NIAGARA, Wis. — Most of us shake our heads in disbelief each time we check out at the grocery store. I remember when I used to be able to feed our family of four for a fraction of what it costs today for just me and my husband. Granted, we eat better than the days of chili and casseroles, but it still amazes me how much of my monthly budget is food. And the holidays are always expensive as we make extra treats and prepare special holiday dinners for extended family.

I recently came across an article titled “Seven Common Items That Used to Be Extremely Valuable.” All but one was a common food item used by all of us today, and we think nothing of it. Many items we now consider commonplace were once rare, exotic and incredibly valuable. These precious commodities were often out of reach for the majority of people, reserved for royalty and wealthy citizens.

The fact that these items are now so commonplace reflects how far we have come as a society. Centuries of exploration, agricultural developments industrial innovations, and the opening of new trade routes transformed our material world. What was once worth its weight in gold may now be found in every household, often used — or even discarded — without a second thought.

This list of once-rare items will surprise you —

— Salt and pepper: Salt and pepper were often known as “white gold” and “black gold,” respectively, by merchants of the ancient world. Salt was once essential not just for flavoring food, but also for preserving it, making it crucial for survival and expansion. It was transported along the ancient salt routes to markets across Europe, making some citizens, cities and regions extremely wealthy. The city of Salzburg in Austria, for example, whose name literally means “Salt Castle,” became very wealthy by trading salt. Pepper, meanwhile, was once so rare and desirable that it was literally worth its weight in gold and was sometimes used as currency. The desire for salt and pepper, along with other spices, was so high that it helped spur European global exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries.

— Sugar: Back in medieval Europe, sugar was considered a fine spice and was often kept under lock and key along with other precious items. In Britain around 1300, 1 kilogram — about 2.2 pounds — of sugar cost about 350 pounds, equal to roughly $457 today. Four centuries later, sugar was still considered a luxury item. By 1750, there were 120 sugar refineries operating in Britain but their combined output was only 30,000 tons per year, ensuring that large profits could be made by those in control of sugar production. It wasn’t until the 1800s, with the cultivation of sugar beets and the industrialization of production, that sugar became widely available and affordable to the general population.

— Ice: Before the invention of refrigeration, ice was a luxury item, particularly in warm climates. From the days of ancient Rome until the late 1800s, ice was harvested from mountains or frozen lakes and rivers and stored in covered pits or specially built storage rooms for use in the summer, as a means of keeping food cool or simply for putting in drinks. By the 19th century, ice harvesting had become a major industry. The most notable figure in this growing trade was Frederic Tudor, an American merchant known as the “Ice King.” He made a fortune shipping ice from New England to the Caribbean, South America, Europe and even as far as India. However, the ice trade eventually collapsed in the early 20th century with the advent of artificial refrigeration and ice-making machines, which made ice a common household item.

— Tea: Tea, now the world’s most-consumed beverage after water, was once a luxury item in the Western world. Originating in China, where it had been enjoyed for thousands of years, it began to be imported into Europe in the early 1600s. By the 1660s, it reached Britain, where it became a highly fashionable luxury good consumed by those who could afford it. Tea was initially so expensive in Europe that it was kept in locked chests known as tea caddies. The tea trade eventually became a significant factor in global economics and politics. The British East India Company’s monopoly on tea imports to Britain led to widespread smuggling and ultimately played a role in the American Revolution — most memorably in the Boston Tea Party. The British obsession with tea also led to a growing trade imbalance with China, then the primary producer of tea, which eventually sparked open conflict between the two nations. By the end of the 18th century, with taxes on tea greatly reduced and plantations established in India and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), tea had become more affordable and widely consumed.

— Chocolate: Chocolate, now available in countless forms and at varying price points, was once a luxury reserved for the wealthy. We can thank the Mayans and Aztecs, both of whom saw it as a gift from the gods and valued cacao beans as highly as any other product. When Europeans encountered chocolate in the Americas, they wasted little time introducing it to Europe. By the end of the 16th century, it had become the preferred drink of the European aristocracies, enjoyed only by the nobility and wealthy merchants. Then, in 1828, the cocoa press was invented, revolutionizing chocolate production and making it available to the general population.

