* * * * *

The "small pox" was very troublesome in Colonial times, as this announcement from the "Boston Gazette," Feb. 2, 1761, shows:—

Samuel Parkman hereby informs his Customers and others, That immediately on the breaking out of the Small-Pox in the back Part of his House in Union Street, he removed his Shop Goods to a Store on a Wharf that they may be safe from any Infection, and himself to the House of Mr. Joshua Winter Stationer—The Person who had the Distemper is perfectly recovered, and departed the House some Days ago, and the House thoroughly cleansed.

* * * * *

The following notice from the "Massachusetts Gazette" reminds us of the time of open fire-places and blazing, cheerful wood-fires:

THE SELECTMEN would inform the Town, that they have approbated a number of Chimney-Sweepers, who are furnished with badges agreeable to the By-Laws, and have stipulated to execute their business faithfully, at the following rates, viz.—For lower-room chimnies, fourteen pence two fifths, or one pistareen; and for all chamber chimnies, one shilling each—that all concerned may govern themselves accordingly.

Boston, Sept. 21, 1786.

* * * * *

The spinning-wheel at Ipswich. From the "Columbian Centinel," June 7, 1791.

For the CENTINEL.

THE PRINTER is requested to record it among the numerous instances of female benevolence and harmony, which have been exhibited in these times, and so well reprove the jarring dissensions of the men—that at Ipswich, lately, at the house of the Rev. Mr. DANA, a numerous band of ladies, in harmonious concert, have again "laid their hands to the spindle, and held the distaff," and presented the fruit of their generous toil, 118 run of good yarn; viz. 88 linen, 30 cotton; the materials, provisions, and handsome attendance, all furnished by themselves and those who joined with them.—"Give her of the fruit of her own hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates."

* * * * *

From the "Salem Mercury," April 28, 1787.

Not long ago a number of ladies belonging to the Presbyterian society in Newbury-Port, assembled at the Parsonage-house, with their spinning-wheels and other utensils of industry, for the day, to the benefit of their minister's family. The assembly having first united in the solemn exercises of social worship, the business of the day was opened. Every apartment in the house was full. The musick of the spinning-wheel resounded from every room. Benevolence was seen smiling in every countenance, and the harmony of hearts surpassed even the harmony of wheels. The labours of the day were concluded about 5 o'clock; when the fair labourers presented Mrs. MURRAY with cotton and linen yarn, of the best quality, amounting to 236 skeins. Necessary refreshment being past, publick worship was attended; and a discourse delivered, by the Rev. Mr. MURRAY, to a large assembly, from Exodus 35, 25, And all the women that were wise-hearted did spin with their hands.

* * * * *

From the "Salem Mercury," Feb. 6, 1787.

There is a young Miss in New-Haven, who will soon wear a silk gown of her own make. Such noble industry ought to be written in letters of gold. May the ladies profit by the example—and may it soon be esteemed disreputable, by both ladies and gentlemen, to wear any thick silk but of our own manufacture.

* * * * *

An advertisement in the "Boston Gazette," Feb. 19, 1760, rather indicates that "searchers" sometimes exceeded their powers.

ALL Persons who within five Years past, have had any Shoes or Boots, seiz'd and taken from them, in the Town of Boston, by any of the Searches and Sealers of Leather there, for being made of Leather unduly tann'd or curried, or on Pretence thereof; are hereby notified to give or send in to the Printers hereof, an Account in Writing, of the Number of Shoes, &c. so taken from them, the Time when (as near as they can) with the Name of the Person that seiz'd and took them, and the Name of the Justice of Peace to whom Complaint or Information was made concerning such Shoes, &c. by the eighth Day of March next, if they desire any Recompence for the Injuries they have suffer'd by such Seizures.

* * * * *

In 1767 snuff was apparently of more importance, as merchandise, to say the least, than were Bibles and Testaments. In an advertisement it was printed in capitals, while the latter were in smaller type.

