History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

DWELLINGS—FURNITURE—COSTUMES. 7
preted to moan "drest" or dressed beds, but their significance
is uncertain. Bolsters, pillows of similar material
Avitli the beds, coverlids and blankets abound. Sheets,
wliether of linen or of other material is not always stated,
were usually found in profusion. They were of calico,
wool, cotton called linen, and were sometimes designated
•as ' * Flaxen and coarse. " Much Holland sheeting is noticed,
and in one inventory "9 negro sheets"' are named.
In Wilton's inventory twenty four pairs of sheets are mentioned,
and in others there always seemed to be an ample
supply. In every enumeration may be found "pillow
beers '
' (pillow-cases) and napkins. Valences for beds were
not unknown, but bed curtains are rare. The four post
canopied bed with curtains, seems not to have been in very
general use in this part of New England in the eighteenth
century, though occasionally one is mentioned.
Tables and Table Other furiiiture, only in sufficient quantity
Furniture.
foj. -^1^^ j-g^l necds of the family, was
strongly made, but of coarse texture, and
not at all celebrated for graceful proportions. Tables were
round, scpiare, oblong or oval. They were made of oak,
black walnut, mahogany, pine, etc. ; but few if any had
folding leaves. Forms or benches, jointed (folding) stools,
were used at meal-times, chairs seldom. Among the poorer
classes tables had usually no covering, though the "wellto-do
" were well provided with table-cloths. Napkins seem
to have been one of the essentials of housekeeping, and are
found in every family, and among all classes. Some were
of calico, some of damask, some of linen, and some of
" huckabuck." These conveniences were often found to
the number of GO, 80, 100 j and 125 to a family. They are
seldom named in inventories from 1760 to the Revolution,
though "tea napkins"' sometimes appear. With the advent
of knives and forks, napkins gradually went out of
use. When i)eople ceased to eat with their fingers, napkins
were no longer deemed indispensable.
Tableware of all kinds was made largely of pewter, more
particularly spoons, cups, basins, dishes, plates, bowls,
tankards, porringers, bottles, tea-pots and cans. Wood