The daily morning journal and courier., 1901-12-06
In Mount Carmel.

To the Editor of the Journal and Courier: l Amid the rush of our modern life and surrounded as we are by the multipli- | city of inventions which the past cen tury has developed, it gives one a cur ious sensation to step right into the life of one hundred years ago, and view a living picture of how our ancestors lived. Tn taking a sudden plunge into the past and with Hawatha stride
 measuring the five-score years with
 single bound. This is what your cor respondent did the other day, Hearing that an unusual affair was in progress not far from our city, at just about candle-light we repaired to "Ye Ancient Redd House" In Mount Carmel, and lifted the knocker. The door was. open ed by a seventeenth century maiden whose large bonnet and flowing sleeves transformed into a veritable Puritan, the effect being only heightened by her pleasant Scotch voice. It seemed incon- gruous to leave with her 1900 twenty five cent piece with the American eagle in full tilt, instead of King George shilling.
 Next we were greeted by Pamelia whose pleasant countenance beneath the white cap must surely have de- scended from some brave Pilgrim mat ron who landed at Plymouth Rock. She kindly relieved us of our wraps, and we now found we were indeed in the home of John Alden, Esquire, who con ducted such successful courtship in the interest of his friend Miles Stand ish. For Priscilla soon appeared, and truly the half has not been told in the descriptions that have come down to us of her beauty and winsomeness Dear little Betty was there, too, in long gown and dainty cap, and when we were ushered into the Keeping room' we met a dignified lady of Colonial mien whom we were informed was Priscilla's mother.
 Thus introduced to the household Ne began to look about us, and surely 1t could be none other than a Colonial home for here was the old-time spinnet made in 1791, lighted by candelabra which was doubtless quite sufficient for John Alden to do his counting by on the high backed sofa near at hand, while the glowing fire place added its cheerful blaze to the scene. On the op- posite side of the hall Is the "four-post- er with it's high bed and dainty furn- ishings. Perhaps the most familiar of all is the long kitchen, for here we find all those dear old things which our grandmothers spent their days in keeping bright and in using to furnish clothing for their sturdy families. The numerous fire dogs support a generous back log, while the fire place is sur rounded with the pots and skillets and nuMberless utensils which were neces- sary in the preparation of the Colonial meals. Here is the dresser with it's blue ware and talow candles and here are the spinning-wheels which wound off the yarn which was woven into such | matchless garments for warmth and l durability.
 After partaking of Colonial tea from l Colonial china, in exchange for nick | el, the tall clock in the corner warned | us we must leave this comfortable 1 abode and return to twentieth century | trolley cars. So, with the memory of a | delightful hour, we bade adieu, promis- | ing ourselves to return on the mor- | row and bring all our friends to view , this unique collection of Colonial furni- | ture in a Colonial house presided over l by Colonial ladies. For we are inform ed that every afternoon from 3 o'clock | until half after tea will be served to all who come.
 This delightful entertainment has | been arranged by Mrs. Brewster in aid l of the library, and will be continued 1 for week, afternoon and evening. No one should miss this unique oppor- tunity of seeing q Veritable old time house furnished and appointed in Colo nial style. The Whitney avenue cleo tric cars take one to within five min ltes walk of the "Redd House. which S the southern boundry of the Brewster estate and known as Edge Hill.
 COIllmhia