History: Local: Chapter XXII: Manners and Customs - Sports and Pastimes - Local Superstitions - Inns : Bean's 1884 History of Montgomery Co, PA Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Susan Walters USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. บบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบ BEAN'S HISTORY OF MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA บบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบบ 335 (cont.) CHAPTER XXII. MANNERS AND CUSTOMS - SPORTS AND PASTIMES- LOCAL SUPERSTITIONS - INNS. By Wm. J. Buck MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. -According to a list of landholders and tenants residing in the several townships in 1734, and now constituting Montgomery County, the German element, judging by the surnames, exceeded half of the total number, the balance being chiefly Welsh and English, the former slightly outnumbering the latter, the Swedes and the Scotch-Irish being, few. Necessity compelled the Germans, the Welsh and the English to form settlements by themselves, owing to a general ignorance of each other's language, which tended to prevent general intercourse. These communities were, therefore, calculated to preserve and foster the peculiar manners and customs of their native countries, which after a residence of nearly two centuries here, are still to some extent discernible in their descendants. The Swedes and the Welsh have long since relinquished their language and customs, and it is now no easy matter to find in this county, outside of a few local names, a trace of either existing. The Indian, in this respect, has surpassed them; we have not only kills and streams that bear his names, but he has left us words of common use. [NOTE 22-1.] German books and newspapers continue to be printed in this county, and when it becomes a dead language the English scholar should not forget its legacy that fully half his words have been derived from it through the Anglo-Saxon medium. The Germans, being numerously spread over three-fourths the territory of the county, it must necessarily follow that their manners and customs have exerted here a considerable influence on society, judging from the increasing observance of Christmas, New Year's, Good Friday, Easter, birthday, silver and golden festivals and other circumstances. [NOTE 22-1.] In corroboration a few may be mentioned: Calabash, cantico, hammock, hickory, hominy, moccasin, moose, raccoon, opossum, persimmon, pone, potato, maize, squash, tobacco, tomato and Yankee. [FINIS NOTE 22-1.] The Germans, though belonging to several religious denominations, have never interdicted Christmas, which day, in consequence, has been more or less observed among them, after the manner of the Fatherland, unto this day. Our intention here is only to mention briefly such customs as was associated with it the night before, upon the outside of the church. It was at this time that children would be induced to set plates on the tables or windows with the expectation that, if they would be good, the "Christkindlein" would bring them something nice, and, if naughty or disobedient, then the "Belznickel" whom they greatly feared, would come to correct them. They were made to believe that these could enter through fastened windows, locked doors or down the chimneys. The presents would generally consist of candy, toys, and cakes expressly baked for this occasion. The Belznickel was some disguised person who generally carried a rod, and the children that would promise him to reform from certain habits mentioned he would not chastise, but give presents; but if they did not make their promise good in mending their ways by the next Christmas, they would then receive the merited punishment. Instances have been known of the children banding together when Belzinickel attempted to correct them and ejecting him from the house, or of his being worsted by them. Sometimes he would go from house to house with a protecting 336 company, who would enter the house first and report. Of course, on all such occasions he would be so disguised that it would be impossible to recognize him unless divested of some of his habiliments. If he happened to get into any tussle, this would be the great object. Where all would pass off well, on leaving the door he would sometimes remove his mask or a portion of his raiment, to leave room for conjecture as to whom he might be. When this custom was practiced among young grown-up people its object became perverted. A correspondent, residing near Schwenksville, writes that the practice was discontinued in that vicinity, about 1842 to 1857, from an abuse made of it, but that since it had been revived and was still in vogue, but not with its former popularity. A descendant of an old German family in Whitemarsh states that the Christmas custom mentioned was common in his neighborhood and Springfield about forty-five years ago and, to a small extent, was still maintained. The hanging up of the stocking and the Christmas tree are of recent introduction. In connection with the time and season, Christmas had some other associations which we cannot here give space. Unlike Christmas, which was observed as a holy day, New Year's was given to social visits and