USA > Pennsylvania > The domestic life and characteristics of the Pennsylvania-German pioneer : a narrative and critical history ; prepared at the request of the Pennsylvania-German Society > Part 5
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night. On butchering day no one suffered hunger or thirst. Breakfast was a full meal. At dinner often the largest turkey was served, with an abundance of other dishes. At supper the new sausage was usually a part of the meal. When the neighbors left for their homes they carried samples of the new sausage and pudding for them- selves and those who had remained at home.
JF COR a long time our ancestors had no carpets in their houses and their beds were without the quilts that be- came so common among later generations. Thus, carpet- rag-parties and quilting-parties followed in later years. They both helped to make the history of the Pennsylvania-
Fett-licht or lard lamp upon stand.
German homes and both occasioned interesting events in the life of the family. They were occasions on which the mothers and daughters of a neighborhood gathered in a
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house to assist the mother and daughters of the same. Whilst rags were carefully sewed for the carpet and the materials stretched on the frame quilted according to the pattern traced on the goods, many revelations were made touching life in the different families represented on such occasions and also in families not represented. The par- ticipants heard on a single day the news of months and years. If any felt inclined to report what they had heard, and were asked what authority they had for what they said, they cited the carpet-rag or quilting party. The good housewife would invariably serve good food, including ex- cellent tea, and none of her friends had occasion to com- plain of a want of liberality.
PUBLIC sale or vendue was also a special experience of the family leading a quiet life. Before the day of sale extensive preparations were made in arranging the ar- ticles to be sold. A large quantity of food was provided- not only for the men engaged to conduct the sale and spe- cially invited friends, but also for those whose chief interest at a vendue was a good square meal. When the appointed time for the sale arrived, the reading of the conditions of the sale was often a very ceremonious act. The crier of the sale held an important position. His praise of the articles offered for sale was to cause high bidding, his pleasantries were to entertain the people assembled and the faithful use of his strong voice was to increase his reputation as a crier. Parties not specially interested in the purchase of goods found the public sale a favorable occasion for the trans- action of private business. The scandal-monger embraced the opportunity to spread injurious reports concerning his neighbor. The politician also made use of the occasion
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by trying to secure votes for himself. The young people found parts of the house, the yard, the barn, the barnyard, the orchard and the fields good places for their games. The huckster with his hot soup and a variety of cakes was also present and usually well patronized. Enemies who met at public sales would often engage in bod- ily conflicts, and their shed- ding of blood was of interest to themselves and to those who witnessed their bloody combat.
An appeal to a magistrate after such a conflict at a public sale or at a gathering of people on an occasion of a different character, was not always followed by the prompt issue of a warrant for the arrest of the party Kitchen utensils, carving knife and fork, ladles, skimmer and cake turner. against whom the complaint was made. A magistrate of nearly a hundred years ago was asked by a party, who had been whipped in a fight, for a warrant for the arrest of his opponent. The magistrate answered that the appellant ought to be ashamed that he allowed the other party to whip him, that the appellant could whip the other party, if he but tried rightly to do so. The words of the magistrate inspired the appellant with courage, and he whipped the previous victor, who after his defeat also appealed to the magistrate, who commanded the vanquished victor to leave promptly,
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as the other party had already applied for his service. Of a magistrate of a still earlier period it was said, that he would at times take parties, who appeared before him as plaintiff
Specimen of early Pennsylvania- German pottery.
Calabash or gourd dipper.
and defendant, from his office to a back yard to settle their disputes by a bodily conflict. He was, however, not a Pennsylvania-German.
