USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Walks & talks about historic Boston > Part 3
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Mr. Toomey in his excellent history of South Boston, awards to Dorchester the honor of having the first public school in America. He says: "One of the most important and historical entries on the Record Book of the Dorchester of the early days is the order providing for a free school, the first free public school in America. Thompson's Island, Boston Harbor, was granted to Dorchester in 1634, by the General Court. May 30, 1639, the town voted to lay a town tax upon the proprietors of the Island for the maintenance of a school in Dorchester. The Dorchester Free Public School was the first to receive support from taxation, and also the first school to be directly in charge of a school committee. The first school house was erected in the vicinity of Meeting House Hill and was a small one-story structure. The first
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school was named after the minister of that period, Rev. Richard Mather and from that day to this there has been a Mather School in the district."
Sassacecd, Chief of the Pequots
The Carly Settlers how They Dressed and how They Lived and Worked
In a book published by Rev. Charles Brooks, a very inter- esting account is given of the costumes, the daily routine, and the various occupations of the early settlers of Dorchester. It shows that each had his or her work to do in the upbuild- ing of the town, each labored for the general welfare of the community. They did their work willingly and uncomplain- ingly. The Church of God stood high in their esteem and the greatest care was taken to have every one attend its services, that they might listen to words of wisdom and make good and worthy citizens. We quote from this book :-
COSTUMES.
"The every day dress was plain and comfortable, but Sun- day suits were quite elaborate and expensive. The men, on Sunday wore broad-brimmed hats, turned up into three cor- ners, with loops at the side, showing full bush wigs beneath them, long coats, the very' opposite of swallow tails, having large pocket folds and cuffs, and without collars, the buttons either plated or of pure silver, and of the size of a half dollar. The vests, also, without collars, were long with graceful pendulous lapped pockets. The shirts had bosom and wrist ruffles, with buckles at the wrist united by a link. The neck cloths or scarfs were of fine linen or figured stuff, or em- broidered, the ends hanging loosely. Small clothes were in fashion, and only reached a little below the knees, where they were ornamented with silver buckles of liberal size. The legs were covered with gray stockings, and the feet with shoes, ornamented with straps and silver buckles. Boots were some- times worn having broad white tops, and gloves were also in fashion, on great occasions, and mittens in winter. A gentle- man with his cocked hat and white bush wig, chocolate coat, buff vest and small clothes, brown stockings and black shoes, ruffles, buckles and buttons, presented an imposing figure,
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and he was a man who would probably demean himself with dignity and intelligence. Rich men dressed very expensively. They had a scarlet coat, wadded shirts, full sleeves, euffs, reaching to the elbows, wristbands, fringed with lace, em- broidered bands, tassels, gold buttons, vests fringed with laec, and small elothes with puffs, points, buckles, and a sword hanging by the side. The visiting dress of the women was more costly, complicated and fancy than their husbands and brothers were. Their coiffures were so high as to bring their faces almost into the middle of their bodies. They wore blaek silk or satin bonnets, and their gowns were extremely long waisted, with tight sleeves, which were oftentimes very short with an immense frill at the elbow. They had spreading hoops and long trails, high heeled shoes, and dressed in their bro- cades, flounces and embroidered aprons. They were prepared for any social function. Their dress on the Sabbath was sim- ple, secure and modest. A cheap straw hat, with only one bow on the outside, and no ornament inside, topped off the head. A calico dress of sober colors, high up in the neck, with a simple white muslin collar, just peeping around the top, a neat little shawl, and a stout pair of shoes, and they were . dressed ready for church.
HABITS AND DAILY ROUTINE.
