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Downton Abbey

Friday, January 18, 2013

Local History: Spanish Flu from Downton Abbey to Essex County

A look back to the onset of Spanish flu in 1918-1919 and its impact on South Orange and the surrounding area.

'I had a little bird, Its name was Enza. I opened the window, And in-flu-enza.' — Jump Rope rhyme popular in 1918 and 1919. In 1918, residents of South Orange and Maplewood might turn to the local weekly newspaper, The Home News, for an update on local events. The usual headline, “What Maplewood – South Orange Folks are Doing; Personal Notes of Those You Know,” was followed by reports of graduations and “bridal teas.” The eight-page weekly filled its pages with items of local interest, short articles that jostled for space with War Bond ads. However, as Downton Abbey viewers know, a global 'flu epidemic loomed. On the fictional series, the disease claimed a number of victims. Likewise, South Orange and Maplewood were impacted, as well. …

Friday, January 4, 2013

Countdown to Downton Abbey: Viewing Party Food and Drink

Series 3 begins new season on Sunday, Jan. 6.

Downton Abbey's third series arrives in the U.S. in January and loyal viewers are approaching the season with the fervor of football fans in the pre-season. Season 3, which begins on Sunday, Jan. 6, is a red-letter day for fans.  Viewing parties are commonplace during the show, and since the food and drink complement the event, Patch asked local food experts for their best Edwardian era picks. EthnicNJ's Anthony Ewing offers menu picks and a thoughtful analysis. "According to the NPR segment I heard," explains Ewing, "the period drama portrays universal themes with particular relevance for current times, and plenty of class and sexual tension. I'll suggest a mix of modern and traditional British fare. For modern British, serve Madras Curry…

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Daytrip for Downton Abbey Fans

If you miss the Crawleys, here's a trip that feels like home

  Desperate for Downton Abbey? (Yes!) As fans prepare for Season 3 to reach American shores and television stations on January 6, here's a daytrip to put viewers in the mood. The lush and lavishly-decorated Ballantine House at the Newark Museum was built in 1885. Jeannette and John Holme Ballantine built the home with 27 rooms, including eight bedrooms and three bathrooms.  Part of The Newark Museum since 1937, the house was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1985. The period rooms are restored to 1891, representing  the "ideal home" in America over a century ago.  The first-floor rooms include the Billiard Room, the Parlor, the Reception Room, the Library and the Dining Room.  The Music Room offers an interactive experience called…

Monday, June 4, 2012

Seven Ways To Mark The Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Recipes, cocktails, One Direction ... go British this week!

Queen Elizabeth II was only 25 when she became the head of state of a faltering post-war power. Today, at 86, she remains a symbol of spirit and stamina for Britain and is the oldest person to reign over the country. Only Queen Victoria, who took the throne at an earlier age, enjoyed a longer reign. Here are six ways you can help our friends in Britain celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's 60th year on the throne, an event called the Diamond Jubilee.  --Eat British!  Fish and chips, perhaps?  EthnicNJ has a list of British eateries that takes us from morning scones to teatime to the pub. —Make a no-fuss shepherd's pie, one of my personal favorites! Here's the recipe. —Drink a British drink. Melody Kettle of Hot From The Kettle tells us how to …

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