NOTHER special occasion in the home life of our an- cestors was caused by a change of residence. When the new home was not at a great distance from the old, moving was often quietly attended to by the aid of a few neighbors, who on successive days assisted in removing the
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effects of a family to their new home. But when the re- moval required a journey of 10, 15, 20 or more miles and all the effects were to be carried to the new residence on the same day, then great preparations were necessary be- fore moving day. An abundance of food was prepared and carefully packed to be carried securely. On the day and night preceding moving day neighbors arrived with their large wagons, on which household goods and farm utensils were safely packed. The journey was begun as
Typical Pennsylvania-German traveling outfit, the large box for the wife's bonnet.
early as possible on moving day. A day without rain was the cause of great joy, and a day with rain brought many re- grets. The journey itself was often accompanied with in- cidents of interest, but at times also with accidents not soon forgotten. The safe arrival at the new home was followed by work of busy hands in unloading goods and placing ef- fects in the house and other buildings. The first meal in the new home was made of the abundant supply that was brought from the old. When the neighbors from the old home were obliged to tarry for a night before returning, and the neighbors of the new home visited the newly arrived family there was a social gathering in the new home, to be remembered long by all participants. When, however, the
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change of residence required a long journey from some part in eastern Pennsylvania to a place in a central or western county or possibly in a county on the western border of the State, then a family had a still greater variety of experiences. All the articles that could not well be carried on the journey were sold privately or at a public sale. Large covered wagons were secured for packing and carrying the heavier goods to be removed. Other covered wagons were necessary for carrying lighter goods and provisions for the journey. Whilst
German immigrants crossing the Alleghanies.
often places were found in wagons already named for those who made the journey, special conveyances were at times provided for the family and friends. When a number of families moved at the same time and to the same region of country, the journey was marked by increased interest. At meal times the caravan would halt, fires were kindled by the side of the road, or in the forest, and food was care- fully prepared and served abundantly. Horses were sup- plied with provender and allowed to graze. When the
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night had to be spent where no lodging could be secured, the pilgrims slept in their wagons. During the past sum- mer the writer met a number of very aged persons in a county on the western border of our State, who in the thir- ties of the closing century made such a journey from an eastern county to the county in which the writer met them. The company who made the journey numbered between thirty and forty persons and had varied experiences, in- cluding the following : One day the company felt glad to learn that lodging for the night could be secured in a hotel located at the foot of a mountain. They were, however, surprised when they reached the hotel to find that the house had only one large room with a bar at one end. Bedding was brought from the wagons and laid on the floor of the one room. Here the entire number of pilgrims slept dur- ing the night. In the morning they were surprised to find the landlord and his wife rising from behind the bar. Whether they had slept there during the night or watched their supply of liquors was not stated. Such a moving and location in a new place was a new period in the life of a family. To trace the history of a single family would often require a volume. The writer, by special invitation, attended several reunions of the Bortz family in Mercer county, which were attended by many claiming relation- ship. He also, by special request, attended a reunion of the Gangaware family in Westmoreland county. The an- cestors of both families moved from Lehigh county, for- merly part of Northampton county, to these western coun- ties. Last summer the Lichtenwallner family held their first reunion at Allentown. They all descended from Jo- hannes Lichtenwallner, who came to America in 1733 and settled in Lehigh county. The intensely interesting his- tory of the family, published since the reunion-shows not
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only the large number of descendants in Pennsylvania, but also the large number of persons descended from the Ohio branch of the family. By removals from eastern and cen- tral Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania-German families became important factors in the settlement of territories beyond the borders of our State and in the making of other States of our glorious Union.
Det Reue, Gemeinnugige Landmirtofhafts
Auf Das Jahr, nach Der heilbringenden Geburt unfers Serin 36fu Chrifti, I 8 0 2.
OBdictes ein gemeines Jahr von 365 Lagen ift.
Darinnen, nebft. richtiger Seftrechnung, Me Conns und Monds , Sinfternife, Des Ronts Ceftalt und Biertel, Ronbs: Aufgang, Monts =Beiden, Mfpecten ber Planeten und Witterung, Connen Hufs und Untergang, ted Siebengeftions Kafgang, Citplan und Untergang, cer Benns Mufs und Untergang, Das hohe Baffer ju Philadelphia, Courten, Baird, und andere ja einem Calender gebbrige Gachen au finten.
Smgleichen, lebtreiche und unterhaltende Gefdichten, xe. mit fonderbarem Sieis ned bem pennfylvanifden und der angrenzenden Staaten Sorisont und Horbhehe .berechnet.
