Winter Produce in Arkansas?

[KarinTimour]

More questions than answers

What about yellow turnips/rutabagas? Squash? Or is squash just a New England dish? What about pumpkin?

Parsnips: I've heard that parsnips, at least in southern Michigan were often left in the ground, unharvested, intentionally. One source (Delia Lutes, who was writing memoirs in the 1930s of growing up in the 1880s with a Civil War veteran father), talks about how parsnips weren't considered "ready" to eat until they'd been overwintered in the ground -- that being frozen gave them a "tang."

Cow peas -- I'm thinking lots and lots of cowpeas would also be on the menu.

Sincerely,
Karin Timour
Period Knitting -- Socks, Sleeping Hats, Balaclavas
Atlantic Guard Soldiers' Aid Society
Email: Ktimour@aol.com

[Cottoncarder]

Re: Winter Produce in Arkansas?

Troy, you will pretty much be limited to root cellar goods as far as canned (glass) vegetables and fruit and stored taters. Fresh perhaps radishes and some scrawny carrots, turnips and cabbage as long as the lady of the house kept a good amount of dry vegetation at the roots to keep them from freezing. Hogs were butchered in the fall, so there should be some bacon and ham in the smokehouse.

[bazoo]

Re: Winter Produce in Arkansas?

Hi
You can had dried food like fruits, lacto fermented food like sauerkrott but a lot of others veggetables, oil or grease conservation, suggar conservation.
Somebody speak about vinegar conservation.... but I'm not sure about home made canned food even in the Mason jars ( 1855 if I'd a good mémory) because it was new and expensive.
May be you can use bottles like Appert ones ( but I don't know if there was a lot in USA).

For the storage in the ground, there's some traditionals méthods with garbbages
Luc Geraudie from trouduc monde france

[Cottoncarder]

Re: Winter Produce in Arkansas?

Courtesy of Vicki Bett's Newspaper Articles:

They were pretty much common all over the South. Bought once, horded and cherished. Used over and over again.

DAILY CHRONICLE & SENTINEL [AUGUSTA, GA], May 2, 1860, p. 3, c. 2
Mason's
Self-Sealing Jars.
Are acknowledged to be the best article in use
For Preserving
Fruits, Vegetables, &c.,
For Winter Use.
For sale by
Plumb & Leitner.


DAILY CHRONICLE & SENTINEL [AUGUSTA, GA], May 27, 1860, p. 2, c. 5
Save Your Fruit!
By Using
Mason's Patent Screw Top
Glass Preserve Jar!
Housekeepers designing to put up Fruit and Vegetables for Winter use, should be careful as to the kind of Jar they select for the purpose!
Of all Glass Jars, heretofore made, wax has been used for the purpose of making a tight joint, thereby making it almost impossible to exhaust the air from the Jar before sealing, as those who have used wax will readily perceive, knowing that wax will not adhere to either glass or tin while hot.
We offer to those who desire a sure and really Self-Sealing Jar,
Mason's Patent Screw Top.
All that is necessary being to screw the Cap down upon the Rubber Washer, which is placed on the shoulder of the Jar at such distance from top of the neck, that by no possibility can the flavor of the Fruit be injured by coming in contact with the Rubber, which is the difficulty with all other jars or cans using a Rubber Washer for making a tight joint.
For sale, wholesale and retail, by
Plumb & Leitner,
Augusta, Ga.

[Hank Trent]

Re: Winter Produce in Arkansas?

They were pretty much common all over the South. Bought once, horded and cherished. Used over and over again.

DAILY CHRONICLE & SENTINEL [AUGUSTA, GA], May 2, 1860, p. 3, c. 2
Mason's
Self-Sealing Jars.

How common "canning" jars were in the 1860s, and how far down the social scale they went, is something I've been trying to figure out for a while. Do you have more information? Home canning (I mean "hermetically sealing" with commercial jars, not counting traditional bottling) was pretty new, really coming to notice in the 1850s, so most adult women grew up preserving all they needed without it.

Did even the poorest social classes feel it was worthwhile to invest in the jars and start canning by 1860? Did housewives of all ages adopt the method, or were older ones slower to change? Advertisements and instructions are easy to find, but I've had trouble finding sources that talk about what types of people or regions adopted the method and how quickly.

And as a side note, what about the process of, um, hearth canning, for lack of a better phrase. Did many families who cooked on the hearth, like a lot more southerners than northerners, and still plenty of poor northerners, adopt canning while using the hearth? There's absolutely no reason you couldn't hang a big pan on a crane and boil a bunch of fruit jars, but it just seems somehow odd for a family to adopt the new method of canning and purchase the jars, but not do the same for a stove. Was there any correlation between families who both canned and had stoves, and families who didn't?