Caleb Blanchard,

In Union-Street, BOSTON.

HAS just Imported by Captain Rhodes from London, and Captain Bain from Glasgow.

A Great Variety of English, India, and Scotch GOODS, suitable for all Seasons of the Year, which He sells at the lowest Rates, by Wholesale or Retail, for Cash or Treasurer's Notes.

N.B. Kippen's and Tillich's SNUFF, Bibles and Testaments, all Sorts of Stationary, &c. &c. &c.

* * * * *

Boston, April 19th, 1788.

WHEREAS some person or persons have acted so villainous a part, as to make use of my name in vending and selling Snuff of a very bad quality; not only injuring me in my credit, but cheating the purchaser, as the Snuff manufactured by me is of the best kind, and which I always warrant to be such.

Some of the purchasers of said bad Snuff have brought the same to me, supposing it to be really of my manufacture; but upon examination, found it to be of a loose and dry kind, and may be easily discovered.

Whoever will give information of the person or persons, who thus impose on the publick, by making use of my name to vend and sell such base Snuff, shall be handsomely rewarded, by their humble servant,

SIMON ELLIOT.

N.B. The publick are informed, that to prevent the above deception, the advertisements on bladders of Snuff, in future, will be altered from letter-press, to a copperplate impression. (2m)

Massachusetts Centinel.

The habit of Snuff-taking was formerly very prevalent in New England, as well as elsewhere. Within the writer's recollection it was a very common thing to see the snuff-box passed round for friends to take a pinch. Very few now a days indulge in this uncleanly habit; but a recent traveller relates that on visiting St. Peter's in Rome, the first thing upon entering the church which attracted his attention was seeing the Pope take a pinch of snuff and then shake from his pocket a large old-fashioned bandanna handkerchief, which he applied to his nose. Many years ago a gentleman of Salem was questioned by a stranger about a certain man who happened to be an inveterate snuff-taker and who was at the same time greatly interested in free-masonry. "Yes," said the gentleman, "I know him."—"He's about one third masonry and two thirds snuff." Mr. Francis H. Lee, of Salem, has a curious collection of a hundred or more snuff-boxes of former generations. They are of various patterns; some are made of shell and tipped with silver, and look quite ancient. Simon Elliot, of Boston, and later Wm. Micklefield, of Salem, were famous snuff manufacturers.

* * * * *

A curious snuff-box, advertised in the "Columbian Centinel," 1819.

A CURIOSITY.

E. COPELAND, Jr., has for sale a most elegant Gold SNUFF BOX set with Pearls, &c. It is about 21/2 inches long and from the top a beautiful little Bird rises at command and sings a tune. The movements of the wings, beak, eyes, &c. are perfectly natural, and all its motions while singing are in complete unison with its notes. This is probably as ingenious a piece of mechanism as was ever seen in this town. It will be sold a great bargain.

august 21

* * * * *

In this connection we notice "Micklefield's Indian," as it was called, a well-known landmark in Salem half a century ago. Mr. Micklefield was much respected, and noted for his liberality and public spirit.



THE Subscriber begs leave to inform his friends and the public, that owing to the fall in prices of different Scents and Stock in general, that compose the article of Snuff, he is thereby enabled to sell his different kinds, viz.—Maccoboy, Scented and Plain Rappee and Scotch

SNUFFS,

at a much lower price than heretofore.—Traders in the neighboring towns that deal in those articles are particularly solicited to call at his Store, sign of the Indian Chief, corner of Central and Front streets, where they can purchase at very low prices, and warranted of the first quality. ALSO,

Spanish, half Spanish and common

CIGARS,

Cavendish, Ladies' Twist, Pigtail, and all kinds of Manufactured

TOBACCO,

wholesale and retail.

WM. MICKLEFIELD.

Salem, Jan. 18, 1827. tf

* * * * *

From the "Salem Mercury," Nov. 25, 1788.

