Tending crops such as corn and tobacco involved removing insects and hoeing weeds. Tobacco plants needed to be "topped" to allow growth to go into the leaves of the plants. In addition to these activities, a farmer's day was filled with other chores: repairing leather saddles and shoes, board riving (to make roofing materials) and the trade of coopering -- making wooden buckets, piggins, and tubs. Some farmers were also carpenters, or produced goods such as pitch forks and rakes. All were important supports for daily domestic life.

During the months of June, July and August, you can see our historic interpreters demonstrating these traditional agricultural chores and trades. Be sure to visit us during one of our special evening programs -- grab a hoe and help chop weeds, or simply tour the farm during the peaceful evening hours. Check our Calendar for details.

SUMMER HOUSEWORK
Farmwives of the era had their hands full, as well. In addition to preparing meals and keeping house, women were responsible for tending a farm's vegetable garden. This included pulling weeds and "putting by" the garden's bounty as pickles and preserves. Summer was also a time for collecting medicinal herbs, roots and plants.

Household chores included turning feather ticks and tightening rope beds -- from where we get the term "sleep tight!" But women in 1850 were adept at turning many chores into social occasions through work "bees." At a rag bee, friends and neighbors would gather to visit while tearing old rag clothes into strips that were later crocheted, braided, or woven into rag rugs. Quilting bees served a similar social and constructive purpose. All of these activities are re-created by our interpreters during the summer months.

Life in 1850 wasn't all work, and summer was a social season. Be sure to visit us on one of our special programs that re-create these social affairs: an 1850's Evening Dance or Independence Day Celebration. Check our Calendar for more details.