To understand the habits and daily routine of the people, it may be well to follow a family of moderate eireumstanees throughout their duties on a Saturday and Sunday. The father is a strong, able-bodied farmer of forty-six, and his wife seven years his junior. Their first child is a son of eighteen, and the next a daughter of sixteen. Then there are three boys, fourteen, eleven and eight, and the youngest child is a daughter of six. Of hired men they had none. Extra help eame from what they called "change work." Before daylight Saturday, the entire family was awake and about their morning oblations. The father awoke first, lighted the fire under the kettle, in which the water for the porridge was to boil. Then he ealled the boys and family, the mother and eldest daughter, followed shortly afterwards by the youngest of the family. A wooden wash basin in the sink served each in turn, and one roller towel sufficed for wiping all the faees. With all the sturdiness of their nature they set about their
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duties. The dress of each was suited to their work. The father wore an old cocked hat, or a thick cotton cap, no cravat, but a low shirt collar, a short frock of strongest warp, a pair of old leather breeches, and leggins which were tucked in above the knees, and tied over the shoes with a string, round the middle of the foot. The boys had cotton caps, or the remnants of old felt hats, short jackets of the current fabrics, leather breeches and leggins. Just as the sun rose over the horizon, the father and his three sons were in the cow yard milking. Then the youngest boy drove the cows to pasture. across to Dorchester Neck, replaced the bars, and hastened back to his next duties. The boys had received their allow- ance of buttermilk, and the morning milk was strained off for the cream, or heated to begin a cheese. Returning to the house all joined in the reading of the Scriptures, after which they had breakfast, which, in winter, was by candle light, and in summer, by dawn. The father asked divine blessing, and then all ate heartily of the pea porridge, dealt out in small wooden bowls, and from a small central dish some salted shad and smoked alewives, or perhaps some fresh eels, caught from the bay the evening before. Brown bread and beer were served, and sometimes the children were regaled with samp and milk. After breakfast the father returned thanks. Fa- ther and the sons then returned to the fields for work, the hour being 6 o'clock. With their tools they took the family gun, more to be ready for game than for protection. By 8.30 the laborers were ready for lunch. which consisted of smoked shad, bread and cheese eaten from the basket in which they brought it, and cider. During the forenoon they did much work and were glad of a respite when they heard the dinner horn at 11.45. Just at noon they sat down to the dinner table, a blessing was craved and they began with the Indian pud- ding which they relished with a little molasses. Next a piece of broiled salt pork, or black broth, fried eggs, brown bread. cabbage and cider. The dinner was styled "boiled victuals," and the plates "wooden trenchers." Until one o'clock the laborers were allowed to noon, and were free to sleep or play. Then they returned to the field, and perhaps found that a fox had killed a sheep. The father took the gun, and started in pursuit, leaving instructions if the boys saw the fox to whistle as loud as they could. At 3 o'clock there was a drink of beer, for all, the only pauses in the afternoon's work which ended at five.
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Then the youngest drove home the cows and the milking finished at six. The hogs and sheep were put in their enclos- ures and the faithful dog left to watch them for the night. Everything well housed up, supper was ready. The father took a slice of cold broiled pork, the usual brown bread and beer ; while the boys had milk porridge or hasty pudding. In season they had musk melons, and on occasions, cherry wine. Sometimes they had boiled Indian corn, mixed with kidney beans. Into bean and pea porridge they put a slice of salted venison. They also delighted in succotash. The meat of the shagbark was dried and pounded and put into the porridge to thicken it. Baked pumpkins were common. The extra dish for company was a cake made of strawberries and parched corn. Supper, like the other meals, was preceded by asking a blessing and by offering thanks. At 7 o'clock a neighbor called, a mug of cider was drunk by way of entertainment, and at 7.30 the neighbor had gone, and the family were ready for evening prayers. In the morning the Old Testament was read and in the evening the New. Eight o'clock and all had retired, excepting the youngest boy who had been given per- mission to stay up an hour later. Mother and daughters had likewise their routine. The house consisted of two corner rooms, below, and a kitchen and two lofts, used as attics for sleeping rooms. These rooms were but little care, and the beds could be made in a short time. After that breakfast was cooked and set with wooden plates, peweter spoons, two knives and forks and the good things eaten, the women washed the dishes, and one of the daughters prepared the men's lunch. Then the cheese was made with great care. Saturday was baking day and the three females were kept particularly busy. The oven had its opening on the outside of the house, behind the chimney, and was double the size of modern ones. One daughter brought wood to heat the oven, another got Indian meal and rye, and a third brought in a pail of water. There were beans to be picked and pork to be cut and dough to be kneaded. The baking for seven days required three hours' steady work. In the afternoon, the house being nice and tidy, the mother did some weaving, the elder daughter a little mending, and the child stole away to play with her pet lamb. A female neighbor called to invite her friends to a "quilting" and the anticipation of the event made the young folks happy. When the brothers returned for supper the quilting was announced.
