Nineteenth century life had many important facts in it.  The log house was the first.  In a two story house with one bed but could hold nine people.  This is because was for the parents. The kids slept on the floor of the loft.  It was more useful to sleep on the floor because the only heat source was on the first floor.  They would be closer when the heat rose up.  The bed was made of rope and the mattress was a bag of something such as leaves.  This is were the saying “Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite” came from.  The sleep tight came from tightening the ropes.  Don’t let the bed bugs bite came from little critters hiding in your leaves that could bite you.

   In the log house there was not much furniture.  They had one bed, a table, shelves built into the wall, a trunk for everyone’s clothes.  The women did all the cooking, sewing, and cleaning.  Men did the chores outside the house such as making rope, and fetching water.

     The blacksmith was a very important person in a village.  He made hooks, fire screen, and many decorations.  He also made something that could close the door or else you would have to use a skin or a sheet.  All of these things were made out of iron.  The most important thing made was weapons and tools.

    The schoolhouse was a one room house where kids of all ages were schooled.  At one time there could be 3-45 kids there at once.  The teachers were very strict.  You also had to like your teacher because at one time they would stay at your house.  In the schoolhouse teachers were also the janitors, if you were really bad they would love to give up their job to a student.  If you didn’t follow these rules listed on the chart below you would have to wear a sign that could have said “Idle Boy”, “Idle Girl”, or “Tongue Wagger.”

School Rules
1. Obey thy elders.
2. Speak only when spoken to.
3. Idleness is sinful.
4. Busy hands maketh a quiet mouth.
5. Cleanliness is next to Godliness.
6. Stand the body tall to recite.’
7. Hold thy tongue when others speak.
8. Honor thy father and mother.
9. Give thanks for life’s blessings.
10. Children should be seen and not heard.