Not really expecting answers unless someone's just run across some good sources on this, but it's something I've been curious about.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[Cottoncarder]

Re: Winter Produce in Arkansas?

Hank, I come from a long line of being the last child of the last wife of ornery cusses that lived almost to the centurion mark back to the American Revolution. I am only three generations from the period and have only the oral legacy and tradition. Fortunately, I realized their value before first generation went on to their glory in the late 70s and recorded their stories and have inherited their diaries as the family legacy keeper if you will. One of these days, I will finish writing it down for others in their behalf.

Ordinary folk (like mine) did not publish books or appear in the papers unless someone died or got married. You will not find what simple everyday folk did because it was not news worthy and just like today did not sell copy. I really wish it were there, because I like you are more intersted in the everyday folk rather than the 2% that got their mugs in the rag.

[Hank Trent]

Re: Winter Produce in Arkansas?

Ordinary folk (like mine) did not publish books or appear in the papers unless someone died or got married. You will not find what simple everyday folk did because it was not news worthy and just like today did not sell copy.

What?? There are numerous period accounts of what ordinary and poor people did in the period, because it did sell copy. People were fascinated with travel accounts, with dialect stories, with controversial reports about how "awful" certain classes were, and so forth. Just a few days ago I posted this eyewitness description of how a poor family slept in a cabin, on the floor, using tilted chairs, a pumpkin for a pillow, etc. For all its humor, I expect that the fundamental details were fairly close to the truth. And that's not even including store ledgers, genre paintings, archaelogical evidence, and so forth.

I don't think it's unfair to ask for evidence that a practice was common among ordinary or poor people, and to receive a patronizing explanation that there can be no such evidence does a disservice to all the reenactors and historians over the years who have painstakingly documented numerous details through primary sources.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[LindaTrent]

Re: Winter Produce in Arkansas?

I am only three generations from the period and have only the oral legacy and tradition.

As am I. My great grandfather was born in 1841, but I'm descended from his second wife (born in 1861). My grandfather was born in 1890. My father was a normal distance child, but was 41 when I was born.

But since we're talking about canning, I can go back to my gg grandmother born in 1822, I can almost guarantee you that she canned, but the question is when? Being a back country hillbilly hick, probably not until the 1880s or 90s, which was the start of the real hey-day of canning (yes, it started earlier, but it was a rage by the 80s/90s).

Fortunately, I realized their value before first generation went on to their glory in the late 70s and recorded their stories and have inherited their diaries as the family legacy keeper if you will.

So is it oral history or written history as to when she was canning? If written I'd be really interested in knowing when it was recorded (how close to the war)? I remember when microwaves were first coming out and they were really expensive, and even though we were a white collar family and my father had a really stable job, we didn't buy one. When they came way down we finally did.

I wonder what our poorer ancestors really thought about canning when it first came out. Was it like the microwave where they thought they'd done it this way for years, the jars are so expensive, and the process sometimes uncertain, so why change now? Why not wait and see if the process becomes more certain? Did canning jars become cheaper over time, and people more experienced in the process, that later in the century when they became cheaper our poorer ancestors purchased them? Any of the above are possible. But from my reading I would have to say that I don't see canning as something that poor people generally did. I'm not saying that it's impossible, or that none ever did it, just that I've not seen it. Lord knows there are hundreds of thousands of books, diaries, journals, letters, etc. that I've never seen and probably never will. :D

I know with oral history one has to be careful. My family held a reunion annually where all the first cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. got together and shared family stories and the like. One oral story that I heard consistantly from my cousin (who'd mother was well in her 90s when she passed away) was that my great grandfather was 16 years old when he ran away from home to join the Union army, and that he served as a drummer boy. The U.S. Congress granted him (and others) a certain amount of land for his faithful service. Yeah, well... that wasn't really true.

His family Bible, as well as his father's family Bible both show he was born in 1841 and newspaper accounts as well as his war records from the Nat'l archives show that he enlisted in 1862, as a private. He did become a wagoneer for the company, but that's it. He wasn't 16, he wasn't a drummer boy, and the land he was granted? Wrong again, according the the county deeds, he purchased it from his father.

