Greetings,

I recently ran across a reference (in a 19th century American
periodical) to a beverage called "blackstrap" being carried by a
farmhand in an earthenware jug. I would guess that the name refers to
the type of molasses used to make it, but I am wondering about its
other components. Was this a common drink and was it alcoholic?

I have run through a number of sources on early American beverages
with no leads. Thanks for any tips.

--
Nora C. Kilbane
Assistant Curator, Visual Resources Library
Department of the History of Art
The Ohio State University
204 Hayes Hall, 108 North Oval Mall
Columbus, Ohio 43210-1318
Phone: 614-688-8187
Fax: 614-292-4401
e-mail: [log in to unmask]