Browse Items (79 total)
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Hank of wool
Hank of wool from Buchanan, Kentucky. Sheep were among the early domesticated animals brought to Kentucky. Home production of wool increased during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 due to trade embargos. Free and enslaved women prepared and spun the wool into a usable yarn. They used the yarn for knitting, or it was taken to a professional weaver (free or enslaved person) who turned it into cloth. Wool was often woven with cotton or hemp in early Kentucky textiles. Approximately 4/12 lbs. of spun wool were needed to make a single blanket. Wool cloth was also sewn into clothing by women. -
Basting spoon, circa 1800
Basting spoons were used to baste (pour juices or melted fat over meat during cooking in order to keep it moist), as well as for stirring and serving. Basting spoons were used often because of the large amount of meat that was consumed on the frontier. Early Kentucky pioneers had a deep reliance on meat (especially wild game like turkeys or buffalos). They continued to eat wild game as a primary source of food until the pioneers learned to farm in their new environment. As Euro-merican settlers learned how to develop stable food sources through farming and domesticated livestock, they began to hunt buffalo for sport, nearly driving the population into extinction. -
Iron Spider Pot, circa 1790
The spider pot was brought to Bourbon County, Kentucky, from Frederick County, Maryland, by the Liter family before 1800. During this period, cooking was the second leading cause of death for women. Overheating, skirts catching on fire, exhaustion, and infected burns were causes for serious injury or even death. Some frontier appliances made the job a bit safer. Due to the 'three-legged' nature of spider pots, it allowed them to sit right on the hearth over a bed of hot coals. The cook then used its long handle to safely remove the pot from the coals. -
Iron dutch oven, circa 1790
The Dutch oven and its hook were brought to Bourbon County, Kentucky, from Frederick County, Maryland, by the Liter family before 1800. In addition to many other household tasks, free and enslaved women prepared three meals a day for their household, working many hours over a cooking hearth without air conditioning or fans. They cultivated and prepared all ingredients themselves. Cooking was labor intensive and exhausting. The Dutch oven, despite its heavy weight, made cooking a bit easier. Dutch ovens were an important tool in the kitchen and were used similarly to ovens today. Dutch ovens were capable of baking, boiling, roasting, and frying, and good for cooking stews, breads, and cakes. -
Journal of the Kentucky Convention, 1799
Cover of the Journal of the Kentucky Constitutional Convention, held in Frankfort, on 22 July 1799. -
The American Geography, 1794
Title page of A view of the present situation of the United States of America, containing astronomical geography, geographical definitions, discovery, and general description. Included is a particular description of Kentucky, the Western territory, map of the northern and middle states, comprehending the Western territory and the British dominions in North America. The publication includes three maps of Kentucky by John Filson.
For the complete title, see the New York Public Library Digital Collections at https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/5b015bc0-c5d4-012f-4f5e-58d385a7bc34Tags astronomy; British; Geography; map; north america; pamphlets; Spanish; travelogue; western territory -
Travels through the states of North America, and the provinces of upper and lower Canada, during the years 1795, 1796, and 1797.
Includes view of the natural Rock Bridge, houses, conditions of the enslaved peoples,the land, cultivating tobacco, lower classes of people in Virginia, unhealthy apperances, the Shenandoa Valley, German immigratnts, landscapes, military titles that are common in America, Irish immigrants, etc.Tags African American; agriculture; canada; climate; clothing; clover; enslaved persons; enslavement; European Immigrants; farming; fashion; german immigrants; immigration; irish immigrants; military titles; natural history; natural rock bridge; nature; public health; social class; tobacco; travel; travelogue; wheat; Women -
A treatise on the prevention of diseases incidental to horses, from bad management in regard to stables, food, water, air, and exercise. To which are subjoined, observations on some of the surgical and medical branches of farriery.
Treatment of horses and the prevention of diseases, with medical branches of farriery. -
The Art of Cookery, made plain and easy, 1796
An 18th-century cookbook including one hundred and fifty recipes and modes of cooking, as well as recipes for cosmetics and medicinal purposes. -
Alexander Scott Bullitt essay regarding politics, government, and education of Native Americans, circa 1790
Speech or essay regarding politics, government, land law, and education in part. The piece was possibly intended for publication in the Kentucky Gazette. -
Letter from Richard Clough Anderson to Jonathan Clark, 9 July 1792
Richard Anderson writes his brother-in-law, Jonathan Clark, a letter from his home near Louisville about what the newly seated Kentucky legislature has accomplished. He writes of the dreadful state of Indigenous and U.S. affairs, with two recent defeats at the tribes' hands and failed negotiations. He fears his friend Colonel John Hardin, who has been sent to negotiate with them, will be killed, like Major Freeman. As gloomy and discouraging as the situation, Kentucky is too promising a country to abandon. Jonathan's presence would be of great assistance to his parents and one of his siblings who are suffering from an upsetting situation that his father-in-law John Clark has discussed with him several times, but he has not been authorized to discuss it and shall say no more other than to inform Jonathan that there is a situation of concern regarding the elder Clarks and a sibling. [Although not specified, the situation most likely concerns Fanny Clark's tumultuous marriage with James O'Fallon.] William Clark has been assisting Anderson with Jonathan's land investments and has sent records. -
Letter from William Clark to Fanny Clark O'Fallon, 1 July 1795
William Clark writes to his sister Fanny Clark O'Fallon a brief letter from Greenville, Ohio, updating her on the comings and goings of various officers and ladies, including Captain Thomas Lewis. He expresses that he wishes to hear from their sister Lucy Clark Croghan. -
Letter from William Clark to Fanny Clark O'Fallon, 1 June 1795
William Clark writes to his sister Fanny Clark O'Fallon from Greenville, Ohio, about love, romance, and social activities, the current pomp and drill of camplife, and the presence of several Indigenous people and their activities.Tags camp; Letters; love; Military; Native Americans; Ohio; romance; social customs; social life; William Clark -
Letter from William Clark to Fanny Clark O'Fallon, 9 May 1795
William Clark writes to his sister Fanny Clark O'Fallon from Greenville, Ohio, while a lieutenant in the U. S. Army. He reports his generous reception by the General upon his tardy return and discusses his romantic interest in the women of the neighborhood, alluding to a particular lady. He also mentions Captain Thomas Lewis' interest in a particular woman. He states that a number of Indigenous people are there and peaceably inclined. -
Petition on unfair land laws, circa 1790
Petition regarding land laws deemed unfair. Possibly Alexander Bullitt's retained copy of a second petition submitted by Colonel Mason. -
Colonel Mason petition regarding land laws, ca. 1790
Petition regarding land laws that Colonel George Mason deemed unfair. -
Petition by Alexander Scott Bullitt, circa 1790
Petition regarding the prejudice and injustice caused in Alexander S. Bullitt's opinion by allowing judges to hear and rule in cases from their own neighborhood. -
Alexander Scott Bullitt essay regarding politics, government, and land laws, circa 1790
Speech/essay regarding politics, government, land law possibly intended for publication in the Kentucky Gazette. -
Alexander Scott Bullitt essay reagrding politics and government, circa 1790
Written speech/essay on politics and government.