hospitality, particularly among neighbors, by going from house to house, sometimes in parties of a dozen or more. Arriving at a house sometime after midnight, the leader of the company would proceed to a chamber window and call out the names of the several members of the family, to which generally some answer would be made from the inside through expectation of this visit. The address, or "spruch" as it was called in German, would now be repeated so as to be distinctly heard when the company would form a circle, and as each reached a certain point he would discharge his gun, loading as they walked, giving generally three round apiece. After diligent inquiry we have been enabled to secure several of these addresses. We present the beginning of one that was copied from a manuscript delivered nearly a century ago in creditable verse. "NEUJAHRS-WUNSCH." "Freudevoll erscheinen wir Ein neues Jahr zu fetern hier. Lieber Nachbar euch zu Ehren, Kommen wir mit den Gewehren Vor das Hause hoffnungsvoll, Das es such gefallen soll. Sollts euch aber nicht gefallen, Sagt's so Soll Keim Schuss hier fallen, Doch ehe wer von hier umkehren, Solit ihr unsern Wunchen anhoren. 0 mocht doch auch dies neue Jahr, Sie fuhren zu der Christen Schaar. Und alle die sich Christen nennen, Lehren Christum recht erkennen, So wars des seligate neue Jahr, Des seit der Erden Schopfung war. Im alten Jahr, das nun verflossen, Haben wir viel Gluck genossen, Wir danken Gottes Gnad und Huld, Die une gefuhret mit Geduld, Durch unsre ganze Lebenszeit, Zu diesem neuen Jahr auch heut Wir bitten auf des neue Jahr." A correspondent informs us that in Towamencin it was the custom half a century ago for the young men who had guns to go in companies around the neighborhood and stop at every respectable house where they supposed it was likely that they would be welcomed. Singing first an enlivening song sufficiently loud to waken the family, they then fired the salute, upon which they would be invited in and hospitably entertained with refreshments. After the compliments of the season had been passed the address would be delivered, and then they would proceed to another house in a similar-manner, and thus keep it up until daylight. Hospitality was always extended to the parties, and, to be thus visited was regarded by the household as an honor. This custom existed in Whitemarsh and Springfield as late as forty years ago, and is still maintained to a slight extent in some of the townships bordering on the Perkiomen. The approach of Easter would be hailed with delight by the children, who would be induced to prepare snug nests, either in the house or some of the out buildings, for the coming of the "haas" or rabbit, and who would find therein next morning colored eggs said to have been deposited there by the aforesaid animal, who, was widely known as the "Oster haas." These eggs would be dyed of a reddish tinge with onion husks or logwood, and sometimes elaborately ornamented with a penknife and cherished as memorials of Easter. These would be preserved by extracting the contents from a hole punctured with a pin, which would then be closed with wax. A correspondent of Lower Salford states that the eggs would sometimes be neatly inclosed in fancifully colored calico and thus boiled, the designs, being neatly transferred by the aid of chemicals. The Schwenkfelders were particularly careful to preserve such keepsakes, some of which have been supposed to be a century old. The custom of giving Easter eggs mentioned has by no means died-out, and from information received, are some sections decidedly on the increase. Half a century ago, in Philadelphia, it would have been impossible to have secured any kind of an Easter egg at the toy or variety stores and it might as well have been asked for in Boston. So widespread has the custom now become that we are amazed at their variety and abundance, for which there must be a demand. On Fastnacht or Shrove Tuesday the custom prevailed of baking a peculiar kind of cake now termed doughnuts. They were composed of flour, yeast and eggs, leaving the dough to raise the same as in bread. They were then cut into squares and afterwards fried in a dish of boiling lard sprinkled with salt. This custom is still particularly retained, but the cakes have been widely introduced, and are frequently seen for sale in Philadelphia. Our correspondents mention several superstitions associated 337 with Fastnacht. To neglect the making of those cakes on this (lay would cause failure in the flax crop. In some cases, to help secure good long flax, an abundance would be baked and freely dealt out among friends and neighbors. The lard in which the cakes were fried would be preserved as possessing extraordinary virtues in healing sores. Wagons also were greased with it for hauling home the harvest, it being considered efficacious in checking the ravages of rats, mice, and insects. The child that came late to school this day would prove a laggard the whole year. A descendant of an old German family residing in Lower Salford thus writes on the subject. "There is no difference to what denomination the people around here belong, they nearly all observe the holidays, -New Year's, two days for Christmas, the 26th of December