History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

6
HISTORY OF NORTHAMPTON.
corner might have been seen the spinning-wheel and reel,
when not in use, without which no house was suitably
furnished. In another the cupboard, or it may be a bundle
of candlewood. Placed against one wall was the dresser,
or a huge wooden chest, sometimes elaborately carved, un-
less the space should be needed for a bed. Near the center
of the room, or possibly pushed back against the wall, was
the table, under which were the "jointed stools" used at
meal time. Over the fireplace, across the chimney breast,
as high as a man's head, was the narrow shelf, called the
"mantletree." On it were arranged the pewter candlesticks,
maybe the candlewood iron, the tinder-box, and
perchance the family Bible, or such other books as were in
possession of the household. At the back of the chimney,
were the hooks upon which, from the trammels, hung the
pots and kettles and other cooking utensils, before the crane
came into general use. Against the jamb of the fireplace
leaned the shovel and tongs and possibly the long handled
" peel " or shovel, belonging especially to the oven. In one
corner, particiilarly in war time, stood the trusty flint-lock
musket. In more peaceful days it rested on hooks above
the mantel.
Furnisiiing of one In the parlor was usually a miscellaneous
Parlor. collcction of many things, more for use
than ornament. It did not then appear to
be a room whose sacred precincts were to be invaded
only on special and important occasions. A glimpse at the
inventory of David Wilton, who died in 167^, exhibits the
contents of one parlor in those early days —
:
"Bed and complete furniture, viz., Curtains 20^ : rug 25^ ; blankets
25^ : sheets 25* ; 2 bolsters, 2 pillows, coverlid : all £13. 0. 0. Table and
four joint stools, 5 chairs 14^ ; Carpet* and small table 40= ; 9 cushions
23" ; 2 scales and weights, 3 pair steelyards 4 : 4 weights : wampum
30* ; Lead 4' ; 2 juggs, cupboard 30* ; 4 glasses and earthen dishes and 2
baskets 9" ; powder 5* ; hand
irons, lanthorn, tongs, fire shovel 25*."
Beds and Hed.iiuK. Bcds wcre plenty everywhere. They were
composed of feathers, corn husks, and of
wool, the latter being called " flock bods." '' Dust beds " are
also mentioned in many inventories, and have been inter-
1 Carpet was the uame ordinarily given to a taljle-cover.