— Pineapples: In 1493, Christopher Columbus first came across pineapples on the island of Guadeloupe in the West Indies. Like explorers who came after him, he was very impressed by the strange, sweet fruit. By the 17th and 18th centuries, pineapples had become an exotic luxury in Europe and North America, available to only the wealthiest consumers. In the American colonies in the 1700s, a single pineapple imported from the Caribbean islands could cost as much as $8,000 in today’s money! And in mid-17th-century Britain, an affluent aristocrat could expect to spend 60 pounds for one pineapple — equivalent to about $14,400 today! Pineapples were such a symbol of wealth and status in Britain that they became a common motif in architecture and design — they can still be seen adorning the rooftops, railings, and doors of many prestigious buildings in London. It wasn’t until the development of steamships and the canning industry in the 19th century that most of the public could even think of tasting a pineapple.

— Aluminum: While not a food item, most of us pickup aluminum foil in the grocery store. Aluminum is the most abundant metal found in the Earth’s crust. Today, it is inexpensive and used in everything from soda cans to aircraft. But before the development of aluminum electrolysis in the late 19th century, it was extremely difficult to extract and refine, making it more precious than gold and silver. In the 1860s, aluminum was so rare that Napoleon III reserved a set of aluminum cutlery for his most honored guests, while those of lesser status had to “make do” with utensils made of gold. And in 1884, the United States capped the Washington Monument with a six-pound pyramid of aluminum as a display of its industrial prowess.

So, as you do your next grocery shopping, and you find yourself disgusted as you fill your cart with items that used to cost much less, remember today’s column. We can be grateful that we do not live back in Colonial days, when tea and the sugar used in it would break anyone’s grocery budget.

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NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

They welcome anyone who would like to entertain the residents. Volunteers are also needed to help with crafts and other activities.

On the third Tuesday of every month at 2 p.m. they host a Memory Cafe – a fun hour to spend with others. For more information, contact Jaime Hathaway at jlhathaway@protonmail.com. The program is run by donations.

Sunday: Catholic Mass on TV, 10 a.m.; Strong Tower Church, 1 p.m.

Monday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; small group in activities room, 11:30 a.m.; card club, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Nail day, 10 a.m.; brown bag bingo, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: “Price Is Right” on CBS, 10 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Pool noodle hockey, 10 a.m.; bunny visits, 11 a.m.; crafts, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Room visits, 10 a.m.; small group in activities room, 11:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Word search, 10 a.m.; family time, 2 p.m.; “Weakest Link” on PBS, 7 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 8:30 a.m.; hangman, 9:30 a.m.; chair exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; afternoon matinee with popcorn, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Memory books, 9:30 a.m.; Resident Council, 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Sunshine Club, 2:30 p.m.; Crystal Falls Senior Center, 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9:30 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; parachute, 10:45 a.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; throwaway bingo, 2 p.m.; comedy movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Community breakfast, 8:15 a.m.; trivia, 10 a.m.; balloon toss, 10:45 a.m.; volleyball, 2 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; United Lutheran church, 2 p.m.; happy hour with Jim, 2:30 p.m.

Friday: Hawaiian crafts, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Hawaiian luau, music and fun, dress tropical, 2 p.m.; island movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Puzzler/you be the judge, 9:30 a.m.; geri-gym, 10:45 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

Kingsford

906-774-4805

Sunday: Devotional, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; movie, 1 p.m.

Monday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; karaoke, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; watercolor painting, 2 p.m.

Friday: Coffee time, 9:30 a.m.; daily chronicle, 10 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; mystery prize bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Manicures, 9:30 a.m.; room visits, 11 a.m.; crafts or games, 1 p.m.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Families are allowed to attend activities and are encouraged to join in.

