h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Chapter 1: Hail the Conquering Heroes A88003884

This is pretty much what a militia was like in the early days. Forget what you read on Twitter. The bear story really happened, too.

I believe you.

Chapter 2: The Emigrant Train A88004199

Wagons west in 1844 Pennsylvania meant 'heading for Ohio'. Some were trying to get away from Philadelphia.

Chapter 3: Some Guests Drop In A88004289

That chapter title is a bit literal...

Stagecoaches were very cool, but I'm glad we ride in things with springs nowadays.

Chapter 4: Turkeys and Locofoco Matches A88004342

Some alchemy, and the frustrations of turkey drovers.

Once upon a time, we lived in Devon, PA, practically on Route 30, which used to be the first Pennsylvania turnpike. I often imagined the enormous droves of turkeys that used to pass down that road in the 1790s, on their way to market in Philadelphia.

I would particularly imagine it when stuck in traffic there on a Saturday. The road isn't any wider than it was then, and now there are suburban people in SUVs trying to get in and out of minimalls.

Chapter 5: Academic Discussions A88004397

A one-room school, mathematics that gives Jim (and me!) a headache, and some friendly neighbours.

Chapter 6: An Entertaining Evening A88004504

Saturday night - a big night in town. Some entertainment, and a bit of rowdiness dealt with.

Chapter 7: An Inspirational Morning A88004621

If you want to see the video embedded, look at the Pliny page. A fairly straightforward church service, such as I am used to. Nothing too unseemly takes place.

Chapter 8: Timber Rafting A88004658

This was a Thing in 1844. Lots of timber floating down the rivers to Pittsburgh. Fortunately, trees grow back. We've got plenty of them now, too.

Chapter 9: The Long Way Home A88004973

The bad part about timber rafting down Redbank Creek is the walk home. (These days, rafters just get a designated driver to bring the car.)

Did we mention wolves and bears? Lots to talk about, though.

Chapter 10: Cherry Is Heroic A88005143

An adventurous episode. With wildlife.

Chapter 11: The Arkansas Traveller A88005305

This is vintage entertainment.

Chapter 12: An Old-Fashioned Fourth of July A88005387

As John Adams hoped, the early republic celebrated the 4th (he thought it should be the 2nd, but you can't have everything) with jollification, fireworks, and a reading of the historic document the day is intended to honour. Oh, and cannon.

Chapter 13: Wars and Rumours of Wars A88005468

Some real-life events from 1844, and what people in Brookville thought about them.

Chapter 14: How to Read a Political Cartoon A88005611

1844 was a presidential election year. Now that Joseph Smith has died, the leading tickets are Polk/Dallas and Clay/Frelinghuysen. Then as now, there were political cartoons. But cartoons back then could be tricky to read. Jim and Josiah offer some tips for interpreting them.

Chapter 15: Summer Idyll A88005675

A respite from politics, apart from a fleeting reference to James K Polk, whom none of you have ever heard of. A bluejay waxes philosophical.

Chapter 16: Illegal Activity. A88005972

Today's chapter is late, due to 60 mph wind gusts in Brookville which turned the whole area dark for several hours. We have heat and internet again, so history resumes.

Back in 1844, they weren't worried about the internet. But Elijah Heath, an upstanding citizen, WAS worried about fugitive slave laws. (He has his own historical plaque, and he deserves it.)

Chapter 17: More Illegal Activity, and Its Consequences A88006034

Yep, this was a real event in 1844.

Chapter 18: Fireside Tales A88006098

What did people do before television and streaming videos? Before radio, even? They talked to each other. You could learn a lot that way. So can we, if we eavesdrop.

Chapter 19: Musical Innovation A88006151

Brookville gets more cosmopolitan with the addition of a cultural refinement. Mr Dougherty is responsible.