Springfield 1636-1886, History of Town and City, by Mason A. Green ...

SPRINGFIELD, 16S6-1S8G. 3o3
implication, abolished slavery. Pompey was probably the last Spriug-
field slave to pass away, his death not taking place until 1813. Mrs.
Breck returned to her home at Hartford after the death of her hus-
band, and Pompey accompanied her, and served her faithfully until
she died, in 1798. The old darkey was thus left alone, and he would
occasionally pay a visit to this region and Northampton among
" Massa George's folks and Massa Robert's folks."
Returning to the subject of dress, there is evidence that the new
king, the populace, had a penchant for finery, even in that pei'iod of
hardship and toil. There were reigning beauties in those days, of
whom one local doggerilist wrote out a recipe —
:
" Let her flaps fly ])ehiiid for a yard at the least,
Let her curls meet just under her chin ;
Let these curls be supported to keep up the jest,
With an hundred instead of one pin.
" Let her gown be tucked up to tlie hip on each side,
Shoes too high, or to walk, or to jump
And to deck the sweet creature complete for a bride,
Let the cork-cutter make her a rump."
When the Revolution opened, scarlet cloaks were worn by women,
also blue silk cloaks, richly flowered. There were also the furbelow
scarf, camlet riding-hood, long silk hood, and white hoods trimmed
with lace, and the calash. The girls of families of more moderate
means had hoods of coarser material, and calico gowns. Woollen
petticoats with calico borders were common. It was a rare daughter
who could not ride horseback either single or on pillion. Tourists
from abroad speak of these healthy-faced girls racing down a country
road in white aprons and calico gowns.
Both men and women patronized the hair-dresser. William Doyle
kept a fashionable place after the Revolution, opposite Zenas Par-
sons's tavern, and a little north of the court-house. He made wigs,
;