An Average Day for farm children
In our current time of
quarantine, parents are often hearing the phrase “I’m bored”. Children in the 21st century live a
much different life from our ancestors in the 1850s.
The children of Andrew
and Mary Jane Backus had work to do from their early morning until
bedtime. Their day began with helping to
get water for the house, visiting the outhouse, dressing, and starting a busy
day. The boys would join their father
working around the farm outside. The family had a farm of mixed animals, from
sheep and boats, to chickens and cattle.
The girls would begin helping in the kitchen to make the meals for the day.
In addition to farm work,
they had school lessons at home. They also all learned to play an instrument,
sing popular songs, and learn to dance. For
all the children, their goal in life was to marry and have their own
family. Marriage took place for boys at
about 18 to 20 years old, and the girls married a year or two younger.
While the boys were
learning about farming, the girls would be learning to cook and sew. When the work was done for the day, the
children would be allowed to play card games or the family would read novels or
the bible for the others to listen to.
Next week - a look at clothing of the 1850s.
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