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With the setting of the sun the Sabbath was begun. All gathered about the domestic altar and the pious father read the Scriptures and offered prayer.
The hour for rising was late, and nothing like hurry was known. After the milking and the chores there was breakfast at which there was usually a surprise with a fresh baked apple pie. Each of the young folks took a slice in hand and immediately proceeded to business. After breakfast there was
Early Settlers Going to Church
morning worship. The father took down the Bible and read. With all standing, the father offered a prayer thanking the Giver of every good, for his bounties, confessed his sins with penitence and humility and asked for pardon through a Divine Redeemer. He took care to thank God for the religious free- dom enjoyed in America. During the hour that then elapsed before the start for meeting the children committed to mem- ory a few verses of the Bible, or a hymn, or a page of the Catechism, and the mother taught the daughter some Chris- tian history. The hour having arrived, the start was made for the meeting house and no matter what the distance to that place may have been, there was no excuse for non-attendance.
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God's command and the penalties of the Statute law decided this without equivocation. If the weather was fair, the chil- dren walked, each dressed in full Sunday attire, and feeling it of paramount importance, not to tear or soil their clothes. The father mounted a horse and took his wife upon a pillory behind him. If it rained the oxen were hitched to a cart and seated therein they made their way to meeting. Services began at II and were a glass and a half long, ending at 12.30. A half hour intermission was spent about the meeting house where friends met and talked of what had occurred since the last Sabbath. The young folks, doubtless, did not always talk religion.
The afternoon services were from i to 2.30 and an hour later the family reached home. All partook of the meal then. which was really dinner and supper, and from the oven was taken the pot of beans, Indian pudding, all perfectly done, having been in prison twenty-four hours. After grace the pudding was first served. That was so nice that two slices were necessary to satisfy. Then there was a piece of pie. After Sunday clothes were removed, the mother assembled her chil- dren about her, each seated on his block, and heard them re- cite the catechism, and then endeavored to impress their minds with the sermon of the day. The religious exercises of the Sabbath were concluded with the reading of the Scriptures and family prayer. Father and son then went to the barn and the milking was soon finished. With the setting of the sun the Sabbath was over.
The wood for the next day's washing was carried in, the great kettle filled with water, and everything ready for an early start. In the evening the eldest son slipped out, clad in his evening dress, and at 7 o'clock "dropped in" accidentally, at neighbor A's house, whose blooming daughter of 17 he enjoyed watching. The visit was short and he then returned home. At home the children had been led in singing the good old psalm tunes, and at 8.30 the candle was out and the day of rest and worship had ended to the farmer's family. In those days the singing school was the favorite social function and all delighted to participate.
Our fathers had strong common sense and while they were devoted to a Puritan faith, and an exclusive church, they did not lose their humanity, but the very necessities of their con- dition brought them to the most practical results and to the soundest philosophy of life.
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THE FAIRBANKS HOUSE IN DEDHAM.
The Fairbanks family ranks among the very oldest in the Puritan Colony of Massachusetts Bay, for as early as 1633, we find two of the name on the records-Richard Fairbanke and his wife Elizabeth, came over that year and it is generally believed that they came on the good ship "Griffin," the vessel which brought over the renowned preacher. Rev. John Cotton, to these shores. Savage, the
The Fairbanks House, Built in 1633, Dedham
historian, tells us that "Richard and Elizabeth Fairebanke signed 'ye covenant on the 8th month 1633,' on the same day with Elder Leverett and his wife, Governor Brewster, and Edward Hutchinson."
