The American Girl's Handy Book: How to Amuse Yourself and Others (1887)

An adorable book that I randomly bought while visiting the Juliette Gordon Low house (founder of the Girl Scouts) in Savannah, GA. It has a lot of old timey projects that could still be enjoyed by crafters, families, and kids today. I could see an elementary school teacher using this for ideas. It has projects for every holiday.

I'd really like to check out The American Boy's Handy Book as well. Apparently, Turn-Of-The-Century Girls were obsessed with pressing, arranging, and drying flowers. Which is great, but today's kids are a little more tough, outdoorsy, and less patient.
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Had you been a girl in late 19th-century America, this book would have been a treasure. It still is, although its value today is as a nostalgic look back to a time when families and communites were much more tightly knit than they are today, and "girls" (the book seems aimed at about ages 13-17) grew up without the early sexualization we're so used to now. In fact, the theme of the book is that boys really aren't necessary if girls want to have a good time! Many of the crafts and home-decorating ideas can be duplicated today for period effects, and if you're thinking of throwing an accurately Victorian-themed party, look no further for a great source of ideas. Fun and refreshing. ( )