Bom gunfjcontenmal herausgegeben.
Lancefer, Gebruet und ju haben ben Johann Mbrecht, in Der neuen Buchtrudy cep, in der Prinsfraffe, das ate Saus, nordlig com Gefängnis.
Title page of Pennsylvania-German Farmers' Almanac.
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CHAPTER XII.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PENNSYLVANIA-GERMAN PIONEER.
NTRODUCTION of sin into the world affected the relation of man to the Superior Be- ing, his relation to his fel- lowmen and his own pri- vate life. The separation of man from God left weall him in darkness and all his own devised ways fail German Town Pa to restore him to the rela- ·1691 .. tion he first sustained to God. Sin has made man extremely selfish and cruel in his relation to his fellowmen, hence the deeds of violence, the acts of base abuse of sex- ual relations, the deeds of dishonesty and fraud in dealing with others, the untruthfulness in his associations with others and the constant manifestation of the evil desires for the. property and the associates of his neighbors, and, in his private life, the abuse of God's good gifts, hence a
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life of intemperance, a life of lewdness, a life worse than that of the brute creation.
The Christian religion is not only to restore the right re- lation of man to the Superior Being, but also to effect a proper relation of man to man and to affect his own private life. St. Paul, the great Apostle, wrote, "The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world : Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearance of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar peo- ple, zealous of good works."
Not all Pennsylvania-German pioneers were good Chris- tian people. With such as were not, sin did abound, and men were given to idolatry, giving to the creature what is to be given to God only ; they abused God's name by pro- fanity, by superstitious practices, by lying and deceiving by the same; they cared not for God's day, God's house and God's word; the right relation between parents and children was wanting; they hesitated not in doing bodily harm to their neighbors ; they were given to all grades of sins of the flesh ; they made light of untruthfulness and were given to many evil deeds which evidenced the cov- etousness of their depraved hearts.
Of the great number of pioneers, whose minds were enlightened by the word of God and whose hearts were under the influence of His grace, it could be said that they feared, loved and trusted in God above all things. When vessels that bore them to this country encountered storms, there was a marked difference between immigrants who feared, loved and trusted in God and those who were the
THE PENNSYLVANIA-GERMAN SOCIETY.
J. F. SACHSE, PHOTO.
AN OLD COLONIAL HOUSE.
AT THE HEAD OF THE TULPEHOCKEN,-ON THE LEY (URICH) FARM.
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very opposite of God's people. Those who were ungodly were filled with despair, and those in fellowship with God, manifested their trust in Him, by their prayers and hymns and humble submission to His dealing with them. Upon arrival in this country and when be- ginning their new homes in this new world, they asked God to bless their work, and often in the erection of a building, they showed their trust in God, by placing a stone in the wall of the building, bearing an inscrip- tion which showed their confidence in the most High and asking Him to bless their home.
God's name was dear to them and they made use of it in every time of need and in daily prayers, praise and thanksgiving, hence their desire to have God's word, the hymn-book and the prayer-book to aid them in their devotions.
An Ephrata pilgrim.
The Lord's-day was properly kept, the people fre- quented the sanctuary and joined reverently in the right worship of the most High and received with gladness the message of salvation. The remaining hours of the Lord's- day were precious to them, giving them time for home worship and private devotion. The work necessary on the Lord's-day was performed in the most quiet way and the home was marked by true devotion on the part of its occupants.
The pioneer was characterized by a strong love for home. His ambition was to have a house for himself and family. For this he labored and happy was he when he
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had secured it. He also had a great love for his house- hold. He prized his godly wife and loved his children and did not murmur when their number was increased. But not only did parents love their home and children, the lat- ter also loved their home and their parents and other mem- bers of the family. Harbaugh's Heimweh shows the in- fluence of parental piety and right care of children and the longings that are awakened in those who profited by having godly parents and a good home.
The good pioneer was characterized by a proper regard for human life. Murder and suicide were to him great sins. When he witnessed or heard of either he was shocked. Not only did he regard the preservation of his own life a great duty, but also the prevention of harm to others and the assistance of all who were in want.