Richard Fairebanke at once took an active part in the affairs of the infant colony. He joined the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, where he rose to consider- able prominence and has the honor of being the first post- master of Boston. He was appointed in 1639, by the Coun- cil in answer to the petition of many of the citizens for a more systematic distribution of the mails. Like all the
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public papers of those days there is a quaintness in the wording of the order appointing him as postmaster that is rather attractive. It reads as follows: "For preventing the miscarriage of letters, it is ordered that notice be given Richard Fairebanke, that his house in Boston is the place appointed for all letters which are brought beyond the seas, or are to be sent thither, are to be brought unto, and he is to take care that they be delivered and sent according to their direction, and he is allowed for every letter, a penny. and must answer all miscarriages through his own neglect, in this kind, provided that no man shall be compelled to bring his letters there except he please."
It is evident that Mr. Fairebanke made a very acceptable Postmaster as he retained the office until his death in 1667. a period of 28 years.
He left no descendants in the male line, and only one daughter. Constance, who married Samuel Mattlock of Boston. Richard Fairebanke's house was on Washington Street, on the site now occupied by the Boston Globe build- ing.
The ancestor of the Dedham branch of the Fairbanks' family was Jonathan Fayerbanke, a native of the County of Yorkshire, England. It is thought that he came on the same ship as Richard and that they were brothers, but re- search has failed to show the exact date of his arrival or his relationship to Richard. "With Jonathan Faverbank, came his wife. Grace and six children. It is said that he brought across the seas with him the frame of a house, of good old English oak which he stored in Boston, for three years, until he had decided where he would locate with his family. A survey of the various sections around Boston led him to choose Dedham or "Contentment" as it was then called. which was established on the 10th of the 7th month 1636, on a petition of twelve persons to the General Court. The Dedham Covenant was drawn up and signed by the peti- tioners and others, and after the grant by the General Court, persons were admitted from time to time. This Covenant was in the nature of a mutual compact concern- ing the future management of the affairs of the town, and if lived up to meant a peaceful, law-abiding community governed by the Golden Rule, and like all the documents issued by those Puritan settlers of Massachusetts, was strongly religious in tone. The Fairbanks' Family Histo-
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rian says that Jonathan Fayerbanke "had a good education for the times, and was a man of strong common sense, sound judgment and good executive ability. He was a man of strong individuality and with a dogged tenacity of pur- pose, which characteristics seem to have been inherited by many of his descendants," many of whom have "raised themselves to high rank in their respective callings" and it may be claimed that the average position which the family has always occupied mark it "as a family second to none in any respect on this side of the Atlantic."
Jonathan Fayerbanke was "evidently possessed of ample means for those days, or he would not have been able to have taken care of so large a family until he secured his permanent home. He received various grants of land in Dedham at different times including the lot on which the Fairbanks House now stands. Before 1637 there had been granted him a twelve acre lot, four acres of which were "swampe" land ; and in that year he received another allot- ment of four acres more. In those early days lands were granted to individuals in twelve and eight acre lots.
His first house, the older portion of the present "Fair- banks House" was built in 1636 on the upland in his grant for a house lot. In 1648 an addition was built, and "a few years later a larger addition was made, which was called the new house .. supposed to be built for the occupation of his oldest son John and his family. On this spot this his- toric house has stood for nearly three centuries, and is to- day without doubt the oldest frame house in the United States.
