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Frequently Asked Questions: The Colony Begins
What did families do for fun in Early Maryland?
The houses were so small. Where did they keep all of their stuff?
Did the houses have bathrooms?
Why didn't the animals have barns?
Was everyone in Maryland Catholic?
What did families do for fun in Early Maryland?
Farming families were very busy working. They didn't have much time left to play and relax. During the day they planted crops, prepared food, and patched their homes and fences. Evenings were spent learning religious lessons. If someone in the household knew how to read and write, that person would teach the others. If they had time, they might have played games such as draughts (checkers), chess, and blind-man's bluff. The also might have played cards, dice, or musical instruments. Children's toys were made at home from scraps of fabric or wood.
The houses were so small. Where did they keep all of their stuff?
Families managed with very little space and very little "stuff." A typical house had only one 20 x 30 foot room. That's smaller than most classrooms! Some households had a table and chairs, but many did not. They sat on the floor or made do with benches, stools, and small chests. At mealtime, they usually shared one dish and cup made of wood or pewter. They might have shared a spoon and knife or eaten with their fingers. Sleeping arrangements were just as skimpy. Their beds were usually canvas bags stuffed with wool or cotton. These could be moved out of the way during the day or put in sleeping lofts above.
Did the houses have bathrooms?
No. And they didn't even have outhouses or separate buildings used as bathrooms. Instead, the colonists went right outside the door to their homes. People back then did not understand the need for better hygiene.
Why didn't the animals have barns?
It was much more important for farmers to protect their crops than to protect their animals. They could afford to lose a cow or pig. But if they lost a tobacco or corn crop it could ruin their chance of survival. Plus, if they penned in their animals, they would have to feed them. That would mean growing more corn just for the animals. By letting them roam free, the animals could find their own food. Cows in the 17th-century had horns and pigs had tusks to help them defend themselves.
Was everyone in Maryland Catholic?
No. Only about 20 of the first 140 colonists were Catholic. But Maryland was a good place for Catholics to live. It was against the law to be Catholic in England. In fact, anyone who did not follow the same Protestant religion as the King had to pay fines. They were not allowed to vote or participate in the government. The new Maryland colony was set up so that people of different religions could live and work together peacefully. This idea of "religious toleration" is still held in this country.
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