Suzanne Killian

NIAGARA,Wis. — There was a period of history known as the Middle Ages that had the unflattering reputation of being a very backward time of human civilization. It fell between the height of the Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance. Wars raged across Europe, serfs toiled in backbreaking service to feudal lords, and diseases wiped out entire villages with little hope of preventing the next outbreak.

While the negative connotations may not be entirely fair, few would dispute that medieval citizens lived in more primitive conditions than their modern counterparts, and that the day-to-day necessities for survival were not exactly adequate. Consequently, this era produced certain professions that filled important needs of the time but seem quite unusual in hindsight. Here are six of the strangest —

— Rat catcher: While the widespread belief that rats were the main carriers of the bubonic plague has largely been debunked, these vile creatures did spread disease in medieval urban centers and also proved to be legitimate pests by feasting on food supplies. Consequently, the Middle Ages version of exterminator was born — the rat catcher. 

They advertised their services by traveling from town to town with a few of their rodent victims suspended from a stick. These skilled professionals used methods that included setting traps in infested areas and even unleashing dogs or ferrets on their speedy targets. This profession reached its peak in the crowded streets of Victorian London, with practitioners such as Jack Black achieving fame for their skill and success in the field.

— Crane treadwheel operator: This piece of equipment was regularly used by the Romans, fell into disuse, and then became popular once again during the Middle Ages. It provided a way to construct the magnificent cathedrals and palaces that remain as part of the European landscape to this day. This device was operated by one or two people walking in what was essentially a giant hamster wheel, with a rope that wound around the wheel axle used to lift stone blocks weighing thousands of pounds. 

While this may seem like brutally physical work, it was not as difficult a job or as physically taxing as that of the hod carrier who manually carried heavy loads as he scaled the scaffolding of a developing structure. Additionally, this particular task provided a source of employment for blind people, who wouldn’t be spooked by working at the great heights these cranes sometimes reached. The heavy wheel could, however, be difficult to control, and serious injury could result if it malfunctioned or the operator had the misfortune of losing his balance.

–Pardoner: During this period of history, the Catholic Church developed the concept of indulgences, in which a practitioner of Catholicism could receive a lesser punishment for sins by demonstrating acts of atonement or by providing a monetary donation to the church. In an attempt to make it easier for Catholics to purchase indulgences, the medieval Catholic Church began assigning pardoners to essentially serve as door-to-door salesmen of these “spiritual helpers.” While this arrangement suited the needs of both parish and parishioners, it also allowed a system in which corrupt officials and frauds could pad their pockets by doling out as many indulgences as possible. 

The evil of this profession prompted Geoffrey Chaucer to write about its contradictions in a chapter in “The Canterbury Tales,” and reformist Martin Luther later criticized the system in the text of his “Ninety-five Theses.” Pope Pius V, however, abolished the sale of indulgences in 1567, thus eliminating the need for pardoners.

— Barber-surgeon: While there wasn’t anything close to the one-stop-shopping options of the internet age, the Middle Ages at least provided a convenient solution for those in dire need of simultaneously dealing with a toothache and getting a haircut. The job of the barber-surgeon came about after religious clerics, who handled an array of surgical and medical procedures by the early Middle Ages, were forbidden from drawing blood by the Fourth Lateran Council of 1215. Barbers were then trained to pick up the slack due to their experiences with razors, and many became skilled at bloodletting, pulling teeth … and even amputation. The great number of these practitioners led to the formation of England’s barber-surgeon trade guild in 1540. It eventually became clear, however, that special skills were required by the medical side of the profession. Consequently, the two trades were once again separated by the early 1800s.

— Fuller: The process of “fulling” condenses and strengthens cloth fibers so they could be transformed into wearable garments. While it sounds strange, this practice dates back to ancient Egypt and remains in use today. Although it generally involves the folding and mashing of cloth in a soapy liquid, the medieval means for accomplishing this process were much less benign. A medieval fuller was required to stomp around on a cloth pile submerged in a vat of stale urine. This substance was the rinsing liquid of choice due to its high levels of ammonium salts, which were ideal for removing grease and softening fabric. Since the process could take several hours, that meant an extended, and very unpleasant, period of time huffing and puffing and breathing in the fumes from the bodily waste.

— Flatulist: We have all seen the entertainment provided within the medieval court by jesters, jugglers and acrobats in movies about that time period. There was, however, a subset of entertainers we did not see but were definitely enjoyed at court — these performers earned a living by breaking wind. Such was the case with an English gentleman known as Roland the Farter. Roland regularly performed a dance at King Henry II’s annual Christmas pageant that ended with the delivery of “one jump, one whistle, and one fart.” 

Obviously, this was a prized skill, because Roland was rewarded handsomely, receiving a manor in Suffolk with up to 100 acres of land. And he was not the only entertainer with this skill. Records also describe the talents of a group of Irish flatulists, known as braigetori. This profession remained popular even with the more “proper” civilizations that followed. Joseph Pujol became a celebrity in France in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for this “talent.” And Paul Oldfield, with the stage name of Mr. Methane, recently made his noisy way into the Guinness World Records for his lengthy career in this field.

I must say that, after reading this, I no longer feel bad about any of my “survival” jobs.

Source: History Facts

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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 Cafe — a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program runs on donations.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; have fun with the weekend packet, 6 p.m.