Sunday: Coffee and corny jokes, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; movie and popcorn, 1:30 p.m.; church service, 2:30 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; pamper and polish, 10 a.m.; fireside chat and boozy hot cocoa, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion service, 9 a.m.; short stories, 10 a.m.; jokereno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary, 9 a.m.; Catholic Mass, 9:30 a.m.; hangman, 10 a.m.; strawberry ice cream cones, 2 p.m.

Friday: Penny ante, 10 a.m.; happy hour with Jim on the piano, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m., catch up on a show.

Northshore Healthcare

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Sunday: Independent activities.

Monday: Yahtzee, 10 a.m.; bowling, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Resident council, 10 a.m.; manicures, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Exercise/beach ball kick, 10 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Pastor Jason/Bible study, 10 a.m.; group word search, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic communion, 10 a.m.; Yahtzee, 10:30 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; room visits, 2:15 p.m.

Saturday: Independent activities.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; trivia and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo and refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Thursday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; refreshments, 1:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical

Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Bunco, 10 a.m.; trivia, 11:15 a.m.; church services, 1:30 p.m.; bunco, 2:30 p.m.; coloring pages, daily chronicles.

Monday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; billionaires’ club, 11 a.m.; bowling, 1:45 a.m.; book club, 4 p.m.; movie, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Tuesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; who-what-where/bingo, 1:45 p.m.; Kevin Costner movie, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Wednesday: Morning visits and reality orientation; open room, 9:30 a.m.; “Jeopardy,” 11 a.m.; crafty, art sensory, 1:45 p.m.; rummy, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Thursday: Morning visits and reality orientation; bingo, 10 a.m.; trivia/“Wheel of Fortune,” 1:30 p.m.; table talk, 4 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Friday: Morning visits and reality orientation; Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; trivia/Celtic band, 2 p.m.; book club, 4:15 p.m.; game night, 6 p.m.; daily chronicles.

Saturday: Morning visits and reality orientation; exercise group, 10 a.m.; juice hour, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; one to one visits, 3 p.m.; activity packets, daily chronicles.

SENIOR CENTERS

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Hot beef sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable.

Wednesday: Chicken bacon ranch, parslied buttered noodles, vegetable, biscuit, yogurt parfait.

Thursday: Shipwreck stew, garlic and cheese biscuit, apple crisp.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Dine-in eating Monday through Thursday — salad bar at 11:30 a.m., meal at noon. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Menu for the week —

Monday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied carrots.

Tuesday: Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable.

Wednesday: Liver and onions (or a substitute), roasted garlic potatoes, carrots, garlic and cheese biscuit.

Thursday: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes, carrots, dinner roll, pudding cup.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Elizabeth Peryam

Assistant Cooks: Debbie Bigalke and Shannon Stapleton

906-875-6709

The center is serving meals for dine-in or takeout – call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or place an order. All food purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. – call ahead and leave a message with a phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only. Menu for the week —

Monday: Chili mac, homemade cornbread.

Tuesday: Cheese cod, parsley boiled potatoes, coleslaw.

Wednesday: Baked chicken, rice pilaf.

Home-delivered meals (prepared by DICSA – independent from above menu) —

Monday: French bread pizza, Italian blend vegetables, fruit.

Tuesday: Pineapple pork fried rice, Oriental vegetables, whole wheat bun.

Wednesday: Navy bean and ham soup, biscuit with butter, pudding cup.

Thursday: Wet burrito, refried beans with cheese, Mexican rice.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: French bread pizza, Italian blend vegetables, fruit.

Tuesday: Pineapple pork fried rice, Oriental vegetables, whole wheat bun.

Wednesday: Navy bean and ham soup, biscuit with butter, pudding cup

Thursday: Wet burrito, refried beans with cheese, Mexican rice.

Friday: Barbecue chicken legs, baked beans, vegetable, dinner roll.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Les Artistes art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, starting at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.; Happy Quilters, noon to 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m.; cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played

Thursday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Friday: Cards — smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Italian vegetables, garlic bread.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe with a bun, baked macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries.

