Hey, Reenactors! How to Research 1880s Spoken English?

[Darrin Dickey]

Hey, gang! Our new member, Brooklyn, would like to know where to go to research American spoken English in the 1870s-80s during the construction of the Brooklyn bridge.

I know we've got some reenactors in this community and I thought you might be able to help her find some good source materials or tell her how you research your first person impressions. Or if you know of any experts, maybe you could point them in this direction to help her.

Thanks!

Darrin