(Salltmaufrp Wqz pioneer gome The focal point of the household over the years has been the kitchen table. From this core the foods - that have sustained the generations of families - as well as stories of happiness and tragedy, sickness, and accident, have evolved. Management of the family's economy was also examined from this point. The homemade pine table was about six feet long and had two leaves that were dropped after the meal was over so that it did not take up much space. This table could comfortably accom¬ modate eight people which was an average number of people within a pioneer household. The kitchen also contained the kitchen range from which emanated the aroma of burning wood, and food being readied for the next meal. In cool weather the remainder of the house was shut off, coats were placed along the doorways to stop drafts, and the family assembled in the room that served as kitchen, dining room, living room, study room or work room. It has to be kept in mind that the light, whether the lowly candle, the more advanced oil lamp, or the later great advances to the hanging oil (Aladdin) lamp and the gas light, was centered upon the kitchen table and from here all activities unfolded. A typical evening scene would find father contentedly occupying the only straw-filled couch which had the foot of it directed toward the stove. The wood box is full and kindling has been placed in the oven to be dried so that the morning fire would ignite quickly. Mother has a choice of evening jobs but is definitely not idle. There is wool to be carded, spun, or twisted into yarn, or sewing, knitting, or patching, to do for her family. She must also closely observe the lessons that are being studied close by, and if time permits she may have time to play a game or have some form of recreation with the children before bedtime. If the weather is severe, then she must not forget to have a couple of buckets of water and a supply of milk taken into the kitchen to be kept from freezing during the night. She must make sure that her family has milk with the morning's porridge. As the men began clearing land for crops and building log homes, the women were busy gather¬ ing fruits, such as apples and berries - preserving them for winter's use. Meat was also pre¬ served by making a salt brine and keeping it in a barrel until needed in the winter when food might not be available. As landowners were early risers, they also retired early. It was generally accepted that the oil lamp was not filled twice in one evening, and when candles were used for light, it was as spar¬ ingly as possible. Traditions and customs were carried to the Island and many a ceilidah was organized with the local 'fiddlers' leading the reels, quadrilles, and lancers. Some of the locals tell about dancing through the night and coming home by horse and wagon in time to feed the chickens and begin the new day's work. It is said that these people considered any excuse was good enough to have a get-together. The women baked great baskets of food for a "stumping - house - or barn-build¬ ing Frolic". After the day's work was completed, men, women and children were fed and the dance would begin. Other Frolics initiated by the women and which the men joined in the evening were spinning, tucking, quilting or turning flax into linen. Furniture was not plentiful in the pioneer home. Most was crudely constructed by the landown¬ er until he could barter for something more convenient. 475