Transcriber's Note:
This e-text was prepared from the reprint edition published in 1974 byBerkshire Traveller Press. Copyrighted materials from that edition,including the modern preface and illustrations, are not included.
Home Life inCOLONIALDAYS
Written by
ALICE MORSE EARLE
in the year 1898
THE BERKSHIRE TRAVELLER PRESS
Stockbridge, Massachusetts
THIS BOOK IS BEGUN
AS IT IS ENDED
IN MEMORY OF MY MOTHER
Foreword[vii]
The illustrations for this book are in every case from real articlesand scenes, usually from those still in existence—rare relics of pastdays. The pictures are the symbols of years of careful search, patientinvestigation, and constant watchfulness. Many a curious article asnameless and incomprehensible as the totem of an extinct Indian tribehas been studied, compared, inquired and written about, and finallytriumphantly named and placed in the list of obsolete domesticappurtenances. From the lofts of woodsheds, under attic eaves, in dairycellars, out of old trunks and sea-chests from mouldering warehouses,have strangely shaped bits and combinations of wood, stuff, and metalbeen rescued and recognized. The treasure stores of Deerfield MemorialHall, of the Bostonian Society, of the American Antiquarian Society, andmany State Historical Societies have been freely searched; and to theofficers of these societies I give cordial thanks for their coöperationand assistance in my work.
The artistic and correct photographic representation of many of these[viii]objects I owe to Mr. William F. Halliday of Boston, Massachusetts, Mr.George F. Cook of Richmond, Virginia, and the Misses Allen of Deerfield,Massachusetts. To many friends, and many strangers, who have secured forme single articles or single photographs, I here repeat the thanksalready given for their kindness.
There were two constant obstacles in the path: An article would befound and a name given by old-time country folk, but no dictionarycontained the word, no printed description of its use or purpose couldbe obtained, though a century ago it was in every household. Again, somecuriously shaped utensil or tool might be displayed and its useindicated; but it was nameless, and it took long inquiry anddeduction,—the faculty of "taking a hint,"—to christen it. It is plainthat different vocations and occupations had not only implements but avocabulary of their own, and all have become almost obsolete; to thevarious terms, phrases, and names, once in general application and usein spinning, weaving, and kindred occupations, and now half forgotten,might be given the descriptive title, a "homespun vocabulary." Bydefinite explanation of these terms many a good old English word andphrase has been rescued from disuse.
ALICE MORSE EARLE.
Contents[ix]
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