settle a mystery concerning his father’s past? And help Matthew find the family he longs for.

Return to Shirley Plantation By Carrie Fancett Pagels

Carrie Fancett Pagels

Bio – Carrie Fancett Pagels

Carrie Fancett Pagels (www.carriefancettpagels.com) writes “romantic” historical fiction. Carrie’s debut release “Return to Shirley Plantation: A Civil War Romance” is a Kindle best seller and part of a multi-author anthology headed up by Murray Pura. Carrie is represented by Joyce Hart. 

Giveaway: Choice of one teacup set from Shirley Plantation. Do you like the elegant schooner tea cup set or the crackle-finish set?

Come in and take a seat in the interior of the Charles City Tavern:


Charles City Tavern interior front left dining area.

There are multiple areas of seating both out on the gorgeous wraparound porch and on the other side of the tavern--a large room.

Side and Dogwood at Charles City Tavern

Isn't this dogwood gorgeous?  This is such a great place to have our Tea Party and celebrate!

Fabulous Shirley Plantation is a short jaunt up the road!  Angelina and Matthew say "Welcome" and come on in and enjoy!!!






THREE Giveaways:  If you are a CQ follower put CQ, Helping Hands (HH), Overcoming With God (OWG), Carrie's author page on FB (CFP), Kathy's blog follower (KM), Joan's (JMH).

New Release Review: J. M. Hochstetler's Crucible of War

Crucible of War
American Patriot Series 4
By J. M. Hochstetler
Sheaf House, September 3 2012

Reviewed by Lori Benton

Brigadier General Jonathan Carleton rejoins General George Washington’s army to find the patriot cause on the verge of extinction. In a daring gamble the American force crosses the Delaware on Christmas night 1776, to defeat outposts at Trenton and Princeton before vanishing into the mountain bastions around Morristown. 

Drawn ever deeper into the intrigues that swirl around British General William Howe, Elizabeth Howard and her aunt, Tess, move to Philadelphia in summer 1777 to gather intelligence while waiting for the British attack. 

Ambushed and almost captured as the Americans dig in at Brandywine Creek, Carleton is transferred to General Horatio Gates’s army in the upper Hudson Valley where British General John Burgoyne closes in on Saratoga. With decisive battles looming, Elizabeth and Carleton face a crucible of war that tests their mettle, faith, and love to the very limits.

Review

Waiting for this fourth book in the American Patriot series was a little like the long wait for each other that characters Jonathan and Elizabeth have been forced to endure. But now our wait is over. Crucible of War is here and at the start we find Jonathan back from the frontier and his life with the Shawnee put on hold. That doesn’t mean he’s happy about it. Crucible of War delves into Jonathan’s struggles to force himself back into a mold his soul no longer fits, and into a relationship with Elizabeth Howard he’d once thought lost, while the tides of war continue to swirl around them and threaten repeatedly to sweep them apart. Will their love again be put on hold?

As in her previous installments in the American Patriot series, J. M. Hochstetler weaves an historical tapestry rich in detail and accuracy, a riveting story of adventure (battles and narrow escapes), intrigue (the spying continues), and a romance (complicated with excruciating tension by the presence of Elizabeth’s friend and would-be suitor, the physician Pieter Vander Groot) in which choices must be made that wrench the heart but honor God.

J. M. Hochstetler has given us an engaging new chapter in the on-going saga of how an enduring nation—and an equally enduring romance—were forged in the Crucible of War.

Historic. Romantic. Riveting. Rich and multi-layered, Crucible of War is the epic continuation of an unforgettable series. Joan Hochstetler gives us a rare glimpse into America's past, leaving the reader enriched and wanting more. I highly recommend this amazing book and series! ~ Laura Frantz, author of The Colonel's Lady and Love's Reckoning

Purchase Crucible of War 
Amazon
Christian Book Distributors
Barnes & Noble

An award-winning author and editor, J. M. Hochstetler is the daughter of Mennonite farmers, a graduate of Indiana University, a professional editor, and a lifelong student of history. Her contemporary novel One Holy Night was the Christian Small Publishers 2009 Book of the Year and finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Carol Award. Formerly an editor with Abingdon Press, she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Middle Tennessee Christian Writers, and Military Writers Society of America.

Visit her website here: http://www.jmhochstetler.com/  Or The American Patriot Series blog here: http://americanpatriotseries.blogspot.com/