When the truth was distorted is anyone's guess. Maybe my great grandfather told it to sensationalize his story, or maybe his son, or his daughter, or my cousin. Dunno. But we have to be careful with oral histories. In our old age we'll all talk about using the microwave, but is that something we did before or after the conflict in Vietnam ended? My point is simply that if a person lived beyond 1865, there's a chance that anything they told might be from later in their life.

Linda.

[Becky Morgan]

Re: Winter Produce in Arkansas?

Ah, yes, the glories of oral history. Written history isn't a whole lot better at times. Three large printed histories (ca. 1880) of our Ohio county come from a Democrat, a Republican, and a relatively neutral source, and it's hard to tell they're about the same war.

When did county fairs start giving prizes for canned goods? At Christmas in 1860, the Wheeling Intelligencer was running ads for canning supplies, though a lot of the ads were likely put in during late summer and left running. It's hard to tell who was actually buying or using the supplies. I figure the county ag society wouldn't be handing out prizes if there wasn't enough competition to grant bragging rights.

[Cottoncarder]

Re: Winter Produce in Arkansas?

[QUOTE=Hank Trent;132249]
I don't think it's unfair to ask for evidence that a practice was common among ordinary or poor people, and to receive a patronizing explanation that there can be no such evidence does a disservice to all the reenactors and historians over the years who have painstakingly documented numerous details through primary sources.QUOTE]


Hank, I didn't mean for it to sound like I thought the question unfair and sure didn't mean to come off sounding patronizing. Rather, I was expressing frustration at how when trying to find resources on some of the most common, everyday practices they are often as rare as hen's teeth.

[Cottoncarder]

I was looking for something else (reference to the use of gourds which is another subject entirely) and came upon this. Interesting to note the article was published in Dec 1860 and peaches would have been out of season as would wild plum in Texas (personal experience...gathered wild plums on the little Colorado, the Kechi and Elem with grandma every year and put up preserves) by the end of July. Goes right along with what you were say'in Becky. On the other note, was looking for the use of gourds as a lighter weight option to my big crock as a source for reserve water at ITPW. See here the reference to a gourd full of lard. Have also found references to other things stored (and also sold) in gourds such as honey.

INDIANOLA [TX] COURIER, December 1, 1860, p. 1, c. 4-6
Report
of the Proceedings of the Gulf Coast
Fair Association at Victoria,
November 14, 15, and 16, 1860.
On account of the great drouth which has prevailed in this region during the past season—the exciting election returns that were crowding in upon us, the apathy of the part of many of our citizens, and the discouraging state of the weather on the morning of the 14th, fearful forebodings as to the result of the fair might have been heard in all directions. Yet in spite of these the late exhibition may be regarded as a decided success.
It was estimated by competent judges that on the first day at least 1200 persons were present, on the second day 1500 and on the third 1800. Too much credit cannot be awarded to Messrs. Dr. Cocke and Robert Clarke, for their untiring exertions in perfecting the arrangements on the fair ground. Also to Madam Cocke for her extensive picnic supplies which were so generously bestowed during the entire fair.
But our limits will not permit further preliminary remarks, consequently we will proceed to give a list of the premiums and certificates awarded:

Ladies' Department.
Best 6 lbs. Tallow Candles, certificate to Mrs. A. Borland.
" Quince Preserves, certificate to Mrs. Sanford.
" Plum Jelly, " " "
" Cotton Quilt, " " "
Best Worsted Quilt, certificate to Mrs. Emison.
" Table Mats, cotton cord premium to Miss Florence Ray.
" Pearl Bonnet, white paper, premium to Miss Angeline Phelps.
" Basket, premium to Miss Mary Phelps.
" Worsted Comfort, premium Mrs. J. Hoard.
" Ottoman Cover, premium to " "
" Worsted Quilt, lambs wool, premium to Mrs. J. H. Stanley.
" Jar Brandy Peaches, premium to Mrs. J. Weisiger.
" 3 Tumblers of Jelly, premium to Mrs. J. Weisiger.
" Sponge Cake, premium to Mrs. Joseph Weisiger.
" 1 Fruit Cake, premium to Mrs. Joseph Weisiger.
" 1 Jelly Cake, premium to Mrs. Weisiger.
" 1 Loaf Bread, flour, premium to Mrs. Jos. Weisiger.
" 1 Piano Cover, cloth, premium to Mrs. E. Keyser.
" 1 Pair Wool Socks, certificate to Mrs. J. R. Cocke.
" 1 Fruit Cake, certificate to Mrs. J. R. Cocke.
" 1 Loaf Bread, flour, certificate to Mrs. J. R. Cocke.
" 1 Pound Cake, plain, certificate to Mrs. J. R. Cocke.
" 1 Jar Preserved Peaches, premium to Mrs. J. R. Cocke.
" 1 Child's Trimmed Dress, premium to Mrs. Brightwell.
" 2 Pieces Embroidery on cloth, premium to Mrs. Brightwell.
" 1 Child's Embroidered Dress, certificate to Mrs. Cochran.
" 1 Jar Orange Preserves, premium to Mrs. L. Arnold.
" 1 Fly Brush, premium to Mrs. A. Sampson.
" Gourd of Lard, premium to Mrs. Venable.
" Bacon, premium to Mrs. W. G. Venable.
" Mustang Vinegar, premium to Mrs. Venable.
" 5 lbs Lard, certificate to Mrs. J. R. Cocke.
" Bacon, certificate to Mrs. J. R. Cocke.
" Jar Butter, certificate to Mrs. P. R. Rose.
" 1 Cake of Marble Soap, certificate to Mrs. Shirly.
" Wax Flowers, premium to Miss Mary Cunningham.
" Fancy Coral Basket, premium to Miss Hattie Cunningham.
" Zephyr Worsted Basket, certificate to Miss Alice Kibbie.
" Crape Flowers, premium to Miss Zilla Rose.
" Alum Basket, certificate to Miss Mary Beaty
" Calico Quilt, premium to Mrs. M. Jenkins.
" Crochet Tidy, premium to Mrs. Solaire.
" Crochet Bonnet, certificate to Mrs. Solaire.
" Quilt, premium to Miss C. Garrett.
" Pr. Thibet Cushions, premium to Miss M. Marion Goodwin.
" Gents. Shirt, premium to Miss Hanover.
" Worsted Emb. Table Cover, certificate to Mrs. R. Woolfolk.
" Specimen Silk Embroidery, premium to Mrs. R. Woolfolk.
" 1 Crochet Chair Tidy, premium to Mrs. R. Woolfolk.
" Woolen Heart Rug, premium to Mrs. J. R. Sanford.
" 1 Calico Quilt, certificate to Mrs. Sanford.
" Jar preserved Citron, premium to Mrs. M. E. Harrison.
" Oil Paintings, premium to Mrs. Jamieson.
" 1 Pair Ladies Gaiters, premium to Miss Bettie Troupe.
" Pair Ladies Buskins, premium to Miss B. Troupe.
" 1 Pair Gentlemens' Buckskin Gloves, premium to Miss Bettie Troupe.
" Landscape Drawing, premium to Miss Bettie Troupe.
" Gents. Shirt, certificate to Mrs. Cocke.
" 1 Pan Honey, premium to Mrs. Ragland.
" Jeans Cloth, " " Scott.
" 1 Fly Brush Peacock Feathers, premium to Mrs. J. C. Scott.
" 1 Jar Pickles, premium to Mrs. E. Kay.
" 1 Jar Pickles, certificate to Mrs. E. Kay.
" 2 lbs Fresh Butter, certificate to Mrs. Tippett.
" 1 Cheese, premium to Mrs. Tippett.
" 1 White Quilt, premium to Mrs. Tippett.
" Chair Tidies, certificate to Mrs. Tippett.
" Fresh Embroidered Collar, premium to Miss Sarah Tippett.
" 1 Hem Stitched Handkerchief, certificate to Miss Sarah Tippett.
" 1 Jar Wild Plum Preserves, certificate to Miss Sarah Tippett.
" 1 Jar Quince Preserves, certificate to Miss Sarah Tippett.
" Childs' Embroidered Dress, premium to Mrs. M. L. Evans.
" 5 lbs. Starch, premium to Mrs. Slaughter.
" ˝ lb Indigo, premium to Mrs. Slaughter.
" 1 Pr. Yarn Socks, " "
" 1 Doz. Candles, " "
" 2 Pieces Worsted Embroidery, premium to Miss M. Dunbar.
" White Counterpane, (magnificent) premium to Mrs. P. R. Fleming.
. . .
Thus we have attempted to give a correct list of the Premiums and Certificates awarded at the late Fair. If our limits would permit, we would speak at length of several features of this exhibition which enlisted our admiration. We will only add, however, that the excellence of the music, as performed by the Hallettsville Brass Band—the delightful condition of the weather after the first few hours of the Fair—the universal cheerfulness which prevailed among all classes, especially the ladies, the absence of all rowdyism, which too often mars the pleasure of similar occasions, the character of the addresses, and the superiority of nearly everything on exhibition, all combined to render this Fair one that will long be remembered.