being called 'Second Christmas,' Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day and Whitsun Monday." Nearly three-quarters of a century ago Washington Irving wrote an article in his "Sketch-Book" on rural funerals in England. Had he taken up this subject in his own country, and pursued it with the same diligence, he would have entered into an original field which in interest might have even surpassed that effort. On this subject our inquiring have resulted in more information than we had thought the matter could have possibly admitted. Planting thyme and rosemary on graves, was early practiced by the Germans, as well as leaving thereon offerings of flowers. Occasionally the rose or the lily would be planted as emblematic of the frail tenure of life. Living remotely apart, as they formerly did, on the occasion of a funeral, messengers would be sent around the neighborhood, even to some distance, and notices arid invitations given of the same. This led to great preparations in the way of entertainment, and increased to such an extent at last that every one was expected to partake. In families of well-to-do people sometimes a calf would be killed and actually consumed. Where no regular meals were provided men and women with large waiters containing eatables and drink would stand at the main entrances or passages to afford an opportunity to every one present to partake. On such occasions, to avail themselves of additional quantities unobserved, some would change their positions to the rear or front of the house, as circumstances admitted. This custom, perhaps, attained its greatest height about 1830, and was also extensively practiced by the English element in the lower townships, after which a decline commenced. Wakes or stayingup with the dead was to some extent practiced as late as 1860, being usually performed by two or three invited neighbors. The face of the corpse would be uncovered every few hours to see that all was right. An apprehension prevailed that rats or mice, which would prove a scandal to the funeral and family, might disfigure it. Such instances may have happened, but certainly very rarely. Before 1835 very few hearses were used and light wagons little introduced. On these occasions large Conestoga wagons with four horses would be provided, particularly for the family, who would sit around the coffin on chairs, and thus proceed to the place of interment. It became a custom to have well-to-do farmers and teamsters conveyed to their graves by their own teams. In illustration on the burial of George Nice, December 26, 1844, in Marlborough township, his large Conestoga wagon, to which four splendid horses were hitched, driven by a teamster on a saddle horse, in red flannel shirt, with check line and a long cart-whip in hand, each horse having the usual bells on the hames, conveyed his remains for interment, with the members of the family. There is no question that such a sight under the circumstances was affecting, -to behold the noble animals proceeding with their master to the grave, unconscious that he would never more drive or care for them. A friend states that he was present at two similar funerals between the years 1844 and 1850 in Upper Hanover. "The person in one case being a near relative, and the funeral from its novelty at the time, produced on me a profound impression." Funerals as formerly conducted, were not nearly as expensive as at present, the coffin in many cases being composed of poplar or pine wood, stained and varnished, and costing only five dollars. A shroud was universally provided, prepared of linen or muslin, but no articles of wear. What was left was retained for the benefit of the living. The custom of levying marriage toll, we believe, is exclusively of German origin, as, on inquiry as to the matter, we cannot find that those of any other descent practice it. A friend thus writes on the subject: "When asked, on the occasion of my marriage, in February, 1856, I gave them the time, which they would not believe; a young lady, however, in the neighborhood informed them that she did not question the sincerity of my statement. When the day arrived there was fine sleighing, but at places where the snow was drifted it was shoveled out only of sufficient width to get through. The return trip was safely made until I got within a quarter of a mile of my wife's parents, when I observed at one of the greatest drifts three or four young men and as many young women standing with a rope stretched across the place, and it may be well imagined on my approach how they laughed at my being thus caught. They were all respectable persons, whom I knew, and I asked them what they meant by this. One of the party replied that it was an established custom when a gentleman of one township got his wife in another that he should pay a ransom, and as I had secured a bride in Frederick, it was proper that I should do the same. I asked them how much they wanted, when they said only a trifle. As it was terribly cold, I invited them to come along to the house, where I would give a quarter, to which they readily assented. When we got there I proceeded to pay them, which several declined to receive, stating that they had done it in fun and to let me