Wednesday: Shipwreck stew, garlic and cheese biscuit, apple crisp.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: French bread pizza, Italian blend vegetables, fruit.

Tuesday: Pineapple pork fried rice, Oriental vegetables, whole wheat bun.

Wednesday: Navy bean and ham soup, biscuit with butter, pudding cup.

Aging and Disability Resource Center

Florence County, Wis.

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Chicken gnocchi soup, grilled cheese sandwich, baby carrots, fruit.

Tuesday: Taco tater tot casserole with lettuce and tomato, biscuits, fruit.

Wednesday: Mashed potato chicken casserole, spinach salad, raspberry bars.

Thursday: Cheeseburger, romaine lettuce, tomato and onion, whole wheat bun, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato fries, fruit.

Friday: Baked fish, baked potato, broccoli, applesauce salad.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Aurora-Hillcrest Dining Center

Home-delivered meals will be served Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. There will be no meals delivered on Monday or Wednesday. The dining center is only open on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Space is limited — all the day before to make a reservation at 715-589-4491.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

This site is closed until further notice.

Home-delivered meals will be delivered Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. No Wednesday meal is available.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Turkey gravy over mashed potatoes, California vegetable blend, pineapple tidbits, whole wheat bread.

Tuesday: Chicken cacciatore over egg noodles, country trio vegetables, wax beans, fruit cocktail, whole wheat bread.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, boiled potatoes, Far East vegetable blend, applesauce, whole wheat bread.

Thursday: Boneless pork chop, au gratin potatoes, mixed vegetables, tropical fruit, whole wheat bread.

Friday: Tomato basil soup, ham and Swiss cheese sandwich, whole wheat sandwich bread, three bean salad, mixed fruit.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Salad bar begins at 11 a.m.; meal is served at 11:30 a.m. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Biscuits and gravy, oven-roasted potatoes, applesauce.

Tuesday: Apple pork chops, mashed potatoes, biscuit.

Wednesday: Italian cheddar bake with noodles, Italian vegetables, warmed pears.

Thursday: Smothered chicken and rice, California blend vegetables, Jell-O with fruit, dinner roll.

All meals are served with choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Niagara Senior Center/Cafe

715-251-1603

Dinner is served at noon Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $11 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Tuesday: Brat on a bun, German potato salad, baked beans, fruit cocktail, cookie.

Wednesday: Barbecue pork, twice-baked potatoes, carrots, beets, wheat bread.

Thursday: Chicken Alfredo, fettuccine, broccoli, side salad, fruited Jell-O.

The center will have bingo on Tuesdays and Wednesdays this month.

Norway Center

Director: Alicia Rochon

906-563-8716

Dine-in eating begins at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar is available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals are available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. — let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetable, side salad with choice of dressing, seasonal fruit.

Tuesday: Turkey sausage and sauerkraut, baked beans, coleslaw or side salad with choice of dressing, seasonal fruit.

Wednesday: Philly cheesesteak sandwich with onions and peppers, baked french fries, vegetable, side salad with choice of dressing, seasonal fruit.

Thursday: Spaghetti and meatballs, steamed cauliflower, garlic bread, side salad with choice of dressings, seasonal fruit, homemade cookies.

Birthdays and bingo on second Thursday.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101, noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Last Monday of each month — Book club at 9 a.m.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Salad bar opens at 11 a.m. and dine-in meal is served at 11:30 a.m. Carryout meals also available.

Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Lasagna, vegetable, garlic bread.

Wednesday: Pulled pork sandwich, potato wedges, vegetables, apple crisp.

Thursday: Pasty pie, vegetables, applesauce.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: French bread pizza, Italian blend vegetables, fruit.

Tuesday: Pineapple pork fried rice, Oriental vegetables, whole wheat bun.

Wednesday: Navy bean and ham soup, biscuit with butter, pudding cup.