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NIAGARA, Wis. -- In 1888, Sears, Roebuck and Company developed its first catalog of things that could be ordered by mail. It was a very thin catalog that offered only watches and jewelry. By the early 1900s, however, the Chicago-based company had greatly expanded its inventory, and offered a world of items that some rural Americans had never even known existed, let alone be something they could actually own themselves.
I certainly remember that catalog. We referred to it as the "wish book" at our house. My siblings and I used to page through it, combing its pages for new school clothes; in that respect, it became a fashion magazine for my sister and me. Every year at Christmas time a special toy catalog arrived. The four of us took turns examining the pages and made lists of all the items we wanted Santa to bring us. For some reason, we just figured that Santa's elves could not possibly make everything in their North Pole workshop. As we got older, thoughts of Santa gave way to the real toy provider in the family -- our mom. We made sure she got our lists; I think she found them most helpful and did her best to turn our wishes into reality.
Back then, the Sears catalog became the place to go for one-stop shopping. Believe it or not, even full house-building kits could be ordered and delivered right to doorsteps across the country. But tucked among the practical items were some truly strange and surprising products. So, via the History Facts website at https://historyfacts.com, are some of the oddest things the Sears catalog had to offer.
-- Electric belts: In the early 20th century, electric belts were marketed as medical miracles that cured everything from fatigue and hernias to glaucoma and stomach pain. The fall 1902 Sears catalog highlighted the Heidelberg Electric Belt, a deluxe model that boldly claimed to be the "cure for … all diseases, disorders and weaknesses peculiar to men, no matter from what cause or how long standing." This was quite the claim and a great bargain for just $18 -- about $680 today.
-- Tombstones: Not only did Sears sell the necessities of life, but their inventory included items for the afterlife. In 1906, the company published a special catalog that offered a variety of gravestones in marble and granite. The pricing depended upon the material, size, and messages engraved in the stone.
All headstones were customizable, but Sears also offered a convenient list of suggested epitaphs with their accompanying prices. As an example: "Gone, but not forgotten," cost $1.14 back then -- about $40 today.
-- Bees: It was quite common for Sears to sell and ship live animals. Popular pets such as dogs, birds, and fish could be found in its pages from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s. Farmers could even buy animals such as baby chicks and chickens. Most surprising, however, were the shipments of bees.
Through Sears' "Farm and Ranch" catalog editions, customers could order specialty "Italian" or "Midnite" bees by the package. A typical bee package contained approximately 6,000 bees, including a queen. Sears also sold beekeeping guides and protective veils to help the novice beekeepers get a safe start.
-- Heroin: Heroin was sold legally in the United States in the early 1900s, primarily as a treatment for the morphine addiction that was so widespread after the Civil War. For the low price of $1.50, which equates to $60 in today's currency, customers could have two vials of heroin, a syringe, two needles, and a "handy" carrying case delivered right to their door.
The catalog also offered an array of other curious remedies of the time: nerve pills, "worm syrup" for children, pills for pale complexions, and other treatments now considered actually quite dangerous and not at all scientific.
-- "Wolf teeth" extractors: Sears catered to the practical needs of rural life, including supplies needed to care for animals. Wolf teeth extractors, designed to remove the small, sharp "wolf teeth" in horses, were part of the inventory of veterinary tools available. Customers could also easily order castrating knives, worm powders, poultry markers, and other specialized equipment designed to keep farm animals healthy.
-- Otter traps: Fur trapping was a profession in early America, and Sears catalogs supplied the necessary tools of this trade. Otter traps were typically made of steel and were spring-loaded so were just the thing that rural customers needed for trapping these creatures.
-- Asbestos cookware: Before we knew its health hazards, asbestos was hailed as a miracle material thanks to its durability and fire resistance. Sears offered not only asbestos-based siding, roof coatings, and tiles to homeowners, but also cooking tools. It would take 60 years before asbestos' possible health hazards were fully understood and the material was no longer used in American homes.
-- Six-month bookkeeping course: Sears did not limit themselves to selling only products for they even offered educational opportunities. In the fall 1907 catalog, a six-month bookkeeping course was offered for just $5. The course included about 20 different ledgers, journals and balance sheet books totaling 7 pounds of materials. It even included free penmanship instruction.
-- 100-pound bags of crushed oyster shells: Laying chicken hens require a lot of calcium to ensure they lay strong, healthy eggs. So, there was a great demand for this product that served as an important dietary supplement for farm animals. It is a natural source of slow-release calcium that is still used today.
-- Vapor bath cabinets: Inspired by Turkish traditions, Sears brought some soothing heat to the home with its vapor bath cabinets. These were wooden or metal enclosures that allowed users to sit inside while steam circulated around the body with only the head left exposed. Sears claimed that its vapor baths could "free the skin and tissues of the poisons that clog and injure the system," a sentiment shared by the era's belief in steam as a therapeutic tool.
So, now you know the rest of the story … the Sears catalog provided a source for purchasing much more than clothing and toys. It was a source for the many items that supported a healthy quality of life.