The old church records contain the entries of the birth and baptism of children. The fact that they faithfully state the illegitimate birth of children shows that there was no inclination {to hide the sins of the people. The fact, however, that the number of illegitimate births was small compared with the number born in wedlock, shows plainly the regard which pioneers had for the state of matrimony. Adultery was a grievous sin to them. Divorces were ab- horred by them. Parents counselled their children to lead pure lives and gave them good advice concerning the choice of a husband or a wife.
The godly pioneer had a high regard for man's right to what God granted him of earthly possessions. Not all that men have is held by them-with God's approval. Men have a right to call their own what they have secured by godly labor, by economy void of covetousness, by in- heritance, or by gift. Robbery, thieving and fraud are all condemned by " thou shalt not steal." Pioneers taught
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their children not to steal, but to labor with their hands- that they might have to give to him that needeth. Dishon- esty in children was severely punished. Honesty in all dealings was encouraged and constantly commended. A promise to pay was a solemn obligation of which God was a witness-and in His fear it was promptly met.
Truthfulness is important in all the relations of men- not only in the more extended circles in life-but also in the quiet home. No wonder that the pioneer prized it highly-and as readily discharged a servant who lied as one who stole. Parents were shocked when they found a child given to lying and made such child the subject of earnest prayer as well as of faithful instruction. The man whose word was as good as his bond was ever honored.
The present descendants of pioneers can best honor the memory of their ancestors by striving to make their homes the abodes of parents and children, who are characterized by the fear and love of God, by the right use of His name, by love for His house and His word, by mutual love of parents and children, by love for the well-being of all others, by purity of life, by honesty, industry, economy and charity, and by truthfulness in all their relations with men.
The glory of our Commonwealth has not been attained alone by the services of men in schools, in churches, in the many departments of industry and in the various branches of civil government. None has rendered more important services than the homes of godly pioneers and their descendants. Good homes make good citizens and these are the strength of the Commonwealth. Men who seek homes for themselves, and men who have secured homes for themselves and their families, are the strongest
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supporters of good government; law-abiding citizens not through fear, but in view of their respect for constituted authority. With such is not found the initiative step that leads to strikes and the disturbance of social relations in the State. When men pray for the prosperity of the State they should ever pray "God bless our homes," for if these are made by God's favor what they ought to be, then may we hold as true that such is one of God's ways to save the Commonwealth and also the Republic.
" ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL ..
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THE PENNSYLVANIA-GERMAN SOCIETY.
Santippe war por aalten seiten ein bofes .
Weil mit Banken& Streifen, Dodi Socrates Ihr Werfer manny.
Wann Ga will in Lan Capand Hatten, Sap en Suin Cupthe wedding
Pabe pleine mit Erbarmen esuitbatiafei . . Kand and andout mit fin Madan, Sußgland if wind, fixed nonpas? Una Janany Cast Sne fait auf Band
itebi Sebe abo auf der Erden das Du ! Sinunels burger werden, 23af du hier fchaueff weif und breit If allab Laulau Citalkrit, Gru Yout ward B Gin and will Sund "full fre in Anlam an queandan You Sif Vislift and frill "Gan Yag, mit Finns African Junfor Mag.
SPECIMEN OF EARLY PENMANSHIP.
ORIGINAL BY CHRISTOPHER DOCK IN HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
APPENDIX.
CHRISTOPHER DOCK'S ONE HUNDRED NECES- SARY RULES OF CONDUCT FOR CHILDREN.1
(Translation by Hon. Samuel W. Pennypacker. )
I. RULES FOR THE BEHAVIOR OF A CHILD IN THE HOUSE OF ITS PARENTS.
A. At and after getting up in the mornings.
I. Dear child, accustom yourself to awaken at the right time in the morning without being called, and as soon as you are awake get out of bed without delay.
2. On leaving the bed fix the cover in a nice, orderly way.
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3. Let your first thoughts be directed to God, according to the example of David, who says, Psalms cxxxix, 18, "When I am awake I am still with Thee," and Psalms lxiii, 7, " When I am awake I speak of Thee."
