Sunday is Independence Day! Let’s look FOURTH to it with some history!
Wait, whaaat?
Some of us sit in “colonial” houses with antique sideboards (or antique whatever), feeling like we are kinda livin like a pilgrim.
Or George Washington.
Without the wooden teeth. (Ew…)
But are we? Like, at all?
Are the rare, historic homesteads even CLOSE to what you find on an historic Main Street in Anytown, USA?
(Short answer? No.)
But let’s look!
When GW put those wooden teeth on his nightstand
(seriously, ew!) what did that room look like?
He was rich, right? So was it lofty ceilings and open floor-plan?
(Um. Again...no.)
In 1776 houses were lightyears (or, literally 245 years) from our granite and stainless, 3 bedroom 2 bath mansions that we see as commonplace.
“Insulation” meant “clay and mud.”
Let’s start there.
Second, the fireplace wasn’t a charming add-on.
It was literally a means to, I don’t know...survive?
Your typical home in 1776, for the very lucky, was about two rooms.
You read that right. Two.
Most didn’t have running water, but a room to prepare food (we call it a “kitchen” and expect it will entertain, cook, nourish and impress), and an outhouse (forget the claw-foot tub and double-sinks).
But they boasted a pit to do your business in,
and a room with a fireplace to cook.
Not. Even. Glamping.
I’m only gonna tell you about the rich folks. Otherwise, you’ll get depressed.
