Friday, September 2, 2016

A Glimpse at Simple Homesteading Life in the 1800s

Via Cousin John

simple-homesteading

Homestead Farming Was Not for the Faint of Heart

In the September/October 2012 issue, a reader wanted to know what homesteading life in the 1800s was like. Here’s my reply. I am a bit of a history nut. I have spent many years engaged in accurate historical re-enactment. (Think Ren Faire but with no turkey legs.) So your question about what simple homesteading life in the 1800s looked like prompted me to write.

First—when talking about life in the 1800s, do you mean the early 1800s? Before the advent of canning, telegraph, railroads, and sewing machines? Or are you talking late 1800s? If the latter—just talk to any member of an Amish community about their simple homesteading lifestyle. If you are talking about early 1800s—that’s a completely different matter. I would recommend visiting historic Williamsburg, Virginia.

There are numerous diaries that have been left behind by the folks who “traveled West” and the hardships of simple homesteading they endured; as well as diaries of those who “stayed behind” in the civilized world of chamber pots and chimney fires. Reading these diaries gives a very good insight into how people lived.

Are you interested in the day-to-day life of agrarian people as opposed to those who live in the city? If so—I recommend becoming a homesteader without electricity, power tools or indoor plumbing.

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8 comments:

  1. AnonymousSeptember 3, 2016 at 12:33 AM

    I have often wondered how long I would last living in the manner of the early 1800s after having known modern conveniences. Should I measure in days, weeks, hours??? Good reminder of how tough our kinfolk once were.

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    1. Brock TownsendSeptember 3, 2016 at 12:49 AM

      :) I imagine we would make it, but needless to say, not easy at all.

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  2. indyjonesouthereSeptember 3, 2016 at 1:29 PM

    Indoor plumbing can not be appreciated except in terms of a Minnesota winter.

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    1. Brock TownsendSeptember 3, 2016 at 1:38 PM

      I saw a video about this in Alaska. :) It would be easier in a hot environment since you wouldn't need wood for heating and going out side is no big thing. The heat certainly isn't pleasant, but would eventually get used to it.

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    2. TewshoozSeptember 3, 2016 at 4:02 PM

      That's what chamber pots were for, guys. Also, that's why we were always told not to eat yellow snow. You young'uns are way too soft.

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    3. Brock TownsendSeptember 3, 2016 at 4:38 PM

      :) In 1992/3? I was at the beach in Vietnam (Vung Tau)and after we checked into a room, I took what I thought was an ice container outside to fill it up. When my driver saw me, he told me that it was definitely not an ice container! :)

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  3. mountain boySeptember 3, 2016 at 7:17 PM

    If this house had been current there would be stumps surrounding the cabin, brush to be cut back, and small enclosures for livestock close by. They would extend the roof lines and keep horses or cows really close to the cabin. It would take years to clear out stumps, plant and keep family and stock fed. That is why you wore out and died at 35-40 years of age or had kids at 13-15 yrs old.

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    1. Brock TownsendSeptember 3, 2016 at 9:05 PM

      My great grandfather and grandmother were married at 15.

      https://s3.postimg.io/scaxirh37/Talitha_Lucretia_Malvina_Pippen_Mother.jpg
      http://www.namsouth.com/viewtopic.php?t=2232&highlight=talitha

      http://www.namsouth.com/viewtopic.php?t=52&highlight=pippen

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