Towne Victorian Farewell

Summing up the Victorian meaning is not an easy task. A year ago I thought Victorian meant frill and lace. I thought it was about Victoria's godliness and devotion. Could it be about houses built with ornate elaboration? Bright whimsical colors or soft pastel delights? Organizing furniture and trinkets in a clustered fashion? Flowers, stripes, murals, fringe and embroidery? Is it chairs with curvy legs and upholstery made of thick elegant materials? Maybe it's the etiquette, a proper thing called manners. Is it about Ladies rhetorical mannerisms? Or is it Time for Tea and some company to call? Mommy's and daughter's father's and son's Sewing dresses, making tea and biscuits...perhaps even trading recipes? The Art of the time and it's many forms: Classical, Impressionism, Expressionism, Realism, filled with bright exuberance of artistic individual expression. Was it Chopin, Brahms or Tchaikovsky who brought new definition to piano and music? Great Literary minds: Stevenson, the Bronte sisters, Dickens, Poe, Carroll, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Irving, Whitman, Emily Dickenson, Hawthorne and Thoreau? It could be about the marvelous inventions: the train, phone,telegraph, typewriter, phonograph, light bulbs and automobile. What about the Pioneers who set off to settle the West of the U.S. It was an Era of change, Civil War, freedom for slaves. How many great men and women came up out of this time period to indefinitely make a mark on human history?

What about beliefs and timeless traditions? The flame of religious revival in a time when it was right to look for God and redemption. Was this not the time that selflessness and chivalry were expected? Was it not the time for persistence and consistency in working hard. Was it not a time where morality and manners were not only taught but were applied practices? Is it more than this? Perhaps the definition of Victorian is all of the above. Because it means something different to most people I know. I have been happy, as an historical and Victorian enthusiast, to bring all of this to you. I only ask for your swift return. To check back once in a while. Thank you, everyone, for visiting and enjoying.