Europe Communications

      TELEGRAPHS AND TELEPHONES

There were different types of Telegraphs, like the regular telegraphs, the print telegraphs, and the big telegraphs that were used on offices.

As another type of communication there was also the telephone....

Fashion in the 1880s

Early 19th century corsets of the 1820s-40s were still called stays. They were usually white or beige in color, made from cotton or linen and sometimes had colored stitching. Most of these corsets were home made and many were corded and embroidered in beautiful and elaborate decorative patterns. A single stiff wooden or Ivory busk was inserted into a pocket down the closed center front  for support. Beautifully carved and painted busks are often given as a love token.  All corsets were over bust and most opened in the center back only. Grommets were made of carved ivory, bone or wood.

Opium Den

An opium den was an establishment where opium was sold and smoked. Opium dens were prevalent in many parts of the world in the 19th century, most notably China, Southeast Asia, North America and France.

1800s Cost of Living

1 bag of flour $1.80
Small measure of potatoes daily at .17 per day $1.19
1/4 lb of tea .38
1 qt milk .56
1 lb cheap coffee .35
Sugar 3 1/2 lb $1.05
1/2 ration meats per week $3.50
4 lb. butter $1.60
2 lb. lard .38
Dried apples for treats .25
Vegetables .50
Soap, starch, pepper, salt, vinegar, etc. $1.00
2 bushels of coal $1.36
Kerosene .30
Sundries .28
Rent $4.00 week

Total $18.50

An artistic Opium

Opium was introduced to Europe during the early 1800 by Chinese immigrants and sailors. Arriving from the Orient, opium had an air of exoticism surrounding it, as well as a certain artistic appeal to it's users. Many well known faces and celebrities have used Opium,such as Pablo Picasso, Allister Crowley and as well Sherlock Holmes visited the den's many times. Opium Dens were around the corners at the beginning and grew out to the Lime district of Europe during the 1900. 

"Where would I find Opium? The Opium that is my

 life, the magic opium that intoxicates me with 

pleasure and illusions, intrepid opium

that sustains me here".

Gas Lighting

Early in the 19th century, most cities in the United States and Europe were lit up by gaslight.

British Monarchs

During Sherlock Holmes time, there were different monarchs who ruled Britain.



From 1837-1901, Queen Victoria, daughter of prince Edward ruled.












Then from 1901-1910, King Edward VII, son of Victoria and Prince Albert, ruled.












Finally, from 1910-1936, King George V, son of Edward VII and Alexandra of Denmark ruled Great Britain.