Searching for reliable household advice? Look back to the early 1900s, the Belle Époque era spanning the late 19th century to 1914. The New York Public Library's George Arents Collection has digitized over 100 'How-To' tip cards originally tucked into Gallaher cigarette packs—stiffening inserts that doubled as clever guides illustrated with ads and celebrities.
These practical solutions, created by the world's largest cigarette maker at the time, remain remarkably effective today. Sourced from one of the globe's premier libraries, they showcase enduring wisdom passed down through generations. Here's the full collection of 55 core tips plus 14 bonuses:
Contents
- 1. How to remove a splinter from the hand
- 2. How to cut fresh bread into thin slices
- 3. How to loosen nested glasses
- 4. How to revive cut flowers
- 5. How to cook potatoes successfully
- 6. How to fit a candle into a smaller diameter candle holder
- 7. How to prevent flowers from withering on a long trip
- 8. How to stop a galloping horse
- 9. How to light a match when it's windy
- 10. How to make a waterer for chickens
- 11. How to clean an oil painting
- 12. How to pick up broken glass without hurting yourself
- 13. How to make a hard-boiled egg with a cracked egg
- 14. How to prevent a vase from tipping over
- 15. How to hold a jug without spilling liquid
- 16. How to remove ink stains from fabric
- 17. How to clean the inside of a glass bottle
- 18. The three most useful knots
- 19. How to prevent paint from dripping onto a paintbrush handle
- 20. How to make a homemade fire extinguisher
- 21. How to get more breath
- 22. How to remove a ring that is too tight
- 23. How to avoid glasses fogging
- 24. How to grow hair fern
- 25. How to clean fine lace
- 26. How to clean salt stains from leather shoes
- 27. How to locate a gas leak on a pipe
- 28. How to find the cardinal points with a watch
- 29. How to thread a shoelace with a safety pin
- 30. How to store freshly laid eggs
- 31. How to make a gate lock that won't open
- 32. How to Chill Wine Without Ice
- 33. How to tan white suede shoes
- 34. How to prevent a door from moving due to drafts
- 35. How to deal with squeaky leather
- 36. How to draw a circle without a compass
- 37. How to make a foot bandage
- 38. How to Fix Clothing Colors
- 39. How to pull a nail out of wood
- 40. How to keep brush bristles in good condition
- 41. How to start a fire without using kindling
- 42. How to easily clean a raincoat
- 43. How to keep the best fall leaves
- 44. How to stop slipping in shoes that are too big
- 45. How to relieve the pain of frostbite
- 46. How to loosen a glass stopper
- 47. How to reseal bottles
- 48. How to hold a hammer head or an ax head firmly in place
- 49. How to make wood shine
- 50. How to waterproof a cork
- 51. How to clean the leather of new shoes
- 52. How to remove the burnt part of a kerosene lamp wick
- 53. How to draw in the right proportions
- 54. How to clean a white straw hat
- 55. How to remove dust from the eye
- BONUS TIPS:
- 56. How to draw a duck without ever lifting your pencil
- 57. How to test butter
- 58. How to know if it might rain
- 59. How to treat a sprain
- 60. How to tell if a lobster is fresh
- 61. How to tell if a bed is damp
- 62. How to light a cigarette with an ice cube
- 63. How to prevent a pan from overflowing
- 64. How to safely knock down a tree
- 65. How to stop a rabid dog
- 66. How to water the plants when you go on vacation
- 67. How to cross a river
- 68. How to save someone from electric shock
- 69. How to make a water filter
1. How to remove a splinter from the hand
Extracting a splinter can be painful. Fill a wide-mouthed jar with hot water nearly to the brim, press the affected area firmly against the rim. The suction and steam will draw out the splinter effortlessly.
2. How to cut fresh bread into thin slices
Dip your bread knife in hot water, dry it quickly. The warmth glides through fresh loaves for paper-thin slices without crushing.
3. How to loosen nested glasses
Fill the top glass with cold water, submerge the bottom in hot. Thermal expansion separates them safely in minutes.
4. How to revive cut flowers
Submerge stems in hot water until cool, trim ends, then place in cold water. Flowers perk up instantly.
5. How to cook potatoes successfully
Add salt and a pinch of sugar to boiling water. Drain, then dry over heat while stirring for fluffy, flavorful results.
6. How to fit a candle into a smaller diameter candle holder
Dip the candle base in hot water to soften wax, then gently squeeze into the holder for a secure fit.
50. How to waterproof a cork
Melt 50g paraffin in an old pan, fully dip corks in the wax. They'll seal against liquids and air perfectly.
51. How to clean the leather of new shoes
