Brooklyn


History of Flatbush, continued


tiles, which were imported from Holland ornamented with various scenes, some of which were of a Scriptural character. Many of these were quite beautiful and gave a very ornamental appearance to the fireside, as well as formed the means of much amusement and instruction to the younger part of the family. The last of these fireplaces thus ornamented was removed when the house of the late Lefferts Martense was pulled down, to give place to the spacious mansion now occupied by Judge Garrit Martense. To many of the houses the barns also were quite closely connected. This was generally the case with the Keuters. This style of building corresponded with the habits of the earlier inhabitants. These were very simple, unaffected and economical. No people could have been more independent than they. They brought up their children in habits of industry. As has been stated every son was taught some mechanical art, and every daughter was required to become well acquainted with all household duties. The farmers burnt their own lime, tanned their own leather, often made their own shoes and boots, and attended to much of their own carpentering, and wheel-wrighting. While the males were engaged in the cultivation of the farms, the females were actively employed in some industrious avocations in the house. The spinning-wheel was set in motion in every family as soon as flax and wool could be prepared in the fall, and all materials for the clothing of the family, white as well as colored, were manufactured at home, nor was she considered a suitable candidate for matrimony who could not show her stores of domestic linens and other evidences of industry and economy. So economical were the females of their time, that they almost invariably took their spinning-wheels with them when they went to spend a sociable afternoon with a neighbor. Nor did they even refuse to help the males in the field during the harvest, the gathering of corn, and other busy seasons. It was a very common thing for them to be seen working side by side with their husbands, fathers and brothers, at such times. The modern invention of a dirt-cover, as it would in those days have been esteemed, which we now call a carpet, was not then known. The floors were regularly scoured and scrubbed, and kept as white and clean almost as the table. They were sanded with beach sand, of which every family always had a sufficient store, it being the rule to go twice a year to the beach for that then, indispensable article. It was put on the floor with great care on certain days, being always laid in small lumps or heaps, and the members of the family were required very cautiously to tread between these heaps so as not to disturb the economy of the good housewife. When on the next day the sand had become dry, it was swept in waves or some other figures, by the broom being drawn lightly over it, and was in truth a good specimen of the general neatness and cleanliness which pervaded the whole premises. When the first imported carpets were introduced we know not, but the first rag carpet was made about fifty years ago. It was wove by Adrian Hegeman for the widow of George Martense, the mother of the present Mrs. Catin. Frugality, economy and industry, characterised all. They lived chiefly within themselves, and knew but little of the dangers and diseases incident to luxury and indolence. And well would it be for the present age, if instead of ridiculing and despising them they practiced more of their simple, unaffected, economical habits. For one I love to dwell upon them, and every thing connected with them is interesting



Page 28


:: Previous Page :: Next Page ::

Book Index (Names Only):

:: A-D :: E-Lov :: Low-Sn :: So-Z ::


:: New York State ::
:: History Readings ::

Books & articles appearing here are modified adaptations
from a private collection of vintage books & magazines.
Reproduction of these pages is prohibited without written permission. © Laurel O’Donnell, 1996-2006.