Subject
United States -- Social life and customs -- To 1775 Books
Best books
Alice Morse Earle
Stage-coach and Tavern Days
"Stage-coach and Tavern Days" by Alice Morse Earle is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work offers a detailed exploration of the significance of stage-coaches and taverns in early American life, particularly in New England. The book delves into the social and cultural roles these establishments played, revealing how they served not only as places for travelers to rest but also as crucial centers of community interaction and gathering. The opening of "Stage-coach and Tavern Days" sets the stage for understanding the early Puritan society's relationship with hospitality and neighborliness. Earle introduces the concept of the "ordinary," the early tavern, noting its dual purpose of providing accommodation for travelers and acting as a social hub for locals. She discusses the regulations surrounding the establishment of ordinaries, the challenges faced by tavern keepers, and how these venues facilitated social life while adhering to strict codes of conduct—balancing hospitality with upheld moral standards in a deeply pious community.
Alice Morse Earle
Child Life in Colonial Days
"Child Life in Colonial Days" by Alice Morse Earle is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the everyday lives of children during the colonial period in America, providing insights into their experiences and societal roles. Earle aims to fill a gap in historical literature regarding the often-overlooked aspect of children's lives, focusing on their upbringing, education, and play in the context of the time. The opening of the book delves into the challenging conditions faced by children in the early American colonies, particularly those who arrived with the Pilgrims and other early settlers. Earle describes the harsh realities of infant mortality and the struggles for survival that both children and their families endured in the unfamiliar environments of Puritanical New England. Through the lens of personal accounts, diaries, and illustrations, Earle paints a vivid picture of both the joys and adversities of early childhood in colonial America, setting the stage for a deeper exploration in the chapters that follow.
Alice Morse Earle
Home Life in Colonial Days
"Home Life in Colonial Days" by Alice Morse Earle is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book examines the daily lives and domestic settings of early American colonists, focusing on their homes, furnishings, and lifestyle during the colonial period. It provides a rich tapestry of historical insights into the practicalities and traditions of the time. The opening of the book delves into the various forms of shelter that the colonists employed upon settling in America. It describes the early settlers' struggles for shelter amid abundant natural resources, detailing how they often resorted to cave-dwelling or log cabins due to the lack of tools and materials. It highlights the evolution of colonial homes, including the design and materials used, while contrasting the settlers' homes with those of Native Americans. The author illustrates the ingenuity and resilience of the colonists, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of other aspects of colonial domestic life throughout the rest of the text.
Alice Morse Earle
Colonial dames and good wives
"Colonial Dames and Good Wives" by Alice Morse Earle is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work explores the lives and roles of women in the early American colonies, focusing on their contributions to society and family life during that period. Earle sheds light on various aspects of colonial women's experiences, including marriage, widowhood, and their involvement in the community. At the start of the book, Earle introduces the notion of the significantly different experiences men and women faced in the colonial settlements, particularly in Massachusetts and Virginia. She describes the early days of the colonies, illustrating how the scarcity of women in Virginia led to the importation of brides for lonely male colonists. Through vivid anecdotes, she captures the stark contrast between the bustling courtships on the shores of Virginia as men eagerly awaited their prospective brides, and the challenges faced by women in both settling and thriving in a new, often harsh environment. The opening effectively sets the stage for a deeper exploration of colonial women's lives and contributions as the narrative unfolds.
Carl Holliday
Woman's Life in Colonial Days
"Woman's Life in Colonial Days" by Carl Holliday is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the lives, thoughts, and experiences of women during the colonial period in America, examining their strengths, challenges, and contributions to society. Through the analysis of writings from that era, Holliday aims to dispel common misconceptions about colonial women, showing them as complex individuals capable of love, ambition, and resilience. At the start of the text, the author outlines his intentions for the study, focusing on the unsung stories and perspectives of colonial women. He introduces the harsh realities they faced, such as famine and illness, alongside their spiritual resilience and support for one another. Holliday sets the tone by emphasizing the importance of understanding these women's experiences to contextualize the evolution of American womanhood, suggesting that these historical insights will illuminate contemporary issues and attitudes. This opening portion lays a foundation for a deeper exploration of how religion, societal roles, and personal agency shaped the lives of colonial women.
Anne Hollingsworth Wharton
Through Colonial Doorways
"Through Colonial Doorways" by Anne Hollingsworth Wharton is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work seeks to illuminate the social and domestic lives of people during the Colonial and Revolutionary times, focusing on the personal and intimate aspects of their lives rather than just historical events. This book finds relevance as readers gain insights into the lives of lesser-known figures and everyday experiences that shaped their time away from the battles and politics of the era. At the start of the work, the author reflects on the growing interest in understanding the social dimensions of Colonial America. The opening discusses the value of personal anecdotes, letters, and journals as a way to connect modern readers with their ancestors, revealing the more relatable aspects of these historical figures. Wharton emphasizes the importance of humor, affection, and human connection, weaving in examples from letters and diaries that showcase the lighter side of life during a tumultuous time. The work introduces intriguing characters like Miss Sally Wister and Major Stoddert, whose carefree adventures highlight the charm and social intricacies of the era, while setting the stage for further exploration of the lives woven into the fabric of America's past.
James Deetz
Partakers of plenty : $b A study of the first Thanksgiving
"Partakers of Plenty: A Study of the First Thanksgiving" by James Deetz and Jay Anderson is a historical account written in the late 20th century. The book provides a detailed exploration of the events surrounding the first Thanksgiving, moving beyond the traditional narratives to delve into the cultural and social practices of the Pilgrims as they celebrated their successful harvest in 1621. By examining various historical contexts, it offers readers a richer understanding of this early American festival. The authors detail the experiences of the Pilgrims during their first year in America, capturing the struggles and triumphs that led to their harvest celebration. The text highlights key figures such as Edward Winslow and Massasoit, the leader of the Wampanoag tribe, emphasizing the significance of their interactions. The narrative shifts from a solemn day of thanks to an exuberant harvest feast characterized by traditional English customs and local ingredients, showcasing the joy and communal spirit of the time. By presenting a comprehensive view of the Pilgrims' journey and their relationships with Native Americans, the book enriches the modern understanding of Thanksgiving, linking contemporary celebrations to their historical roots.
George Francis Dow
Domestic life in New England in the seventeenth century
"Domestic life in New England in the seventeenth century" by George Francis Dow is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work examines the everyday lives of early New England colonists, focusing on their homes, furnishings, clothing, social customs, and the practical realities and challenges they faced. Drawing from original records and estate inventories, the account aims to provide a fact-based, detailed reconstruction of domestic existence in Puritan society. At the start of the book, Dow lays out his purpose: to fill a gap in previous scholarship by addressing daily life alongside better-documented subjects such as architecture and the arts. The opening explores the contrasting realities of poverty and comfort among settlers, describes the evolution of living arrangements from primitive wigwams and temporary shelters to sturdier timber homes, and dispels common myths—such as the prevalence of log houses. Dow draws on personal letters, estate inventories, and court records to illustrate the types of dwellings, household goods, tools, and foodstuffs common to different social classes. Detailed descriptions of specific households, like those of the Dillingham and Googe families, bring to life both the hardships and the pursuit of comfort and status among settlers. The narrative continues with extensive inventories, economic accounts, and anecdotes that further illuminate the material culture and social customs of seventeenth-century New England.
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