S. Breck, Esq. member of the House of Representatives for Boston, appears in his seat with a complete suit of American manufactured broadcloth, of an elegant colour.

* * * * *

About 1787 and 1788, spinning-wheel meetings seem to have been very popular. We copy notices of meetings of young ladies in Attleboro', Dighton, Gloucester, Rehoboth, Mass., and Providence and Johnston, R.I., all from the "Salem Mercury."

ATTLEBORO', June 20. Yesterday, 63 respectable young ladies, belonging to this town, asslembled, at 2 o'clock, P.M. at the house of Mr. Daniel Balkum, and, to the surprise and great satisfaction of all the friends to industry, spun, before sunset, 199 skeins of excellent linen yarn. Industry is the genuine source of all laudable pleasure. On it depend all the conveniences of life. Health, the greatest of blessings, depends on industry—beauty, on health. If ladies, then, wish to be beautiful, they must be industrious; they must animate their countenances with that blooming health which comes from the SPINNING-WHEEL. The fair sex, when rightly and industriously employed, are justly termed the beauty of this lower creation. Beauty without virtue is contemptible. Merit only gains the heart. Idleness is disgraceful. Industry is the ornament of wealth, the support and consolation of poverty. We hope soon to see the time, when the fair daughters of America will be clothed in the manufactures of their own hands. Happy are we, that some have already set the example. May it never be said, that American ladies rise 15 minutes later than the sun. May they ever have thread enough in their hands to make a halter for a Shays.

* * * * *

On Tuesday last, thirteen young ladies assembled, with their spinning-wheels, at the house of Mr. Joseph Whipple, in North-Providence, and, between the hours of eight in the morning and six in the afternoon, completed fifty skeins of excellent linen yarn.

July 1, 1788.

* * * * *

The spinning-wheel, a few years ago imprudently neglected, begins to be held in general reputation by the Fair; and the exploits of some on that useful machine, are deservedly celebrated, as worthy of imitation. To those good works of female industry may be added the singular attachment of two young ladies in Dighton, who spun, the 11th instant, between the rising and setting of the sun, thirteen skeins and eleven lees of good linen yarn; one six skeins and seven, and the other seven skeins and four lees. The spirit of industry is becoming more prevalent, especially among the fair sex. They begin to lay aside their useless and idle visits, or, at least, make them less frequent. When persons become more industrious and mind their own business, they talk less, and to better purpose; they become more contented, and the world around them is more peaceable and happy.

Providence Gazette, July 1, 1788.

* * * * *

PROVIDENCE, May 24. On the 7th inst. 71 ladies met at the house of the Rev. Mr. Ellis, in Rehoboth, and lodged 187 skeins of good linen yarn, which they had spun for Mrs. Ellis; and others have since added 31. Solomon, in describing a virtuous woman, says, "She seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.—She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff." Industry is certainly a virtue, which, while it adorns, enriches, society; it banishes the languid hue from the countenances of the fair, and adds vigour and vivacity to the mind.—The spirited exertions that the daughters of Columbia are making, to manufacture our wool and flax, which are necessary for our consumption, are praise-worthy, and demand the approbation and assistance of every true patriot. We flatter ourselves with the pleasing expectation of seeing the virtuous fair clothed and ornamented in the genuine productions of their own labour.

* * * * *

We hear from Gloucester, that on Thursday last nearly thirty young ladies, inspired with the love of industry, asslembled at the house of Capt. Philemon Haskell, for the praise-worthy purpose of a Federal Spinning Match, when, to their honour, their spirited exertion produced 99 skeins of excellent yarn—practically declaring, that they neither laboured in vain or spent their strength for nought. The day thus industriously concluded, finished not the harmony of their federalism; in the evening, to crown the pleasure of the day, with additional company, they regaled with an agreeable dance, and, at a modest hour, parted in love and friendship, with hearts convivial as they met, leaving others to admire their female patriotism, and to go and do likewise.