4. Offer to those who first meet you, and your parents, brothers and sisters, a good-morning, not from habit simply, but from true love.
5. Learn to dress yourself quickly but neatly.
6. Instead of idle talk with your brothers and sisters or others, seek also, while dressing, to have good thoughts. Remember the clothing of righteousness which was earned
1 These Rules of Conduct were published about 1764, in Saur's Geist- liches Magazien. For a full account of Christopher Dock, see Penny- packer's Historical and Biographical Sketches. Philadelphia, 1883.
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for you through Jesus, and form the resolution not to soil it on this day by intentional sin.
7. When you wash your face and hands do not scatter the water about in the room.
8. To wash out the mouth every morning with water, and to rub off the teeth with the finger, tends to preserve the teeth.
9. When you comb your hair do not go out into the middle of the room, but to one side in a corner.
IO. Offer up the morning prayer, not coldly from cus- tom, but from a heart-felt thankfulness to God, Who has protected you during the night, and call upon Him feel- ingly to bless your doings through the day. Forget not the singing and the reading in the Bible.
II. Do not eat your morning bread upon the road or in school, but ask your parents to give it to you at home.
12. Then get your books together and come to school at the right time.
B. In the evenings at bed-time.
13. After the evening meal do not sit down in a corner to sleep, but perform your evening devotions with singing, prayer and reading, before going to bed.
14. Undress yourself in a private place, or if you must do it in the presence of others, be retiring and modest.
15. Look over your clothes to see whether they are torn, so that they may be inended in time.
16. Do not throw your clothes about in the room, but lay them together in a certain place, so that in the morning early you can easily find them again.
17. Lie down straight in the bed modestly, and cover yourself up well.
18. Before going to sleep consider how you have spent
Necessary Rules of Conduct for Children. 89
the day, thank God for His blessings, pray to Him for the forgiveness of your sins, and commend yourself to His merciful protection.
19. Should you wake in the night, think of God and His omnipresence, and entertain no idle thoughts.
C. At meal-time.
20. Before going to the table where there are strangers, comb and wash yourself very carefully.
21. During the grace do not let your hands hang toward the earth, or keep moving them about, but let them, with your eyes, be directed to God.
22. During the prayer do not lean or stare about, but be devout and reverent before the majesty of God.
23. After the prayer, wait until the others who are older have taken their places, and then sit down at the table quietly and modestly.
24. At the table sit very straight and still, do not wabble with your stool, and do not lay your arms on the table. Put your knife and fork upon the right and your bread on the left side.
25. Avoid everything which has the appearance of eager and ravenous hunger, such as to look at the victuals anxiously, to be the first in the dish, to tear off the bread all at once in noisy bites, to eat quickly and eagerly, to take another piece of bread before the last is swallowed down, to take too large bites, to take the spoon too full, to stuff the mouth too full, etc.
26. Stay at your place in the dish, be satisfied with what is given to you, and do not seek to have of every- thing.
27. Do not look upon another's plate to see whether he
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has received something more than you, but eat what you have with thankfulness.
28. Do not eat more meat and butter than bread ; do not bite the bread off with the teeth ; cut regular pieces with the knife, but do not cut them off before the mouth.
29. Take hold of your knife and spoon in an orderly way and be careful that you do not soil your clothes or the table cloth.
30. Do not lick off your greasy fingers, wipe them on a cloth, but as much as possible use a fork instead of your fingers.
31. Chew your food with closed lips and make no noise by scraping on the plate.
32. Do not wipe the plate off either with the finger or the tongue, and do not thrust your tongue about out of your mouth. Do not lean your elbows on the table when you carry the spoon to the mouth.
33. Do not take salt out of the salt-box with your fingers, but with the point of your knife.
34. The bones, or what remains over, do not throw under the table, do not put them on the table cloth, but let them lie on the edge of the plate.
35. Picking the teeth with the knife or fork does not look well and is injurious to the gums.
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