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

DWELLINGS—FURNITURE— COSTUMES. 13
undergarments was made at homo. It was coarse and
heavy, but well made and substantial. The trimmings
were of the greatest imj)()rtance, and these with aprons,
** scarves," hoods, stays, and articles of neckwear were
purchased at the stores. Apparently everyone was her
own dressmaker, and though there may have been sewers
who made themselves useful throughout the town, dressmaking
establishments did not flourish in the country. No
bonnets seem to have been sold in those days, milliners
were unknown, and the traders dealt in nothing that is
named as belonging to the head, except hoods, and very little
for the feet. Some bought hats at the hatters, and
•others, hoods, coifs, etc., of the storekeepers. The shoemakers
made all the shoes, the ladies knit their own, as
well as the family stockings and mittens, and manufactured
most of their own head-gear. ^
A Girrs Setting Out. Miudwell, daughter of John Lyman of
Northampton, married John Montague
Jr., of Hadley, in 3712. She had for her "setting out" the
followinar articles : —
..... chairs, and one great chair 0.16.6
Pillion and Pillion Cloth 0.05.0
Spinning Wheel, flyers, & Spindle & quill . . 0.06.0
Pr Andirons 15% Slice and tongs 11''. . . 1.06.0
Trammel 4% Warming Pan 16^ , . . 1.00.0
Frying pan 6% Iron Kettle 11^ . . . . 0.17.0
Iron Pot 14% Brass Kettle 68= . . . . 4.02.0
7 pewter platters 45" .... . 2.05.0
6 pewter plates
......
7^ 6'', Tin pan 3* 6'» . . . 0.11,0
3 Basons, Salt cellar, 7 porringers dram cup and ten
tumblers 0.12.0
Chamber pot 4% Beer qt. pot 7' 4'', and 5 alchemy
spoons 7 M*" ...... 0.11.4 sic
2 brass skillets with frames .... 0.10.0
•
Box and irons 5" 6', Candlestick 1* . .
0.06.6
Vinegar Earthen jug & other Earthen . . . 0.05.0
1 Wonieu did much needlework outside of their own families. They made garments
of all kinds for men, women and children. Early in the last century the aver-
.age price for making a gown was 3s. 6d., though a crape gown cost 4s., while one of a
more ordinary kind cost but Is. 6d, ; for making stays 5s. 6d. was charged ; for a pair
of leather breeches, 5s. ; for a coat and jacket, 3s. Gd. ; linen breeches, 2s. 6d. Samuel
Pomeroy Jr., was a tailor in 1720. He cut and made men's garments and was
called " stitcher" Pomeroy."