PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Homes
The type of homes during colonial times varied depending on the local resources, the region, and the wealth of the family. Slaves, of course, had little choice.
1) The houses built by settlers in America were small single room homes. They had wooden frames which were filled in with sticks, clay, mud, and grass. The roof was usually a thatched roof made from dried grass. The floors were often dirt floors and the windows were covered with paper. Inside was a fireplace used for cooking and to keep the house warm during the winter. The early settlers did not have much furniture. The typical bed was a straw mattress on the floor.
2) As the colonies grew, wealthy landowners in the south built large farms called plantations. Their homes also grew in size. They had many rooms now, living room and dining room. They also had glass windows, multiple fireplaces, and plenty of furniture. There were German, Dutch, Spanish, and English colonial styles built in different regions of the colonies.
3) As cities grew, there were also city homes, which were smaller than the plantation homes in different styles.
Homes did not have electricity, telephones, or running water. Rugs were not placed on the floors in early homes, they were hung on walls or used on beds for warmth.
Food & Mealtimes
We eat three meals a day. Most colonialists had two main meals: breakfast (early or late depending on how wealthy you were) and dinner, which was served midday. There was no lunch. Some people might have supper late, but this was very light, not heavy like today. Food items included meats, cheeses, breads, and lots of fruits and vegetables. Slaves ate once a day, if they were lucky, usually a stew or gruel.
Trades & Lifestyles
America in colonial days was a land of farmers. Settlers found no cities when they arrived. They found only the valleys, the plains, the forests. In addition to farmers, there were soon craftsmen, artisans, and merchants, but their combined numbers were few when compared with the number of farmers. As proof, think about the African slaves: they were were largely brought to America to help farmers.
Chores & Responsibilities
Living in Colonial America was hard. By the time a child turned six, they were expected to help in the household. Men made all the important decisions. A man's wife and children obeyed him without question. It was the father's job to discipline the children. It was the women's job to prepare food and make clothing. It was the slaves' and servants' jobs to serve the settler men and women.
Clothing
What people wore depended on whether they were wealthy and which class they were part of. While most people wore simple clothes, the wealthy did prefer the finest clothes from Europe: they did not like taxes, but they did like fashion. Wealthy men wore coats, overcoats, breeches and stockings. They also wore wigs. Women wore sliming body garments or simple dresses. The slaves wore cast-off clothing or made their own. Because people did not understand germs, they rarely washed their clothes. Perfume was in high demand among some people who could afford it.
Entertainment & Other Facts
Their Puritan roots meant many settlers frowned on flashy entertainment. A simple life is what they wanted. Until they got wealthy. Then, the people who would become Americans started to find entertainment in folk music, dancing, conversation, books, and newspapers. Social life became very important in the new world.
