Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1879-12-20

OF those primitive days before the Revolution,
1t is recorded of Baltimore town" that "as ali
tors found little to do, but tradesmen and
wOrking-men found ready pay and constant
employment. WOmen'S wages especially were
high, as the sex was not numerous; and as they
generally married by the time they were
twenty, they sought a maid-Servant for them
selves in turn. duty OF from five to twenty
shillings per annum was laid upon all bache-
Tors, and old maids were not to be met with,
neither jealousy of husbands. The children
were well-favored and beautiful to behold and
without the least blemish. A frank, and gen.
erOuS hospitality prevailed, devoid of glare and
show, but always abundant and good Bash
fulness and modesty in the young were re-
garded as virtues, and young lovers listened
grayely and took ssdelong giances before their
sat in the street porch and welcomed their
nefghbors. 1t was customary to live at ones
place Of business, and the wives and daughters
served the shop, retailers OF dry goods being
mostly widows and splnsters. If a townsmah
failed In trade, 1t was cause Of general and
deep regret. Every man who met his neighbor
expressed his sorrow. Bankruptcy was rare
occurrence because honesty and temperance
In trade were then universal, and none en-
Darked without means adequate to their buSi-
the round Of every Social Circle and they who
partOOk of the former were expected to remain
for the supper. Afternoon visits were made at
such an hour as to permit matrons to go home
and see their children put to bed.
"Between tradeSmen and the gentry there
was marked difference. The aristocracy of
the gentleman was noticed, II not felt. Such
as followed rough trades, and all men and boys
from the country, were seen on the streets In
leather breecheS and aprons, and would have
been deemed out Of place without them. Hired
women wore short gowns and linsey-woolsey
petticOatS, and some are still alive who used to
call master and mistress who will no longer do
1t. Cookery was palmer than now, and coffee
as beverage was used but rarely. Chocolate
was the morning and evening drink, and thick
ened milk for children. white floor, Spr1n-
killed. With clean silver sand, large tables aud
hight backed chairs OF solid walnut or mahOg-
any, decorated parlor enough for the best
Sometimes carpet, not, however, covering the
whole floor, was seen upon the dining room.
There was show parlOr upstairs not used
but upon gala occasions. Pewter plates were
in general use, but china was rarity. Plate,
in the form of bowls, tankards and walters,
was seen in most families OF easy circum-
stances Punch, the most common beverage,
was drunk from one large bowl, and beer from
tankard OF silver. At dancing assemblies no
gentleman under twenty-One or lady under
eighteen was admitted, and the supper con-
sisted Of tea, chocolate, and rusk. Six married
managers distributed partners by lot for the
evening, leaving nothing to the success OF
fOrwardneSs or favOritiSm. Gentlemen always
drank tea with the parents OF the ladies' who
were their partners the day after the assembly,"
Invitations were printed on playing Cards:
sThe honor OF Miss -'S company at ball to
be held at six O'Clock, p. m, Endorses the queen
OF hearts. and Is one OF many such trophies
stu preServed.1FfGnk Mayer, In H1rp,r's
ka4QxtNe f0T x0RAGsF.