In Scotland, the farmers knit as well as the women of their families; but they do this while they are watching their sheep or cattle, or while they are sitting by their evening fire in winter. Why cannot our American farmers and their sons adopt this frugal practice? Time is the most precious thing in the world. Its very fragments should be saved.

* * * * *

PROVIDENCE, MAY 17. Monday last, eighteen young ladies assembled, with their spinning-wheels, at the house of Captain Jonathan Treadwell, and spun 40 skeins of good linen yarn.

MAY 22. A correspondent desires us to mention, that at Johnston, a few days since, four industrious young ladies, by "laying their fingers to the spindle, and their hands to the distaff," completed, in one day, the spinning and reeling of 21 fifteen-knotted skeins of good linen yarn. Would to God, that the Gentlemen at the head of our political affairs in this State, were half so zealous in encouraging our own manufactures, as the fair sex are; who, at present, deservedly bear the palm, as friends to their country.

"SPINNING BEE. On the 1st inst. assembled at the house of the Rev. Samuel Deane of this town, more than one hundred of the fair sex, married and single ladies, most of whom, were skilled in the important art of spinning. An emulous industry was never more apparent than in this beautiful assembly. The majority of fair hands gave motion to not less than sixty wheels. Many were occupied in preparing the materials, besides those who attended to the entertainment of the rest,—provision for which was mostly presented by the guests themselves, or sent in by other generous promoters of the exhibition, as were also the materials for the work. Near the close of the day Mrs. Deane was presented by the company, with two hundred and thirty-six, seven-knotted skeins of excellent cotton and linen yarn, the work of the day, excepting about a dozen skeins, which some of the company brought in ready spun. Some had spun six and many not less than five skeins apiece. She takes this opportunity of returning thanks to each, which the hurry of the day rendered impracticable at the time. To conclude and crown the day, a numerous band of the best singers attended in the evening and performed an agreeable variety of excellent pieces in psalmody. "The price of a virtuous woman is far above rubies, * * * She layeth her hands to the spindle and her hands hold the distaff."

Cumberland (Portland, Me.) Gazette, May 8, 1788, copied by EDW. H. ELWELL, Esq., editor of the Transcript.

* * * * *

When spinning-wheels ceased to be used altogether, we are not able to say. Probably they were not in use for any great length of time after the opening of the present century; but possibly in some country places they were used down to the time of the War of 1812, and even later. We are informed that in some remote places in Rhode Island and in Maine spinning-wheels are in use to this day; but these are exceptional cases.

The "Massachusetts Centinel," April 30, 1788, has this advertisement:—



WILLIAM SCOTT, At the Sign of the SPINNING WHEEL, In MARLBOROUGH.STREET, (Resolving to quit Trade in the Fall) WILL sell all his GOODS on hand at the STERLING COST and CHARGES. Among which are, Some elegant Mersailles Bed-Quilts, Mersailles Quilting in pieces, Irish Linens, Gauzes, Shawls and Lustrings of a superiour quality, &c, &c.

A large quantity of silk Gloves, Mitts and Fans —> CASH for POT-ASHES.

* * * * *

THE following very curious notice in the "Massachusetts Centinel" in reference to funerals shows what had been customary upon such occasions; the object of these "wholesome regulations" seemed to be to induce economy. Gloves and rings were given to mourners in Salem to within the last fifty or sixty years, and wines or liquors were also furnished.

TAKE NOTICE.

AN economical plan of mourning was adopted, before the Revolution, and its salutary effects have been experienced by almost every family in this town; since which those wholesome regulations have been passed into a law: Notwithstanding which, it has lately been broken in upon in several instances.—The Inspectors of the Police—that no one may hereafter plead ignorance, have caused the law respecting the same to be published, and give notice, that any future breach of it, will be prosecuted without any favour or affection. Boston, April 30, 1788.

* * * * *

To prevent excess and vain expense, in Mourning, &c.

