A Visit With the Durfees of Fall River
in the Eighteenth Century
Good day my friends!
It has been a long time since I have had anything of note to write to you about. My guardian got a JOB and doesn't have as much time for me anymore. Boo!
The weekend before last, we traveled to Fall River, Massachusetts to visit the Durfees. This home, in the 18th century, is one of 18 homes near the Taunton River. Judge Thomas Durfee built his house high on the top of a hill, around the year 1750. Judge Durfee was a strong patriot during the war and mortgaged his fine home to pay for the war.
Col. Joseph Durfee led the militia of Fall Rover during the Revolutionary War, served under The Marquis de Lafeyette, fighting in battles in New York, Fall River and Rhode Island. The Marquis was a frequent visitor to Col. Durfee's home.
In the house, we met Col. Durfee and a few merchants selling their wares. We purchased a chocolate block sweetened with sugar for hot chocolate and coffee beans. Both came from the West Indies!
Downstairs there were samples of beautiful gowns and merchants selling buttons and wool, men's vests and caps.
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| Milliners and Mantua Makers |
One lady recognized me! She thought I was Felicity. I get that a lot. Felicity or Samantha! [Ed. note: She was sad not to see girls in Boston clutching red bags full of beautiful clothing and accessories We are too! The lady was surprised and sad to hear Felicity's lovely things are not available.]
Upstairs Mr. Durfee gave us a tour. His friend showed us the rope bed and chamber pot, easy chair, foot stove and other things in the room.
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| These footwarmers look very familiar |
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| Travel trunk (valise) |
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| Travel Trunk (valise) or tricorn hat |
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| Does the bedwarmer under the bed looks familiar? How about the bed? |
I made friends with this young lady and gentlemen and studied lessons on the hornbook with them.
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| The young lady is wearing a frock which ties in the back, like mine. This is what girls our age wear in the 18th c. |
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| His suit and tricorn hat look like Felicity's riding habit |
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| Reading the Lord's Prayer on the hornbook |
This must be Grandmother's or Mother's gown.
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| Not real sure about the buttons but those cuffs are not original to the gown |
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| Mother's stays and Father's wig |
That is all I have to share with you for now but I shall return soon for another adventure!
Sincerely yours,
Susanna
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