The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1893-10-27
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AllCE'S GOLD LACE.
How a Girrs Industry Saved IIc~Whoie
Family from the Scalping Knife.

Iluw GIFTS INDUSTRY rANeu h/ w noio
Family from the Scalping Knife.
In these progressive days so crowed
with toilers in every department OF
lfe we find very few opportunities for
,he cultivation of the art of fine
reelle-wosk. which was carried to such
state of perfection by our ancestors.
The exact date when the art of lace
making was introduced into Europe is
not known, but IL Is generally supposed
that point-lace, the oldest variety of
which we have any positive knowledge,
was first made by the nuns during the
latter halt of the fourteenth century.
Since the invention of the lace-machine,
with its numerous and cheap produce
tons. the prices which the handmade
varieties formerly commanded have
been pcrcep.ibly diminished. This
wonderful machine is said 10 have been
invented by framework knitter Of
Nottingham, who gathered his knowl-
edge OF the art by studying lace on his
wifcs cap.
In our grandmother's and our great
rrandmother's times, when Martha
Washington was first lady of the
land, to excel in cunning necdle-work
was considered great accomplish.
ment. Away back in the days which
tried mems souls, n young girl. Alice
httenger, through her knowledge OF
acc-mnking became the means of the
salvation OF her fathers people, saving
them from the tomahawks of a merci-
less tribe of Indians. NJ Pittinger was
an English gentleman, who on account
Of the reverscs of fortune came to the
new world about the time the revolu.
tionary war closed. For few years
be made his home in one of the New
England states, and then hoping
to improve his condition he joined
a colony bound for the new settle
ment then forming on the banks
Of the Muskingum river. For some
time after the Pittengcrs had taken
possession of their new home their re-
ation with the Indians was most pleas
ant and friendly Their duslly neigh
bors visited them frequently. and soon
the pale faces became accustomed TO
thei. savage way,, and learned to trust
them implicitly.
Very suddenly and without giving
any explanation these friendly visits
ceased entirely, and for weeks and
monthS not an Indian crossed the
white mans line. Mrs. Pittenger
viewed the change suspiciously, but
her husband made light of her fears,
assuring her that it was only whim
and would soon give place TO their old
time sociability. But he was mistaken.
storm was brewing, which at last
burst forth in all its fury
One day when Pittenger and his wife
were absent canoe laden with the
!reachcrous Dclawares landed directly
opposite the block-house where Alice
mad been left in charge of the children.
The young maiden was seated at her
!ace-;naking when the bold chief and
his half dozen braves entered the door,
and she soon learned from their broken
English that they had come in search
OF food. Alice assisted the serving
maid in placing before them an
abundance Of good, su ubstantial victuals,
hoping that they would leave as soon
as they had satisfied their hunger; but
instead OF taking their departure they
stood around watching her deft fingers
iash'oning the dainty lace that was q
marvel to them. A roll of gold-lace that
she had wrought for a friend Scross
Inc waters lay on the table by her side
Inc chief seemed to admire the gay
iace so much that Alice gave it to him,
hoping by this means to get rid of her
unwelcome visitors before the night
shonld come on. The red-man was
greatly pleased, and as soon as he could
express his gratitude he went away;
not however, until he had made GER
sain cabilistic signs upon the house.
Soon after this there was an uprising
among the Indians, and tragedy after
tragedy was perpetrated by the red
sHlns upon the white settlers, but no
harm came to the Pittenger family.
Alice's gold-lace is pleading for us
u, N the dark forest and we are safe" said
MrPittinger when his wife and children
,rembled atthe tidings of some fresh out
Oreak ~ am satisfied that these crude
marks upon the wall have meaning,
ano have kept the lawless tribe from
noiesting us in any way" And such
was really the case, as it was after
wards learned.
one day after peace had returned
We chief and one of his warriors ap'
pearcd unexpectedly at the settlers
soors' leading by the horns u beauti'
n ,ai deer which they presented to Alice
.o'hting to the lace which he wore
sspeh his gorgeous coat he made the
smiiy understand that it alone had
,'0od between them and the scalping
mile. fron that time forth the In
vans remained their warmest friends
Aa many were the gifts they lavished
sspoh The fair Alice, who by her in
tAs.'y had been able to purchase life
"%erk