"Winter and summer, frost and heat, have done much to undermine its symmetry, and its leaning walls and sloping floors are only held in place by its massive oak. Down to 1899 it was handed down through eight generations with never a mortgage incumbrance upon it. As we view this old house we obtain a clear idea of the actual appearance of the houses of our forefathers. What changes have been made are more in the nature of repairs and have served to keep the old house from falling to pieces. The solid and simple effect is still retained. Its old gray walls tinted by the brush of Father Time with the natural stain of the rain-drops : the moss-grown shingles on the roof in varying shades of sage and mauve ; the brightness of the meadow carpet, stretching away to the south, dotted with the vel-
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low white of the 'Marguerite,' and the buttercup; the pur- ple shadows on the tree trunks, and on weather-beaten clapboards, make a composition of form and color which is hard to equal." It is a picture which is appreciated by art students, and it is constantly being painted and sketched, in the summer time. The most picturesque view of the house is as you approach it from the railroad station, where it is seen nestling among the tall and stately trees. It occupies one of the best corner lots in the town, the lot being about one acre in extent. The large farm long since was divided among different branches of the family.
"The house is in three sections, a main part and two wings, the entire length being seventy-five feet. The mid- dle part has a pitch roof extending down over the lean-to at the back within a few feet of the ground. Both wings are gambrel roofed. Long years ago, an Indian arrow pro- jected from the roof, having been there beyond the mem- ory of any of the family. It is a family tradition that the arrow was shot in during the Indian raids in the trying days of the past. As we stand before the house we count eight windows of which no two are alike in size, and they are irregularly placed as well. The boarding of the house is peculiar, ranging from a narrow clapboard four inches across. In front of the door is the old well with a well- sweep."
As we enter the house we are in a small entry eight feet in depth, from which five doors open, the front outside door, those opening into the rooms on either side, a door at the foot of the stairway to the floor above, and another at the head of the stairs to the cellar. Throughout the house the doorways are so low that a person of medium height can scarcely pass through without bending the head. On the left of the entry is the kitchen, which looks older than any room in the house. It is sixteen feet square and lighted by two long narrow windows on the front. Over- head all the beams and rafters show, as this room has never been plastered. The walls are made of over-lapped boards with rounded edges. The outside walls were finished the same way before the clapboards were put on. All the woodwork in the kitchen has turned to a deep brown, choc- olate brown, the results of age and the smoke from the wood fires of two centuries. The brick oven still remains but has outlived its usefulness. The chimney at the bot-
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tom measures eight by ten feet. So this old kitchen stands in 1916, the same as in 1636. Across the entry from the kitchen is the parlor, about two-thirds the size of the kitchen. It is one of the lowest in the house, measuring in the highest part not over six feet in height, and near the front wall, which has sunk so much it is several inches less.
KITCHEN FIRE PLACE DEDHAM. MASS., FAIRBANKS HOUSE, BUILT 1636
The Eastern addition built for John Fairbanks and his bride is a cosy tenement with two lower and one upper room, with fireplaces in each of the lower rooms. In the parlor over the fireplace, still hangs a wooden crane five feet long. Long years ago, before the discovery of petro- leum, the family used to hang grease lamps, called "widders" or "Old Bettsy" on this crane, to light up the room during the long winter evenings.
The room over the parlor in the main house has been the family chamber through all the generations that have lived here. Many of the best relics have been sold or given away but in the dark kitchen chamber are many "old timers," such as foot warmers and spinning wheels, candle moulds,
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Dutch ovens and other articles of domestic use. There is a pannier such as our grandsires slung along the old mare's side when going to the mill or to the store or post office : an ox saddle, a very great curiosity, and rarer still some of the diamond shaped panes of glass, brought from England which were set in strips of lead. as putty was not in use in those times.
Henry Irving Fairbanks
Throughout the 280 years which have passed over it, the house has never been deeded. A Fairbanks built it and his descendants have always owned and occupied it, up to 1902, when a bolt of lightning struck the house and killed the dog in the room where Miss Fairbanks was lying. As she was alone and had a strong dread of the place on ac- count of the stroke of lightning, she removed to Boston the following winter. The house was then let and for the first time in its history it was occupied by strangers. A year later Miss Rebecca Fairbanks returned to the house and remained until the estate was purchased by the Fair-
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banks Family in America, Inc. The old house proves a great attraction to visitors, and annual reunions of the Fairbanks Family are held there. It is a "home-coming" of the clans, and its meetings are always of great interest and largely attended.
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