Why are historical homesteads so near and dear to my heart? I have always felt them tug at my heart strings whenever I go visit one…….
I can just see the Mom “The Matron of the Homestead” kneeling by the fire on sore knees cooking with sweat pouring down her back but she is going to feed her babies and that’s the one thing she may even be really good at. Many of them had a lot of freedom but others did not. This was not a glamorous life style they led each day she had many tasks to do including taking care of her little ones. She may even have a singed apron, skirt, or sleeves from working so closely at the hearth.
The simplicity makes me glad that I live in my small little suburban homestead as women homesteaders knew that efficiency was king and they valued function over fashion any day. While they might have been secretly envious of the wealthy socialite in the papers they seldom got their tired and worn hands on.
I admire these women and the spirit they had to venture out into the unknown whether they were striking out on their own, supporting the man they married, or were just relocated by family. These women were strong, courageous, and resilient.
One of my favorite books and I re-read it recently is “Letters of a Woman Homesteader” by Elinore Pruitt Stewart . If you have not had a chance to read this book and you enjoy about the homesteading way of life this needs to be on your “MUST READ” list. It is quite enjoyable and her resourcefulness and practically will not cease to amaze you. She decided life as a laundress was not for her and she struck out to assist with a ranch in Wyoming and the trials she faces are truly fascinating and the hardships she faces are heartbreaking. This book is FREE from Amazon for your Kindle…..you gotta’ love a great FREE read!
Have a great Sunday Everyone!
Fondly,
If you liked this post you may enjoy the following related posts written by my fellow female homesteader friends and of course a few by me too 😉
Gardening For Survival The Colonists Knew How
Farm Girl Heidi Strikes Black Gold
Planning My Backyard Homestead
PS – Don’t forget to enter in our Celebration Giveaway from Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Co.!
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Happy SONday to you, too!!! That book does sound like a fantastic read. Thanks for mentioning it 🙂 Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thanks Heather! Hope all is well on your homestead this week 🙂
What lovely photos. They tug at my heartstrings too, though I don’t have the wonderful imagination to describe it the way you do. Thanks for sharing, I really enjoyed this post. 🙂
Thanks Kristi! I am so glad you enjoyed it! I love homesteading spirit and I see it in folks that I connect with on the internet everyday!
By the way, you’re the second person to suggest the free Kindle book. It’s on my kindle now, and I’m thinking I’ll get started soon!
Kristi its a quick read and I loved it! Her language is a little old fashioned but I got past that pretty fast….I hope you enjoy it!
Awesome, because my attention span is pretty short these days, lol. I’ll give it a go, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it! 🙂
I’ll have to add this to my reading list. Thanks for the suggestion!
Wendy I hope you enjoy it as much as I did 🙂