Source: Nicole Villeneuve, "10 Bizarre Things the Sears Catalog Sold," HistoryFacts at historyfacts.com.
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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES
Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community
Kingsford
906-774-1530
The center welcomes anyone who would like to entertain residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities. The third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. has a Memory Café -- a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.
Sunday: Word search, 10 a.m.
Monday: Movie, 10 a.m.; horse racing, 2 p.m.
Tuesday: Nail day, 10 a.m.; rosary, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.
Wednesday: Match game, 10 a.m.; coffee chat, 11:30 a.m.; Yahtzee, 2 p.m.
Thursday: Exercise, 10 a.m.; crafts, 2 p.m.
Friday: Decorating for party, 10 a.m.; party, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Board games in the dining room, 10 a.m.; "The Wall" on the Game Show Network, 7 p.m.
Iron County Medical Care Facility
Crystal Falls
906-874-1501
Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; trivia, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.
Monday Costume preparation, 9 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; reminisce, 6 p.m.
Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; Iron River Bible Church, 10 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; ghost stories, 2 p.m.; spooky movie, 6 p.m.
Wednesday: Casino, 9 a.m.; costume prep, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 p.m.
Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.
Friday: Costume preparation, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; employee costume parade, 1 p.m.; Halloween party with Bob Larson, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Halloween puzzle pack; reminisce, 9:30 a.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.
Optalis Healthcare
Kingsford
906-774-4805
Sunday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; manicures and a movie, 1:30 p.m.
Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; dice games, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Flippo, 2 pm.; Halloween coloring sheets in the lobby, 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; mini mysteries, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; game -- guess the candy, 2 p.m.
Wednesday: Coffee time, 9 a.m.; Catholic church 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; root beer floats, 2 p.m.; word search in the lobby, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; word search, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; game - ring toss, 2 p.m.
Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; Dr. Phil show, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; trick or treaters/Halloween party, 1:30 p.m.
Saturday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Halloween movie/manicures, 1:30 p.m.
Maryhill Manor Nursing Home
Niagara, Wis.
715-251-3172
Families are allowed to attend activities and encouraged to join in.
Sunday: Witch's brew and costume history, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 10:15 a.m.; howling good movie and popcorn, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:45 p.m.; Packers vs. Lions, 3:25 p.m.
Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; pumpkin carving, 2 p.m.; Baptist church family sing along.
Tuesday: Rosary/Communion service, 9 a.m.; Catch A Phrase, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Rosary/Communion service, 9 a.m.; help your neighbor, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.
Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; mystery Headbandz, 10 a.m.; board games, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.; trunk or treat, 4 to 6 p.m.; Packers vs. Panthers, 7:15 p.m.
Friday: Left-center-right, 10 a.m.; ghoul's hour with Ray and Mindy, come and pick your poison, 2 p.m.
Saturday: Scary stories 10 a.m.; prize bingo, 2 pm.
Northshore Healthcare
Florence, Wis.
715-528-4833
No information was available.
Victorian Pines
Iron Mountain
774-5158
Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.
Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.
Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.
Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.
Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.
Pinecrest Medical Care Facility
Powers
906-497-5244
Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:30 a.m.; church service, 1:30 p.m.; tech time; coloring pages; daily chronicles.
Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; "You be the Judge," 11 a.m.; manicure Monday, 2 p.m.; Bible studies, 3 p.m.; book club, 4 p. m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour/who-what-where, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; rummy, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Halloween postcard, 11 a.m.; Bible stories, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday -- Mummy brought treats, 1:30 p.m.; dominoes, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo/act of the day, 10:30 a.m.; movie, 1:30 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; trick or treat, 9:30 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 10:45 a.m.; Halloween party with Vicky and Dave, 2 p.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.
Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; kick ball, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; activity packets; daily chronicles.
SENIOR CENTERS
Amasa Center
906-822-7284
Menu for the week --
Tuesday: Scrambled eggs, potato rounds, sausage, mini bagel.
Wednesday: Pork loin, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable, salad.
Thursday: Cheese ravioli, meat sauce, broccoli salad, bread.
Breen Center
Kingsford
906-774-5110
Dine-in eating at noon Monday through Thursday. Carryout meals, soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week --
Monday: Apple pork chops, mashed potatoes, peas and carrots, biscuit.
Tuesday: Breakfast bar -- oatmeal, fruit, etc.; biscuits and gravy, sausage, hash browns.
Wednesday: Cheese ravioli with meat sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread.
Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied carrots, biscuit.
Crystal Falls Center
906-875-6709
The center serves meals for dine-in or takeout -- call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or to place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea, or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. -- call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week --
Monday: Barbecue chicken with homemade macaroni and cheese.
Tuesday: Mozzarella stuffed meatballs over bow tie pasta.
Wednesday: Scalloped potatoes and ham.
Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency
DICSA
Iron Mountain
906-774-2256, ext. 244
This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only -- call to make arrangements. Menu for the week --
Monday: Chicken bacon ranch, parslied noodles, peas, dinner roll.
