hitewood trees which gave the name of "Eagle's Nest"
to his house could be distinguished. One son--Love--lived with the
venerable elder, who was a widower, and his other son Jonathan owned the
neighboring farm. In the sight of the Plymouth Colony--their first home
in the new land--the three men often worked together, cutting trees and
planting.
Others of the original Mayflower company came too, leaving traces of
themselves in such names as Blackfriars Brook, Billingsgate, and
Houndsditch--names which they brought from Old England.
The homes which these pioneers so laboriously and so lovingly
wrought--what were they? How did they compare with the modern home and
household? In Mr. Sheldon's "History of Deerfield" we find such a
charming and vivid picture of home life in the early days--and one that
applies with equal accuracy to Duxbury--that we cannot do better than
copy it here:
"The ample kitchen was the center of the family life, social and
industrial. Here around the rough table, seated on rude stools or
benches, all partook of the plain and sometimes stinted fare. A glance
at the family gathered here after nightfall on a winter's day may prove
of interest.
"After a supper of bean porridge or hasty pudding and milk of which all
partake in common from a great pewter basin, or wooden bowl, with spoons
of wood, horn or pewter; after a reverent reading of the Bible, and
fervent supplications to the Most High for prayer and guidance; after
the watch was set on the tall mount, and the vigilant sentinel began
pacing his lonely beat, the shutters were closed and barred, and with a
sense of security the occupations of the long winter evening began.
Here was a picture of industry enjoined alike by the law of the land and
the stern necessities of the settlers. All were busy. Idleness was a
crime. On the settle, or a low armchair, in the most sheltered nook, sat
the revered grandam--as a term of endearment called granny--in red
woolen gown, and white linen cap, her gray hair and wrinkled face
reflecting the bright firelight, the long stocking growing under her
busy needles, while she watched the youngling of the flock in the cradle
by her side. The good wife, in linsey-woolsey short-gown and red
petticoat steps lightly back and forth in calf pumps beside the great
wheel, or poising gracefully on the right foot, the left hand extended
with the roll or bat, while with a wheel finger in the other, she gives
the wheel a few
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