Star
C. A. STEPHENSON, Editor and Proprietor.
Wednesday, March 3. 1909.
THE D. A. R. PRIZE ESSAY.
EDITOR'S XOTE: The essay Mine is presented not only be
cause it in interesting in itself, but to girt the public an Uka of
the good that is being accomplished in the lieynoldsoille High
School by the 1). A. It. annual prize to encourage America
historical research by the students. Essay shyhtlu abridged.
COLONIAL BELIEFS AND CUSTOMS.
BY ALDINE REED.
The thirteen colonies of America were Inhabited by many
nationalities. The English predominated although there
was a large Dutch element in New York, as well as Scotch,
Irish, Germans and Huguenots thickly scattered throughout
the colonies. Each nation endeavored to maintain Its own
beliefs and customs, which was easily accomplished, as com
munication was very difficult. The classes ol society were
clearly marked and matters of social position were much
more important than now. The loweBt class included all the
negroes, while the second was composed of the poor white
laborer, or bond servant. The merchants, traders, farmers
and in fact the majority of the colonists, were next to the
highest class, which consisted of the nobility, wealthy plant
ers and educated men.
' The wealthy settlers lived in large mansions built of Im
ported brick or stone and furnished with the, elegance of the
manor bouses of England, while the ordinary colonial borne
was a rude log cabin or a frame building. ' The early cabins
bad oiled paper In the windows insteadof glass, and tallow-
candles or whale-oil lamps lighted the dwellings at night.
The floors were often snr.ded and marked off In ornamental
figures, while the carpets served as coverings for the table or
cupboard. It was customary to have only a certain number
"of the various articles in euuh room, such as chests, stools
and perhaps the luxury of a chair. But no matter how un
attractive the exterior or bo scantily furnished within,
these bumble homes had a redeeming feature In the great
fire-placs, around which the men gathered during the long
winter evenings, reading books or telling stories, while the
mothers and daughters Bat spinning outperforming some
other domestic duty.
Often these merry groups were Interrupted by a mes
senger announcing the approach of Indians, or by the firing
of three successive shots, another signal of danger. Then
. V. (.mil. ... . . . . 1 . 1 nlltntl (..(tin. V .nAnaooni. iklnna
IjUO l m u ' ' j nuuiu uicu.jr pguvue vun luuov ucucodm j uuiuaD
and hurry along the dark paths to the block house, a place of
refuge for the people miles around. At first the white man
wore armor and defended himself with match-locks and
spears, but later he used the flint-lock. During the winter
the soldier of the north wore; snow-shoes in pursuing the
savages. The cautious colonist learned many traits which
baffled even the cunning Indian. The men went to church
armed, the minister delivered his discourse with a musket by
his side, while a sentinel kept watch at the door. In old New
England they sowed grain over the graves lest the Indians
would notice bow many h ad perished and take advantage of
their weakness.
New England was the first place to make any advance
ments in the line of education, and the founding of a school
at Boston was the beginning of the system of the public
schools. Children were sent at an early age and while the
boy were taught reading, writing and arithmetic the girls
were carefully Instructed in domestic duties. The school
master was usually paid In grain and the parents supplied
half a cord of wood for the school bouse fire. If this wood
waa not promptly furnished, the child suffered by not being
allowed to go near the fire. - Then the school master did not
believe In spoiling the pupils for he fiercely and frequently
used the rod and ferule, while many other chastisements were
inflicted, such as "sitting on a seat turned upside down with
the thumb on a knot in the floor," or balancing on a one
legged school. In later years many schools and colleges were
founded for the children but the wealthy planters continued
to employ tutors for their sons.
An Interesting feature was their dress, which usually de
termined their social standing, The nobility followed the
fashions of England, the men wearing wigs, rich velvet
coats and knee-breeches, and the women dressing In quaint
and fancy gowns of silk, gauze and lace. The balr was pow
dered and arranged In puffs or curls, one style consisting of
thirteen curls at the neck In honor of the thirteen new col
, onles. Later the "tower," a very elaborate head gear, and
the face-patches were of much Importance. The Puritans,
however, forbade the wearing of costly apparel and fought
stoutly against the long hair. Their matrons were gowned
n stiff, long-waisted bodices with crossed kerchief at- throat
and becoming skirts, while their balr was often cut straight
fceross the forehead, like our modern bangs. The workmen
wore leather, deerskin or coarse canvas clothing,
TV i a . a , i i . ... ..
v uuriug mo urui century 01 colonial me, people cared little
for any form of amusement but gradually their lives were
cheered by the spinning bees, husking and quilting parties.