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, That in future no scarfs, gloves or rings shall be given at any funeral in this town, nor shall any wine, rum, or other spirituous liquor, be allowed or given at, or immediately before or after, any funeral in this town, under pain that the person or persons giving, allowing or ordering the same shall respectively forfeit and pay the sum of twenty shillings for each offence.

And it is further ordered, That whatever male person shall appear or walk in the procession of any funeral in this town with any new mourning or new black or other new mourning coat or waistcoat, or with any other new black apparel, save and except a black crape around one arm, or shall afterwards on account of the decease of any relation, or other person or persons, put on and wear any other mourning than such piece of black crape around one arm, shall forfeit and pay the sum of twenty shillings for every day he shall put on and wear or appear in the same.

AND no female, of whatsoever degree, shall put on, wear or appear at any funeral in this town, in any other mourning or new black clothes whatever, other than a black hat or bonnet, black gloves, black ribbons and a black fan, on pain to forfeit and pay the sum of twenty shillings; and also forfeit and pay a like sum of twenty shillings for every day she shall at any time at, or after such funeral, put on wear or appear in such new black clothes, as or for mourning, other than black hat, bonnet, black gloves, black ribbons, and a black fan as aforesaid.

* * * * *

In 1790 the town of Salem published in the papers some regulations about funerals; among the fees fixed were these:—

"For each Tolling of the Bell 8d."

"The sextons are desired to toll the Bells only four strokes in a minute."

"The undertakers service in borrowing chairs, waiting upon the Pall-holders and warning the Relations &c. to attend 8/."

"B. Daland and B. Brown are appointed by the Selectmen to see that Free Passages in the streets are kept open." (This was before carriages were used at funerals.)

* * * * *

Extracts from Mr. Colman's Agricultural Address.

MANUFACTORIES AND THE SPINNING WHEEL.

"The establishment of extensive manufactories, and the introduction of power-looms and spinning-jennies, has nearly destroyed the usual household manufactures, and put our other Jennies out of employment. Our ears are seldom greeted now a days in the farmer's cottage with the flying of the shuttle, or the deep base of the spinning wheel. We confess that we have looked upon their departure with a strong feeling of regret; and deem it no small abatement of the advantages, which the establishment of extensive manufactures has obviously yielded to the country, that it removes the daughter from the shelter and security of the paternal roof, and places her in a situation, which certainly furnishes no means of qualifying her for the proper department of woman; to preside over our domestic establishments; to perform her part in the joint labors of the household; and to know how and when and where to use, prepare, and to apply to the best advantage within doors, the products of man's labor without doors. Many occupations of female industry, strictly domestic however, of a healthy and agreeable nature, are constantly presenting themselves, so that there is little danger that the race of industrious women, and accomplished wives, at least among the country girls, will soon be extinct; and the silk culture, fast gaining ground among us, promises to furnish an unexhausted resource and a profitable employment of female labor."

Salem Observer, 1834.

* * * * *

In one of the numbers of the London "Spectator" for 1884 is an interesting account of an attempt to revive the spinning-wheel industry in England, through the kind offices of Mr. Albert Flemming, for the purpose of helping poor women too old or blind to leave their homes for other work. After considerable difficulty, a wheel was discovered among a store of ancient articles; but no one at first knew how to use it. Spinning was one of the lost arts, apparently. At length, however, an old woman of eighty-four was found who understood the use of the wheel. She taught Mr. Flemming how to spin. A few more old wheels were found, and some new ones constructed. Then it was some time before a loom could be discovered. Eventually this was accomplished, and the art of weaving taught. The account says that twenty women who were unable otherwise to obtain a living, are now busily at work, happy in being able to provide for their families. They make, it may be added, a good strong, honest linen, specimens of which have been presented to Mr. Ruskin. This account is substantially from the "Living Age," Nov. 1, 1884.



University Press: John Wilson & Son, Cambridge.

Transcriber's notes:

These are mainly excerpts from Newspapers. Original spelling was not corrected.

Text version *** Represents Inverted Asterism —> Represents Right Index

THE END