New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1856-11-21


their swine. Mutton and poultry were supoled in
thii turn from the homestead save that on Thanks-
giving day some of the nsgnates Of the town gave
the larson turkey. The bread WAS Of rye tinsed
with Indian meal. Wheat bread Wa reserved for
great occasions-for the sacrament and for company
All the vegetables of the family came from their
own garden and farm. The fuel was supplied from
the wood-lot, sweet-scented hickory, swapping
chestnut, odoriferous oak, and "reeking, hzzltng
ash" II was eoodly sight to see these stalwsrt
products Ct the forest laid in huge piles all alive
with sap, IN the tall gaunt sbdrons. "You might
have thought you heard John Rogers and his family
at the stake, by their plsintive simmer'ngs. The
building of FIRE q real architectural achieve
men', favored by the wide yawning fireplace, and
was always begun by daybIeak. There was first
Jog, from fifteen TO four. and twenty inches in
diameter aid five feet long, imbedded in the
ashes; then came a top-log; then fore-stick;
then middle stick, and then heap Of kind
lirg,, reaching from the bowels down to
the bottom. Atop of all was pyramid OF
smaller fragments, srtfuy adjusted with spaces for
the bsze." Friction-maiches had not then been
sent from the regions of birthstone, to enable any
10y to carry q confagration in his pocket. Ii the
fire went out resort was had to hnt steel, and
finder box To feed the family fire during tn
severe Winter season was fully one mans work.
Sugar was partially supplied from the maple trees
although the chief store came frOm the Westlnoies.
Tie making of maple ,ugsr was wholly domestic
operation, and afforded time Of great rejoicing IN
the children. Each had the privilege of an occa'
sioDal sip CT dip from the period Of the limpid sap
to the sparkling cry stalls of the sugar. Rum was
largely consumed, though there were bu. few dis
ttres Every day .labo er received half pint oft
as matter Of course, especially in the Summer
season. In all families it was offered to visitors I"
an essential point of good mannerr. Even ladies
freely INDUCED in seductive beverage called Hop
kiD's Elixir which Is pronounced ny the writer 70
be the most delicious me ans of getting tpsy that
hos been invented" Hot tOddy was considered an
infallble specific to quiet crying babies Every
man mbibed bis morning dram, and if not using
this indulgence to- excess, was deemed temperate.
There is a story of preacher about those days,
who thus lectured his parish: Il say nothing, my
beloved brethren, against taking a little bitters
before breakfast, especially if you are used to II.
What contend against is this draining, dram
ming drumming a, all hours Of the day. There are
sone men who take n glass at II o'clock in the
forenoon, and at 4 in the afternoon. do not pur-
pote to contend against old established customs,
my br. tbrep, rendered respectable by time and
authority; but this DRAINING. drumming is cry
ng sin in the land" Hu1han's tiucture was
berally present. hy the physicians. Tansey bit.
tiers were regarded a. elevatng in more genes than
one, for even the morning prayer went up heavily
without the usual dose. Brandy was almost entirely
ubknowD except in the houses Of the rich and in the
drug.sbop. Cider was the universal table beverage.
Wine was seldom used except for the sacrament.
remember - have heard story of these days.
which Is suggestive. Tie Rev. DIR. c. of j
had brother who had lived some years in France aud
yss familiar with the wines Of that country. Ga
tan occa,ioD he dned with his clerical or'her, who
sftr DIME, gave him gloss OF this beverage lhe
visitor bdvng tasted II, shrugged Lis s1ouuers anu
D afe WY fscts.
Were did you get this liquor, brother !" said be.
Why il is some that was lett over nom the sacra-
mept tId my ID acore sent Il 10 me-"
IL don't wonder. BROTHER was the reply that
yovr Church s 10 small, now that know what wine
you give ihem'
There VA, of course no baker in Ridge6eld.
Each family not only made their own bread, cakes
and pies, but their own soap, candles, butter,
cheese, pickles, preserves and what not. Fax aud
n DOL were d so spun and woSen at home but cotton
was wholly unknown except as curiosity, pro-
dueed somewhere in the tropics, but whether i.
grew on plant or an animal was not clearly settled
in the public mind. The woolen cloth was sent to
the fuller to be dyed and dressed, the linen was
bleacbed end made up in The family. Twice year,
the tailor came to the house and made up the semi
spbual stock Of clothes fot the male members; this
was called whipping the cat" Mantuauaters
and milliners came in their turn to ft out the
"women. folks" There was q similar process for
boots and shoes Carpets were known only in Q
few familier, and were coD6oed to the keeping.
room" and parlor They were ali home made.
Coverlds consisted of patch work quilts, which
we're fanclfully wIou.h In variety Of figures, and
presented a Coy and ii,h appearance. The process
cf quilting was great occasion, and assembled all
ibe women Of the neiehbOrho"d, both married and
single The beaux were admitted in the evening,
Of the young people often go'intO arrangements
(which mstrimony alone could unravel." 'Stone-
bees" were another remarkable institution Of the
Odtp time in Come eicus. A. these meetings toe
men Of village cane Together with their draft ca
lie TO clear tOme patch Of ground which had re.
cei,td from nature mere than lis usual proportion
Of rocks and stones. This labor was all grasui,ous,
.xcsp: tha. the owner Of the land found the grug
H,useIai.ing and barn raising were doue 10 the
zane wa, BY a neghborly gathering Of The people.
Irm.mber an anecdo.e Of church raising, which