In the southern colonies fox-hunting and horse-racing were
the favorite sports, while the Dutch settlers In New York
delighted in skating and coasting. Dancing, card-playing
and even smoking were strongly opposed in New England,
but were not entirely suppressed. Even the invitations to
the balls and -dinners were written on the backs of playing
cards. To be Invited to the governor's ball was considered
an honor as it was the greatest event of the year. Much time
was spent in preparation so that each one might make a
pleasing appearance, as it furnished the subject of conversa
tion lor many weeks after. Other fashionable diversions
were tea-parties, picnics, lectures and the olden-time singing
. school.
In the old colony days no greater ill could befall an adult
than to be unmarried. What could a woman do in the new
settlements among the unbroken forests without a husband ?
How could a man live without a housewife? Offers of home
lota were made to the bachelors as an inducement for them
to marry. They were watched constantly like some criminal
and were held in disfavor by the entire neighborhood. So
the colonists married young and often, while even the wid
ows and widowers hastened into wedlock. Then again a
young man was in danger of fine or the whipping post if he
courted without the parents' permission, but if the engage
Bent had been permitted, then it waa too late for a parent to
interfere.
Religious wo?blp pl'yed an Important part In the ll'e of
,
the colonies. Surelj e ought to find religious liberty In a
new land, where people have fled for this desire, but It was
not so, a each colony wanted freedom only for themselves.
Rhode Island was the one colony which welcomed all sects
and did not persecute people with beliefs unlike their own,
Tbelr Sabbath began at six p. m. on Saturday and lasted
until sundown on Sunday. It was so strictly
observed that all amusements were prohibited and attend
ance at divine services was compulsory. The beating of a
drum summoned every one to the meeting-house, where tbey
listened to long sermons and singing without any instrument
al muslo They did not consider It a hardship to sit shiver
ing for hours on the wooden benches, even though the tithing
laun bad to awaken many a sleeper or punish the noisy boys.
The men always sat on one side of the aisle and the women
on the other, while the rear seats and gallery were occupied
by children and negroes.
The colonies punished many offences that are treated light
ly to-day, such as lying, swearing, scolding and drinking. As
much publicity as possible was made In order to restrain
other evil-doers. The people could dally observe the idie
fellows tied to the whipping post getting their just deeserts
with a cat-of-nine-talls. Sometimes through the bars of a
wooden cage woula be seen a human being; others stood with
baiters about their necks, while still others had the first let
ter of tbelr crime branded upon tbeir faces. A gossiping
woman would be ducked Into tbe water, while the men
would stand with head and bands fast In tbe pillories or sit
ting in stocks.
So It seems that tbe colonists had much the same exper
iences the peoplo have to-day going to church, working,
traveling, marrying and dying. Their lives are full of In
terest to us, not only because tbey are our fore-fathers, but
because we know their manner of living. Under attic eaves,
out of old trunks and sea-chests we have found rare relics of
these early dayB, while the pen has produced so beautifully
their charming customs and quaint beliefs. Thus we are
kept In close touch with America's founders through tbe
authors, who could not have choBen a more worthy theme.
Who could portray a more beautiful life than that of Prls
cllla, and what could be more pleasing than Irving's delight
ful sketches? What an Influence the manners of this period
have had on America I What an Inspiration to us In main
taining the purity of the Sjwftbath and the sanctity of tbe
home I "Let us thank God (or having given us such an
cestors, and Int. nach successive generation thank him not less
fervently, for being one step further from them in the march
of ages."
FOUR-HORSE-TEAM ROADS.
When it takes a four-bourse team to pull a load of macaroni
from tbe factory to tbe town over a township road, and when
a heavy draft horse has to stop Ave timeB on a down grade
with a light load on a street within tbe borough all on au
oount of Boft clay roads It is time for tbe local people and
officials to get busy with plans for further road improvement
during the coming summer.
