Timeless Souls: Why Some of Us Feel at Home in the Past
Ever feel like you should have lived in a different time? I’ve always felt like a square peg in a round world. Since I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by all things history. I was never a fan of those important dates we had to memorize in school. Perhaps it’s the charm of slower living, the elegance of vintage fashion, or a longing for a time when life feels simpler and more intentional.
I wanted to know what it was like for everyday people—their clothes, music, the food they ate, and how they lived their daily lives. I’ve studied various periods; my favorite eras are the Victorian, Edwardian, and the 1930s through 1940s. My grandmother, who was born in 1920, raised me similarly to the way she was raised. I learned a lot about living through the Great Depression and World War II. Today, many around the world are celebrating the end of conflict in Europe. May 8th was VE Day, Victory in Europe. Times were very tough, but there were good times too. It isn’t just about the aesthetic. I love shopping at antique shops, finding items from the 30s and 40s. I wish I could step back in time. I adore my oil lamps and old books. Recently, I found my dream car: a 1946 Ford Pickup!
Years ago, I believe it was the BBC that ran a series about Time Warp Wives. I loved seeing people living in the modern world while their homes and everyday life reflected the period they cherished. Currently, I have a couple of YouTube channels I adore:
- Sara H. Chrisman: is an author, has refurbished an old Victorian home with her husband and lives as if it were the late Victorian period.
-
Real Vintage Doll House:
is another channel I love. She and her mother bought a small home in Britain and have acquired a collection of vintage items. Their quiet dedication to living authentically has naturally drawn admiration from others.
- Ruth Goodman’s Farm Series: is amazing. In discussing a vintage lifestyle, I must mention my HERO, Ruth Goodman. She, along with two archaeologists, Peter Ginn and Ales Langlands, produced a series of farm shows in which they lived for periods ranging from six months to a year, capturing everyday life. Ruth is an expert on domestic history. They’ve created Green Valley, Tudor Monastery Farm, Victorian Farm, Edwardian Farm, and WWII Farm. I love all the series so that I couldn’t choose a favorite.
I’d say I have considered incorporating more vintage or historical elements into my modern everyday life. I love my oil lamps; perhaps I’ll use them more frequently. Although our garden has already been planted, I might think about planting a Victory Garden next year and using my grandmother’s 1940 cookbook to create more period meals. I haven’t put much thought into it at this time, but I believe it would be interesting to try a 1940s cleaning schedule, explore hobbies, and more. I already love Big Band music, and when I was younger, I had the opportunity to play in a Big Band jazz band. What aspects of vintage life have you tried incorporating into your routine? I’d love to hear how you bring the past into the present.
