I often wondere at what people respond to and don't on
web sites. I've seen totally interesting and valuable
insight ignored, and someone posts something ridiculous, and the whole world jumps in. I don't get it.
Your work falls into the first category. It is interesting, and relevant, yet seems to draw little response. Take it as a compliment.
As to adding some of our own material. You underestimate your ability to find new material. I
practically lived at the public library and never found
any of the work you have, Even with your leads, I still
haven't been able to search down the early American
periodicals that you find.
I say this as an excuse, and an apology. Your work is
great and not easy to find.
As to whether it's real or not, let's just say that someone in an editorial position of authority thought it relevant and approved its publishing. Was it sensationalism to print a story of a wife being stropped in the woodshed? Probably, but it was still
believable and relevant, especially to the women who
could relate! I personally knew a farmer couple, where
the husband took a belt to his wife whenever he caught
her drinking or hiding liquor. This was in the 1960's!
So, are the stories real, or rural and urban legends?
I think they printed what was perceived as real! That's
all that really matters, that, and their response!