The importance of having the highways within and leading
to the town permanently paved cannot be exaggerated. Pave
every road radiating from Reynoldsville for a distance of
ten miles and the town will have twenty times tbe amount
of rural trade It has now.
That's a bold statement but It will stand the searchlight.
Tbe experience of cities where road paving Is farther ad
vanced than in this Bection of tbe state proves It.
State aid, of course, will greatly facilitate further paving,
and for this reason tbe people of Reynoldsville will devoutly
pray for the adoption of a joint resolution now before tbe
Pennsylvania legislature. It provides for an amendment to
the constitution so as to permit the state to Increase Its bor
rowing capacity $50,000,000, tbe money to be use for good
roads, At tbe same time a bill providing for a state highway
board and making an appropriation for the next two years
was presented in the senate. The amount of the aporoprla-
tlon for present needs in road building was not specified, but
may be made about $2,000,000 or $3,000,000 a year for tbe next
two years. It Is said that tbe bill providing for the new
board will have tbe effect of superseding the present bead of
the state highway department.
The passing of the present highway department officials
will not be considered a calamity by Jefferson county people.
Red tape and political connections do cot make for efficiency.
FOR REYNOLDSVILLE MERCHANTS.
Interesting figures compiled by M. W. Lawrence, manager
of two farm journals circulating In Ohio and Michigan, shows
that 7"i per cent of tbe farmers of those states do not take
any of tbe popular national magazines. In other states Mr.
Lawrence believes this percentage will be found to be even
greater. V
In many communities tbe local paper must be the only
reading matter that enters the borne. In some cases it Is
everything from cook book to bible. Such a paper must exert
a tremendous influence on public opinion and upon the buying
public
The Reynoldsville merchant appaiently falls to see that
be has right at hand the means of combating mail order
houses. Ac advertisement in his local paper will carry more
weight than all the catalogues and national advertising that
a mall order house puts out.
Think it over, merchants of Reynoldsville, and do your
fair share in the fight against the mail order house by ad
vertising in the paper that is fighting for your best interests.
Does it pay to, be cheerful? Last week The Star's ac
count of the dawning revival of prosperity in Reynoldsville
was read by a business man of Youngstown, Ohio, and he
straightway started for Reynoldsville to Invest In real estate.
He investigated local conditions and prospects, found our
reports substantially correct, and closed a deal. Before he
left he stated that eventually he was coming back to Reyn
oldsville to live, "Because," said be, "I never struck a town
that I liked better."
DuBols has placed a professional promoter in charge of her
clay development. When DuBols has bad tbe .experience
with promoters that Reynoldsville has gone through, It will
learn that "professionals"' usually leave a "dark blue taste"
In the mouth after the spree Is over.
Tbe prospect of a strike in tbe anthracite district Is noted
with Interest by the local dealers and miners. It would ma
terially increase the demand for the bituminous product and
stimulate many other lines of Business in the soft ooa) region.
Think long before you repeat and help to circulate a report
injurious to any local institution. Utterly unfounded and
malicious rumors are frequently spread lnthls way, as was
the case in one instance in Reynoldsville last week.
( t
i
nere i Am Again
"this year to
Weave Your Carpet
on short notice. Work
guaranteed, price the
lowest. Best chain used.
I am selling carpet also
cheap.
Teofeel Demay,
Box 358. West Reynoldsville.
I ' I
ft
Tbe man who is a "bear" on tbe future of Reynoldsville is
going to go broke. Tbe only person pessimlstlo is the one
who doesn't know. I
Eggs For Hatching
AND BABY CHICKS
THOROUGH-BRED ?TOUK.
S. C. Black Mlnorcas, eggs $1.00
per 15; chicks 12c each.
S. C. Buff Rocks, eggs 75c per 15;
chicks 12o each. .
S. C. White Leghorns, eggs 50o
per 15; chicks 10c each.
S. C. Barred Rocks, eggs 50c per
15; chicks 10c each.
All from extra Rood luylng strain.
Bend orders curly.
