Do you swear by tips that your grandmother or mother has passed down to you? If so, you’re going to love this. The New York Public Library has made digital copies of “how-to” cards found in cigarette boxes over 100 years ago. These cards were made by Gallaher Cigarettes, a UK-based company that was once one of the largest cigarette companies in the world. We’ve compiled a list of some of the best how-to cards that are still totally useful and applicable today.
Thanks to Bored Panda for discovering these awesome pieces of history!
1. How To Cut Bread Into Thin Slices
source: Bored Panda / NYPL Digital Collections
According to Gallaher, cutting bread into thin slices without a serrated knife can be made easy by plunging the knife into hot water and wiping it dry before slicing. Who knew?
2. How To Separate Glass Tumblers
source: Bored Panda / NYPL Digital Collections
If two glass cups get stuck together, avoid breaking them by putting cold water in the top one and submerging the bottom one in warm water. They will then separate with ease.
3. How To Extract A Splinter
source: Bored Panda / NYPL Digital Collections
To remove a splinter, fill a glass bottle almost to the top with hot water. Press the area where you have the splinter to the mouth of the bottle. The suction will pull on the skin, and the steam will help to draw the splinter out.
4. How To Revive Cut Flowers
source: Bored Panda / NYPL Digital Collections
To revive withering cut flowers, plunge the stems into hot water and leave them there until the water has cooled. Then, trim the ends of the stems and place them into cool water as you normally would.
5. How To Boil Potatoes
source: Bored Panda / NYPL Digital Collections
To make potatoes “dry and floury” when cooked, add a pinch of salt and sugar to the water when boiling. When the potatoes are done, the water should be poured away and the pot should be replaced over the heat for a short time, ensuring you are shaking the pot occasionally to ensure equal dryness of the potatoes.
6. How To Judge The Weather
source: Bored Panda / NYPL Digital Collections
In the early morning, begin to observe a very distant cloud. If the cloud grows gradually larger, then unsettled, rainy weather is imminent. If the cloud gradually decreases in size, the day will likely be lovely.
7. How To Fit A Large Candle
source: Bored Panda / NYPL Digital Collections
If a candle is too thick for a candlestick, dip the end of the candle into a bowl of hot water until the wax softens. Press the candle into the candlestick and it will stay firmly planted.
8. How To Light A Match In The Wind
source: Bored Panda / NYPL Digital Collections
Use a paring knife to cut some thin shavings towards the striking end of the match, as shown in the picture. Upon lighting the match, the curled shavings will catch fire immediately, making the flame stronger and giving it a better chance of staying lit.
9. How To Pick Up Broken Glass
source: Bored Panda / NYPL Digital Collections
To pick up broken glass quickly and safely, use a damp cloth to pick it up, as it will gather all of the small splinters. If you use an old rag, you can simply throw it away with the broken glass when you’re done.
10. How To Boil Cracked Eggs
source: Bored Panda / NYPL Digital Collections
To boil cracked eggs the same way as if they were undamaged, a little vinegar should be added to the water. If you do this, none of the contents of the egg will boil out.
