The Settler's Home

Women managed the hearth and soul of the settlers' home... the stone fireplace. It provided light, warmth, and nourishment, both night and day for her family. Upon waking, carefully preserved embers would be rekindled. Soon, a kettle of hot water would simmer on a rod pulled away from the fire. And, there would be no hint of poptarts... A breakfast of eggs gathered from the hens, milk from the cows, beans and pork, biscuits, and pudding with cream would warm and fill all from head to toe, before the oxen and cart were readied to bring the family to morning meeting.

Awaiting them at home was a table set for the occasion with a hand-woven, heirloom tablecloth. The bounties of the harvest would fill wooden or pewter dishes. Wooden trenchers (mugs) would brim with apple cider. Venison, duck, goose or rabbit, (delicacies in their home country) roasted over the fire, while potatoes and onions were placed to cook in the ashes below. Vegetables, and sometimes turkeys, were boiled. And baking in front of the fire were pies and bread. All would be proudly displayed and served on a large platter.