F E. Bussard,
H. F.D.I. Kcynolilnville, Pa.
Eue Specialist
D. M. JACKSON,
The well known eye special
ist from Tamaqua, Pa., will
visit our town again on his
33rd visit at the Imperial
Hotel Monday, March 8th,
1909, for seven days; hours
9tol and 6 to 8 evening.
You will be well paid to con
sult him, as he is scientific
and skillful in his profession,
as is well known. Don't lose
the opportunity and consult
him, as he don't make any
charges for consultation.
No drops. No agents employed.
J. R. HILLIS
& co:s
MONEY
SAVING
SALE
Of Furniture
AndCarpets
Commencing March 1st
We have more than
100 Rugs to choose
from.
$15.00 Go-Carts at
$12.00.
Call in and see our
large assortment of
Brass and Iron Beds.
When Dreams
Gome Tree.
Have you dreamed of a home
of your own, where" the long
ings of a renter's life time
should come true? Now is tbe
time to make that dream a
realization this spring. Buy
a lot. See an architect. Talk
with a building contractor.
Make that little borne you
have had in mind so long
with the hardwood floors and
man-size bath tub a reality.
We have some fine lots for
sale. If you want a borne al
ready built let us show you the
following:
Two bouses on Jackson St.,
on paved end near Fifth St.,
both on one lot, 50 x 150 feet.
Also good barn on same lot.
Will sell together or separate
ly. One G-room, one 7-room.
House and lot on Jackson St.,
just above Coal Company office.
Six rooms, with cellar, laundry
and bath.
House and lot and vacant lot
on Brown street, West Reyn
oldsville. Bargains.
Brick veneered house of 0
rooms with bath and cellar, on
Pike St., West Reynoldsville.
Good lot, good garden and
nice chicken coop.
These are only a few of the
bargains we have. See us for
farms, city business property
and business propositions. We
have got what you want; if
we have not we will find it for .
you cheaper than you can.
Remember we also have
SEWER CLEAN
that will keep your sinks, vats
and closets disinfected and In
a sanitary condition, and Sew
er Clean Double XX that will
remove all stoppage In your
sewer and drain pipes.
REYNOLDSVILLE
CHEMICAL
CO.
Rout. Z. Parrish, Mgr.
Big Sale at Horwitz s Store
A STORE OF A THOUSAND BARGAINS
Commences Saturday, March 6, and will last
15 daysonly-15 days of SLASHING PRICES.
$10,000 worth of up-to-date merchandise
must be closed out by March 20. Your dol
lars buy the most at Horwitz's. Satisfaction
guaranteed or money refunded.
Prices Smashed to Splinters
Every cents' worth of merchandise in our store will suffer the the reduction in
price and it is up to you to take hold of these wonderful bargains. Our credi
tors have now placed us in such a position that we must sacrifice our stock.
OUR LOSS AND YOUR GAIN.
Don't Forget that Every Day Is Bargain Day
. Here and we will handle any of the goods unless we can absolutely, positively
and without the shadow of doubt UNDERSELLJevery store in Jefferson Go.
We have gathered for this sale an unsurpassable arrayjof goods wherein we
ride rough-shod over the prices. NEW SPRING GOODS ARRIVING
PAILY some ahead of time. Shall we hold them? "NO." What then?
Give them such price inducements as will sell them in a jiffy. Odd lots of
winter goods, broken lines, etc., have their prices cut to the quick. All in all
making a March, bargain festival as will excite the whole city from center to
' center. Don't forget this great bargain sale commences March 6th and lasts 1
ONLY
IFTEEN D AY S !
Come early and get first choice. Our
stock consists of Men's and Boys' Cloth
ing, Shoes and Furnishings, also Dry
Goods of all kinds, Ladies' Tailor-Made
Coats, Suits, Skirts and Shirt Waists. A
complete line of Ladles' and Misses' Furnishings.
Shoes and Rubbers for Boys, Ladles and Children.
Cannot mention prices for lack of space. All
goods will be marked In plain red letter prices. ' If
you want to save money do not mis this great re
duction sale, where your money will go the farthest
for your spring and summer buying. Remember
the date and place.
I. HORWITZ
Opera House Building. Reynoldsville, Pa.