Letters of a Homesteader

I've been watching the DVD's from Frontier House.  It's very interesting to watch, and see what these people really miss from their "real" lives.  

Pioneer life can be romanticized so easily, and often we forget about their extremely hard work. I of course, know the hard physical work of splitting wood, hauling wood, and other chore challenges of self-sufficiency.  There are yet, going without things, that we have not completely experienced.  We are, however, learning and teaching ourselves about the "how-to" of making things ourselves.  I often think about the "what if" when baking, such as what would I do without flour, sugar, or salt.

I recently found the entire book of Elinore Pruitt Steward, on-line, to read for free.


Letters of a Woman Homesteader (click on it to be directed)


I love to read about the history, real life situations, of the pioneers.  I often learn simply by reading those true life stories. 


At the beginning of the DVD, the Frontier House shows the families going through clothing and supplies they will need.  One woman pulled out embroidery and said she had no idea how to do it, and also stated that she made fun of her co-workers who did do embroidery. 


That is so true about being laughed at.  However, more and more, people are asking me questions about what I am making, who taught me, how I learned etc.   


I also checked out a library book about pioneers in Canada.  I'll be back to share the title and author later.