Phrases from the Jabez Howland House
Nancy Fisher Kerr

DONE TO A TURN

This reflector oven was used to roast a piece of meat and was the responsibility of the youngest male in the family. He would have to be very diligent and watch the meat carefully so as not to burn it. The rest of the family would be extremely upset if their dinner was ruined!

BELOW THE SALT

There was a definite class distinction in colonial times and before ... anyone who sat "below the salt" was "not worth their salt". In other words, was of lesser importance that the personage at the head of the table sitting in the "great chair".

SPARKING LAMP

The sparking lamp was used by the father of a young girl. When a young man came to call, oil was placed in the lamp. The amount of oil was dependent on whether the father approved of the young man or not, as when the lamp sparked and went out, the young man had to leave. Thus the term "sparking".

I burn my candle at both ends,
It will not last the night.
But oh, my foes, and ah, my friends,
It gives a lovely light.

Edna St. Vincent Millay

SLEEP TIGHT

Do you recall your parents telling you "sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite"?

When the ropes were tightened before going to bed, the movement of the ropes, no doubt caused the critters in the mattress to awaken and come to call!!

SPINSTER

The unwed sister would usually be put to work spinning on the walking wheel. This would take most of the day and many miles. So much of her time would be spent in this way, she didn't have time to meet a gentleman, and therefore, the name "spinster"

UPPER CRUST

You may have heard the expression "upper crust" well, the oven in the old fireplaces would get very hot and burn the bottom of the bread. The blackened portion was cut off and fed to the farm animals and only"the upper crust" was eaten

NIDDY NODDY

Niddy noddy, niddy noddy,
Two heads, one body,
Here's one, 'Taint one,
Twill be one, bye and bye.
Here's two, 'taint two,
'Twill be two, bye and bye.

 

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