Genealogy has recently been touted as the number two hobby in the United States. Pretty popular stuff, analyzing the ahnentafel, perusing the pedigree, tracing the tree...I've got a million of 'em!
But what did the citizens of the United States think about genealogy 100 years ago? Indications can be found in historical newspapers.
In 1911, Bostonians worried about social correctness:
But what did the citizens of the United States think about genealogy 100 years ago? Indications can be found in historical newspapers.
In 1911, Bostonians worried about social correctness:
A 1912 Pennsylvania paper kindly recognized genealogy as an acceptable career! Whew!
Far south in New Orleans, the bite of the genealogy bug was discussed.
This 1915 California clipping implies respect was being given to “Genealogy Bodies.”
Meanwhile, in Washington D.C. the implication was that genealogy was beginning to serve evolutionary thought.
In 1918 an Oregon newspaper reported residents of Mexico were worried about proving themselves to be “Americans” in view of US passport requirements. As if Mexico wasn’t part of America....
Concurrently, Nebraskans concerned themselves with animal genealogy.
Admit it, the horse genealogy is fascinating!