John Blankenbaker's Germanna History Notes

Note 1588

(Still in Hesse.)
One side product of the wool and flax trades in Hesse was the chance to socialize.  Young men and women appreciated the chance to be with others of their own age.  In addition to the work, there might be singing, or music, dancing, story telling, or reading aloud.

A rural Linenweaver's Guild was recognized by the Landgrave and granted equal rights with the town guilds.  After the guild raised the price, their right to be the exclusive sellers of thread was cancelled.  In 1774, the rural guild had 600 masters.  The linen makers gave the wool weavers competition; however, both classes of products were in worldwide demand, even to the Americas.  The British auxiliaries helped to spread the news of the availability of wool and linen products from Germany.  The Hessian products were expensive, but the quality was the best.

Beer and brandy were the drinks of choice in the eighteenth century.  Some people grew their own hops and made their home brew.  Generally, the Landgrave set up exclusive franchises for the making of these products and charged a permit fee.  (Sometimes he set himself up as the exclusive brewer.)  Beer was not seen as a social problem, but the brandy sometimes created problems such as drunkenness and its adverse consequences.

Farmhouse furniture in this area was made by local carpenters and was of a very basic design.  Seating for tables was benches, not chairs.  A home might have one chair with a decorated backrest.  Another place for decoration was the plate shelf in the kitchen/entrance area.  Chests were a prized possession of the farm wife who often owned one before her marriage.  She would try to fill it with clothes before the wedding.  The bride often brought a bed and cradle to the marriage.  Late in the century, the classic wardrobe, or Schrank, was introduced in rural areas, based on the designs used in the towns.

The kitchen used a raised hearth for cooking.  This was not for heating.  From the cooking hearth, an opening led to an "oven" in the living room.  The fire was tended from, and the smoke escaped through, the kitchen.  The living room was kept free of the smoke by the free standing stove which had no outlets in the room.  (Our five-plate stove here drew its inspiration from the German design.)
(John's discussion of Hesse starts up again in Note Nr. 1616, dated 12 March 2003 .  GWD, WebMaster)
(06 Feb 03)