The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1876-02-24

nearly as high as the ceiling. At other
times they had writing desks about the
centre, with falling lid to write upon
when let down. A great high clock-cass
reaching to the ceiling occupied another
corner; and fourth corner was appropri-
ated to the chimney place. They then bad
20 carpet on their floors and no paper on
their walls, the latter being universally
whitewashed. The silver sand on the floor
was drawn into variety Of fanciful figures
and twirls with the sweeping brush, and
much skill and even pride was displayed IN
the devices and arrangements. They had
no gas nor lamps in parlors, but "dippsd"
candle in trass or copper candie-
sticks, were usually good
enough for common use; aud
those v no occasionally used mould candles
made them at home in little tin frames,
casting four and six candles in each. A
gas lantern with square sides furnished
light in the houses of the wealthy. Bed
steads were then made, if fine, Of carved
mahogany of slender dmentions; but for
common purposes, or for the families OF
tradesmen, they we've of poplar, and al.
ways painted green; and it was q matter
OF universal concern to have them low
enough to answer the purpose of repose
for sick or dying persons.
A lady, giving "reminiscences of her early
life, thus spoke of things rs they were be-
fore the War of Independence Marble
mantles and folding doors were not then
known, and we'll enough we enjoyed our
selves without sofas, carpets or grandoles.
A white floor sprinkled with clean sand,
large tables and heavy, bish.back chairs Of
walnut or mahogany, decorated a parlor'
genteel enough for anybody. Sometimes
a carpet, not however covering the whole
floor, was seen upon the dining-room.
There was show'parlor up stairs, not used
except upon gala occasions, and then not
to dine in. Pewter plates and dishes were
in general use. China on dinner tables
was great rarity. Plates, more or less,,
were seen in most families Of easy circum.
stances, not indeed in oil the various
shapes that have since been invented, buts
in massive silver walters, bowls, tankards,
cans, etc. Glass tumblers were scarcely
seen. Punch, the common beverage, WAS
drank by the company from one largo
bowl os silver or china, and beer from q.
tankard Of silver.
The use of stoves was not known in,
primitive times, neither in families nor
churches. Their firepIaces we're very spa
cious, with much palmer mantle pieces :
than at present. The sides, and top Of ,
the fire places were adorned with china
Dutch title, pictured with sundry Scrip:
ed the "open stove," called the "Franklin,
stove;" after which as fuel became scarce
the better cconomy!of the "ten plate stove"
was adopted.
The most splendid looking carriage ex-
bibted during the period Immediately sue.
ceedng the Revolution was that used by
General Washington while acting as Pfesi-
dent Of the United States. Itgswas very
large, so as to make four horses, at least !.
an almost necessary appendage. It WAS ;
occasionally drawn by six horses, Virginia
bays. 1t was GREEN colored, gobular in
its shape, ornamented with Cup,ds sup,
porting festoons, and wrea.hs of flowers
emblematically arranged along the panel 4.
work; the whole neatly covered with tho 4,
best coaohglass. 1t was of English con, :.
struction.