Tuesday: Tater tot casserole, corn, biscuit.
Wednesday: Lemon pepper fish, baked potato, peas and carrots, dinner roll.
Thursday: Happy Halloween -- Ham macaroni and cheese, squash, caprese salad.
Friday: Toad in the Hole (sausage with a biscuit), spooky green beans, cornbread, pudding.
Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.
For more information, call Sarah VanMarter at 906-774-2256, ext. 244.
Crystal Lake Center
Iron Mountain
906-828-1776
Schedule for the week is:
Monday: Les Artistes Art Club, noon to 2:30 p.m., all artists are welcome at any time.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.
Tuesday: Cards -- Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.
Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents, with 10 games played.
Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; board games, 1 to 3 p.m.
Friday: Cards -- Smear, noon to 4 p.m.; chess, noon.
Felch Center
906-246-3559
Head cook: Joan Wickman, 906-246-3559
Program president: Lisa Casey, 906-282-7899
Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal at 11:30 a.m. and dessert to follow. Evening meal is served every third Wednesday of the month, with sponsored activities. Takeout meals are available. Delivery offered to homebound residents within Felch, West Branch and Breen townships.
Monday: Chili, grilled cheese sandwich.
Tuesday: Ham, scalloped potatoes, vegetables.
Wednesday: Grilled chicken sandwich, soup.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Florence County, Wis.
715-528-4890
Menu for the week --
Monday: Sour cream baked ziti, Caesar side salad, breadsticks, fruit.
Tuesday: Chicken tortellini vegetable soup, egg salad sandwich with lettuce and tomato, tropical fruit.
Wednesday: Liver and onions or chicken breast, mashed potatoes, cauliflower, cranberry bars.
Thursday: Cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato, sweet potato fries, baked beans, fruit.
Friday: Happy Halloween -- Spook-etti with meat sauce, spinach cranberry swamp salad, vampire's garlic bread, poison apple pie.
All meals are served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.
Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center
Serving on site Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. RSVP by calling 715-589-4491.
Florence Community Center
Serving on site Monday through Thursday at 11:30 a.m. RSVP by calling 715-528-4261.
Fence Town Hall
Serving on Wednesday only at noon. RSVP by calling 715-589-4491.
Tipler Town Hall
Serving at noon on the second Thursday of the month only. RSVP by calling 715-674-2320.
Hermansville Center
Coordinator: Barb Peters
906-498-7735
Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.
Monday: Swiss chicken, brown rice, green beans, vegetable, diced pears.
Tuesday: Diced ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, warm applesauce, whole wheat bread.
Wednesday: Barbecue boo meatballs, vampire repellant mashed potatoes, graveyard harvest succotash, Frankenstein's monster fluff, witch's broomstick, full moon elixir.
Thursday: Beef goulash, corn, stewed apples, whole wheat bread.
Milk is available at all meals.
Iron River Center
906-265-6134
Lunch served Tuesday and Wednesday at noon, salad bar at 11:30 a.m. Thursday's meal is at 5 p.m., salad bar at 4:30 p.m. Meals include salad, juice or milk, and dessert.
Tuesday: Shepherd's Pie.
Wednesday: Steak and potato wrap.
Thursday: Barbecue short ribs, mashed potatoes, cornbread.
Niagara Senior Center/Cafe
715-251-1603
Dinner is served at noon Tuesday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation for the meal is $6 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Transportation to the meal site is available.
Bingo on Tuesday and Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday: Stuffed peppers with rice, side salad, orange Jell-O salad, wheat dinner roll.
Wednesday: Chicken ala King, noodles, green peas, three bean salad, blueberry bard.
Thursday: Halloween Party -- Ghoulash, eye of newt (Brussel sprouts), boo-berry crisp, wheat roll.
Norway Center
Director: Alicia Rochon
906-563-8716
Dine-in eating beginning at 11:30 a.m. Salad bar available from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11:15 to 11:30 a.m. -- those attending should let staff know in advance if planning to dine in or pick up the meal. Menu for the week --
Monday: Ham and scalloped potatoes, biscuit, mixed vegetables.
Tuesday: Sloppy Joes, potato wedges, corn.
Wednesday: Chef salad with chicken and egg, ham and Swiss slider.
Thursday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans.
Center activity schedule --
Mondays and Thursdays: Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.
Monday through Thursday: Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. -- call Joe at 563-5587 for information.
Tuesdays: Quilting and sewing.
Wednesdays: Ceramics and crocheting
Last Monday of each month: Book club at 9 a.m.
Sagola Center
906-542-3273
Dine-in meals served. Salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals are also available. Dine-in meal is $6 and takeout meal is $7. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. Come and enjoy a meal with us -- all are welcome, at any age. Menu for the week --
Tuesday: Taco bar.
Wednesday: Thin pork chops -- Grandma's way with scalloped potatoes. Bingo after meal.
Thursday: Salisbury steak, oven-roasted potatoes.