Good Morning POU! We continue our look at traditions and customs for American slaves during the last week of the year. In antebellum North Carolina, Christmas season was the time for an African American celebration found almost nowhere else in North America, but widespread through the islands of the Caribbean. Variously called Jonkonnu, Johnkannaus, John Coonah, or … [Read more...] about Tuesday Open Thread: A Slaves’ Christmas, Part 2
Slavery
Monday Open Thread: A Slaves’ Christmas, Part 1
Good Morning POU! This week we'll look at the experiences of slaves during the holiday season, primarily Christmas Day through the first of the year. Christmas on a Slave Plantation Plantation Frolic on Christmas Eve. Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper, 1857(Photo: Library of Congress) In the dining room might be a series of flickering candles and … [Read more...] about Monday Open Thread: A Slaves’ Christmas, Part 1
Saturday Open Thread: Nearis Green – The Real Jack Daniels
For years, visitors to Tennessee’s Jack Daniel's distillery have gotten a version of history that goes down as smooth as a good whiskey: In the 1850s, a preacher and distiller by the name of Dan Call recognized potential in young Jasper Newton "Jack" Daniel and taught him how to run a still. But, as the bestselling whiskey maker approaches its 150th anniversary, The New … [Read more...] about Saturday Open Thread: Nearis Green – The Real Jack Daniels