Times around 1900 where marked by heavy steel coal fired steam engines, wood heated drafty homes, horses worked the fields, and whaling was at its apex. Electricity, phones and automobiles were rare and only available to wealthy. Everyone worked hard and often died early. Entertainment for those that had extra money was provided by hundreds of theaters, musicals, and stage plays. Newspapers were short, set with lead type and oily carbon ink on rough rag paper with no room for fake news. Entertainment was provided exclusively in theaters and Charles Frohman’s theater schedules were always listed with ornate theater advertisements, and the public came along with their money. Trusting those that cared for your money required nerves of steel and the help of Charles's best friend, William Gillette who take on the person of Sherlock Holmes.