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Archiver > LONDON > 2001-05 > 0989835185


From: "Betty" <>
Subject: [Lon] Before paper bags?
Date: Mon, 14 May 2001 11:13:05 +0100


Some time ago I asked for any information about "what did we use before
paper bags were invented".

I had various answers (paper cones or "pokes", sheets out of the Parish
Register etc.)

I have just re-read Little Dorrit and came across numerous references to
"whitey-brown" a sort of very cheap paper, so called because it was very
imperfectly bleached, which was used for dry goods (Uncle Frederick carried
around his half-pennyworth of snuff in it). I understand that this book is
set in the 1820's.

I'm "re-doing" many Dickens books which I have not read since I was a gal
and have learned that if you trotted down to the butchers for a veal cutlet
or such, it would probably have been handed to you wrapped in a fresh
Cabbage Leaf.

I enjoyed learning this, I hope you found it interesting.

Cheers,
Sam



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