MAY 21 ISSUE ANSWERS: Because of the much-needed transportation provided by horses, Romeo streets had a familiar stench left by these animals. Women would often carry a well-known accessory called a “tussie mussie” or “nosegay”. The term “nosegay” was probably because it made noses happier. Sometime these special flower holders were filled with herbs such as rosemary, thyme or rue for warding off a plague. These Victorian tussie mussies were a necessary article to the well-dressed Victorian lady in the United States and Europe along with fans, gloves, and dance cards. These nosegays were made of silver as is the one from the Bancroft-Stranahan Museum or gold, painted porcelain, ivory, some even inset with jewels. They were sometimes custom made by jewelers or ceramists and had mirrors for peering at nearby gentleman or attached pencils for keeping track of dance partners. They had ornate designs inspired by nature with an attached ring on the end of a chain which enabled the lady to dangle a bouquet from her finger while dancing. These fashionable accessories were mainly disappearing by WWI. However, the Victorian love of flowers and the affection that they represent are still with us today at proms, weddings, graduations, funerals and other special occasions. Joan Emily Beringer Curator of Bancroft-Stranahan Museum