Monday: “The Price Is Right” on CBS, 10 a.m.; movie in the dining room, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary with Mary, 10 a.m.; nail spa, 10 a.m.; early bird bingo, 1:45 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Bible study, 10 a.m.; coffee chat, 10:30 a.m.; Uno, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Trivia, 11:45 a.m.; learning macrame, 1:30 p.m.;

Friday and Saturday: No information was provided.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; Name that Word, 9 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Cooking, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; DT luncheon, 11:30 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 3 p.m.; trivia teasers, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; Iron River Bible Church, 10 a.m.; Sagola Senior Center, 10 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; “Name That Tune,” 2 p.m.; crime movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/penny ante, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; monthly birthday party with Bob, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6:15 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: No information was provided.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Scattegories, 2 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; social hour, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; after-dinner reminiscing, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; word search, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; April birthday party, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; social hour, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; desserts and conversations, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; special treat, 10 a.m.; room visits/leisure cart, 11 a.m.; sand art craft, 2 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: No information provided.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Coffee and trivia, 10 a.m.; individual communion, 12:30 p.m.; movie and popcorn, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/Communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 p.m.; fly swatter balloon, 2 p.m.; Baptist Church sing along, 5 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; short stories, 10:15 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; tic tac trivia, 10 a.m.; crafting, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; coffee and snacks, 10 a.m.; Niagara school choir, 12:30 p.m.; crafting, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: No information was provided.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

No information was available.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

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.; unforgettable movie songs, 2:30 p.m.; 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.; kings ‘n’ corner, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; pondering prompts, 11 a.m.; crafty Wednesday, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo/joke of the day, 10:30 a.m.; “Price is Right,” 2 p.m.; picture this, 4 p.m.; drama club; daily chronicles.

Friday and Saturday: No information was provided.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week –

Tuesday: Chef salad, cup of chicken soup, breadstick.

Wednesday: Turkey and Swiss sandwich, wild rice, pasta salad.

Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs, green beans, salad.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating at noon Monday through Thursday. Carryout meals, soup and salad bar are also available. Friday meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Layered chicken bake, cauliflower, croissant.

Tuesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied carrots.

Wednesday: Boiled dinner, biscuit, applesauce.

Thursday: Barbecue chicken, oven-roasted potatoes, green beans, fruit.

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: Reuben sandwich with American fries.

Tuesday: Chicken enchiladas, rice and beans.

Wednesday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes.

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: Cheeseburger, baked fries, baked beans.

Tuesday: Pancakes, hash brown potatoes, sausage, yogurt.

Wednesday: Scalloped potatoes and ham, peas, dinner roll.

Thursday: Stuffed pepper, corn, applesauce.

Friday: Chicken salad sandwich, croissant, cole slaw, fresh fruit.

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:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 3 p.m.; 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.

Menu for the week –

Monday: Smothered chicken breast.

Tuesday: Brats and chips, baked beans.

Wednesday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, vegetables.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken strips, sweet potato fries, black bean and corn salad, fruit.

Tuesday: Broccoli cheese soup, chicken patty on a bun with lettuce and tomato, fruit.

Wednesday: Chicken Caesar salad (chicken, romaine, tomato, croutons, parmesan cheese, dressing), breadsticks, cottage cheese, raspberry bars.

Thursday: Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, Brussel sprouts, fruit.

Friday: No information was provided.

All meals are served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Serving on site Mondays through Fridays at 11:30 a.m. For reservations call 715-589-4491. Homebound meals will be delivered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Florence Community Center

Serving at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

Fence Town Hall

Serving at noon Wednesdays only. For reservations, call 715-589-4491.

Tipler Town Hall

Serving at noon on second Thursday only. For reservations, call 715-528-4261.

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: Breaded chicken breast, biscuit, oven potatoes, vegetable, diced pears.

Tuesday: Beef steak with gravy, mashed potatoes with gravy, corn, tropical fruit, whole wheat bread.

Wednesday: Birthdate party — meat lasagna, Capri vegetables, peas, garlic breadstick, peach cake.

Thursday: Bratwurst, whole wheat hot dog bun, oven potatoes, diced carrots, fruit cup.

Milk available at all meals.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m., with the meal served at 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, salad bar opens at 3:30 p.m. with the meal at 4 p.m. Meals can be prepared for carryout.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheeseburger, baked fries, baked beans.

Tuesday: Pancakes, hash brown potatoes, sausage, yogurt.

Wednesday: Scalloped potatoes and ham, peas, dinner roll.

Thursday: Stuffed pepper, corn, applesauce.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation for the meal is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo is played on most Wednesdays. Transportation to the meal site is available.

Bingo on Tuesday and Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Cheesy chicken and rice casserole, green beans, Mandarin oranges, pumpkin bar.

Wednesday: Swiss steak, mashed potatoes, spinach salad with tomatoes, wheat dinner roll.

Thursday: Chicken booyah with crackers, creamy broccoli salad, apple crisp.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins 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 picking up the meal. Menu for the week —

Monday: Beef chop suey, Oriental vegetables, rice.

Tuesday: Pork chops, mashed potatoes and gravy, peas.

Wednesday: Turkey and noodles, biscuit, broccoli.

Thursday: Salmon, oven-roasted potatoes, mixed vegetables.

Birthdays and bingo on Thursday.

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 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — birthdays and bingo.

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 also available. Dine-in meal is $5 and takeout meal is $6. Reservations are required and should specify if dining in or taking out. Come and enjoy a meal with us — all are welcome — any age. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: BLT, soup.

Wednesday: Baked potato bar.

Thursday: Biscuits and gravy, eggs, hash brown potatoes, bacon.