I first met Margaret Sangster through the pages of Crowned with Silver, a wonderful magazine which can truly boast that it is "Godly Homemaking Wisdom From Bygone Eras". I was intrigued by their article; however, her name slipped my mind, having never seen any of her published works during our many flea market jaunts.

Then, on a recent family trip, my older daughter spied an interesting book on the shelf of an antique shop in Amarillo, Texas. Knowing my enthusiasm for turn-of-the-century authors and feeling something familiar about this particular name, she said, "Mom, here's a book by Margaret Sangster." There, right before my eyes (I had missed it!) was a copy of The Art of Home Making.

The rest of the story, my family would say, was inevitable. In the hotel room that evening, I poured over the pages of the book, admiring the wonderful black and white plate illustrations, reading the original poetry, the advice for making the house a home, and most importantly, how I could mature to gain the influence so needed in making my home a peaceful place of rest.

Margaret Elizabeth Munson Sangster began her writing career in 1855 with her first published story entitled "Little Janey." This piece of original fiction gained a commission for 100 more stories for juveniles; each story to accompany an illustration. In 1858, she married George Sangster, a minister, and discontinued her career, preferring the home over further acclaim. After thirteen years of marriage, George Sangster died, leaving Margaret alone.

Margaret began to contribute original pieces of writing to Hearth and Home and in 1873 became the editor of that magazine's children's page. Mrs. Sangster would later become the assistant editor of Hearth and Home, a position she would hold until it ceased publication in 1875.

In 1876, Margaret became the editor of the family page for the Christian Intelligencer, and a literary advisor to Harper & Brothers Publishing. In 1889, she moved to the position of editor of Harper's Bazaar, remaining there until the magazine failed in 1899.

Margaret Elizabeth Sangster died in 1912.

You may be wondering, what can a woman who lived the majority of her life 100 years ago say to me, a woman of the 21st century? Oh, so, so much. Do you ever wonder why even though women now command the respect of men due to their increased status in the working world, it is still so hard to find a man who treats women like ladies? Do you ask yourself, "Where have all the little niceties gone?" those gestures that men used to extend on behalf of a lady? Holding the door, standing when a lady entered the room, offering their chair or perhaps seat on a bus? And most importantly, would you like to see finer manners come into vogue again? I most certainly would.

What is the answer? Perhaps it is that when we become ladies again, men will become gentlemen. "Well, this isn't our problem, it's the men!" you may be thinking. No, dear friend, stand back and examine your behavior closely - don't you think we women could use a little improving in behavior that hasn't been cultivated by our gender in several decades? Personally, I have found that when I am a more beautiful person on the inside, my family seems to respond in like! We can make a difference and we can do it with the help of Margaret Sangster.

As you can tell, this is a subject I am very enthusiastic about and in the months to come I hope to make available to you the wisdom of Margaret Sangster from her many publications. So, please, check back from time to time and grow, with me. Links to pages will be posted on this page and where you can purchase copies of your own. If you know of a title that I have missed, please let me know, I would greatly appreciate your kindness.

Bibliography Under Construction!

Wasting Time
A Personal Reminiscence
Good Manners for All Occasions
Good Manners in Hospitality
Home Life Made Beautiful

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