Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1893-09-14
ALIcE'S GOLD LACE.


How . Girls Industry Saved Her Whole
Family from tho Sealping knife.
In these progressive days so crowed
with toilers in every department OF
life. we find very few opportunities for
the cultivation Of the art of fine
needle-work, which was carried to such
state of perfection by our ancestors.
The exact date when the art OF lace
making was Introduced into Europe IL
not known, but it 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 half Of the fourteenth century.
Since the invention Of the lace-machine,
with its numerous and cheap produc-
tions, the prices which the handmade
varieties formerly commanded have
been perceptibly diminished. This
wonderful machine is said to have been
invented by a framework knitter Of
Nottingham, who gathered his knoyvl-
edge of the art by studying lace on his
wife's cap.
In our grandmother's and our great
grandmother's times, when Martha
Washington was first lady of the
land, to excel in cunning needle-work
ment. Away back in the days which
tried mems souls, a young girl. Alice
Pittenger, through her knowledge of
lace-making became the means Of the
salvation of her fathers people, saving
them from the tomahawks of merci-
less tribe of Indians. Mr.. Pittinger was
an English gentleman. who on account
of the reverses of fortune came to the
new world about the time the revolu-
tionary war closed. For few years
he 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 Pittengers had taken
possession of their new home their re-
lation with the Indians was most pleas
ant and friendly. Their dusky neigh
bors visited them frequently, and soon
the pale faces became accustomed to
their savage ways 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.
A 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
treacherous Delawares landed directly
opposite the block-house where Alice
had been left in charge of the children.
The young maiden was seated at her
lace-making 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
of good, substantial 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
fashioning the dainty lace that was a
marvel to them. A roll Of gold-lace that
she had wrought for a friend across
the waters lay on the table by her side. |
The chief seemed to admire the gay
lace so much that Alice gave it to him,
hoping by this means to get rid Of her
visitors before the night
greatly pleased, and as soon as he could |
express his gratitude he went away;
not, however, until he had made GER
tain cabilistic signs upon the house.
Soon after this there was an uprising
among the Indians, and tragedy after |
tragedy was perpetrated by the red |
skins upon the white settlers. but no
harm came to the Pittenger family.
..Alice's go1d-lace is pleading for us |
In the dark forest and we are safe, said |
Mr.. Pittinger when his wife and children |
at the tidings of some fresh out |
break. 81 am satisfied that these crude |
marks upon the wall have meaning,
and have kept the lawless tribe from |
us in any way" And such |
was really the case, as it was after |
wards learned.
One day after peace had returned
The chief and one of his warriors APP
peared unexpectedly at the settlers |
ioors, leading by the horns q beauti-
full deer which they presented to Alice. |
Pointing to the lace which he wore |
upon his gorgeous coat he made the |
family understand that it alone had |
stood between them and the sca1ping |
knife. From that time forth the In
lians remained their warmest friends,
md many were the gifts they 1avished |
apon the fair Alice, who by her in
lustry had been able to purchase life |
Tor herself and her family Christian |
% Work
ouT-sPoKEN.