MARY'S GENEALOGY TREASURES
Up and at it! Those were the first words you heard in the
morning. There was no second call. It seemed so early,
but as you reluctantly pulled on your chore clothes you
could hear the fire in the kitchen stove begin to crackle,
however it hadn't been lit long enough to heat water for
a wash. You splashed your face with cold water from an
enamel wash basin in the kitchen. Now you were awake!
There was no fighting with siblings over time in the bathroom,
there was no bathroom - in most cases just a cool jaunt to
the outdoor privy, and your morning began.
Breakfast anyone! Not yet. Boy or girl, you had duties to
perform. For some it was helping in the kitchen, making beds
and preparing school lunches. For others there were outside
chores. Those who belonged to "Junior Farmers" clubs, had
their own livestock to feed and water, and stalls to clean.
Some had to help with general chores, such as pigs to feed
and cows to milk, chore teams to be brought in from the pasture,
or a load of grain to shovel off. Most had school ponies to
feed and water. Chores finished you had a wash, in warmer
water this time, before breakfast and changing to school clothes.
Then you grabbed your school bag and headed out hopefully in
time to beat the school bell.
You pulled on your walking shoes, bridled your horse or hitched up
the buggy, and rain or shine, you were on your way.
Miscellaneous Histories