know that no condition of weather or roads should exempt me from the custom." In the beginning of this century the practice became so common that newly-married couples, to escape numerous tolls would have the clergyman sent for and the ceremony performed at their houses. This method of demanding toll was sometimes performed by only one person, the rope being secured to trees or fences. It is still in vogue in 338 some of the upper townships, but the custom is disappearing. In this connection we may relate an odd way of securing wedding presents. At a marriage performed by a Lutheran clergyman about 1834, in the presence of numerous relatives, he unexpectedly drew off the bride's slipper and with it approached several of the company, exclaiming, "I want you rich bachelors now to throw into this liberally." Finishing his collecting, he handed the slipper and its contents to the surprised bride, stating that it was to be regarded as constituting a part of her outset. No one can read Irving's "Life of Goldsmith" without being impressed by the amount of tantalizing or teasing that must have been practiced in England about a century and a quarter ago, and which, we are pleased to say, is becoming less and less prevalent. The Germans had a general custom of tantalizing boys, on their first visit to Philadelphia, wit the troubles that would beset them before they could reach its interior, saying that the city would be surrounded by a huge iron chain, which it would be necessary to first gnaw through, when the freedom of the place would be accorded. Fancy a country lad, after hearing so much said about the city, on his first trip there with his father, in a heavy market-wagon, with a load of produce. Whoever the parent would speak with, be would introduce the subject of this being the son's first trip to town, when immediately the person addressed would mention the subject of the iron chain, particularly at the various places where they stopped on the journey. Thus many a poor boy has been worried on the subject, and, instead of entering the city with ardent expectations, approached it in dismay. It is singular how this story could have attained its origin or received such a widespread notoriety. Very few of the aged farmers but call well remember this tradition about the marvelous chain. About the close of the last century harvesting was made a jolly time. Nearly all went into the field with the sickle to cut the waving grain. A young man would take his place beside a young woman, and, like a gallant knight, assist her in the labor. They generally took such positions as made it most convenient. To cut the grain successfully with the sickle was a matter of practice, and the number of hands employed depended somewhat oil the quantity of grain to be cut. Ample provision was made as to food and drink. Breakfast was furnished about sunrise, lunch at nine o'clock, dinner at twelve, lunch again at four and slipper about sunset. Occasionally a challenge would be given by a champion of the sickle for the best man in the field. When accepted a race would ensue and at the end three cheers would be given for the winner. This was before the general introduction of the cradle, which has been only recently superseded by the reaping-machine. About the beginning, of this century nearly every farmer kept and reared sheep, sheep husbandry being regarded as one of the almost indispensable features of the farm. Dogs would occasionally destroy or injure them, for which many a canine was dispatched and out of which a quarrel would occasionally ensue. Sheep-washings and sheep-shearing would be occasions of hilarity. For the former purpose they would be driven to some stream, where their fleeces would be thoroughly washed. To every flock there would be one to whom a bell was attached, for the convenience of finding them should they get too far in the woods. In a record of 1746 mention is made of "ye sheep's washing-place" in the Tacony Creek, near the present Shoemakertown. The scenes to be witnessed on such occasions have been well described by Thomson in his "Seasons." "We know that on this subject there vet remains much unsaid, for it is comprehensive. Our chief design herein has been to treat on such manners and customs as once prevailed and, have now, from the change going on, either passed away or may soon follow. Such matters, when collected, can, in the bonds of historians or poets, furnish some of the choicest materials to local literature. Dr. Smith, in his "History of Wrightstown," remarks: "The habits and customs of the people became greatly changed about 1760. The intercourse with Philadelphia had become every year more frequent, and the fashion of the city gradually spread into the country, and many of its luxuries were introduced. To obtain them, people strove more after money and became more attached to their own particular interests than heretofore, each one endeavoring to excel, or at least to equal his neighbor in those things which their ancestors deemed superfluous. Hence arose envyings and rivalry among the people, which materially alienated their minds one from another, and which will ever be the case under the same circumstances." SPORTS AND PASTIMES. -From the force of circumstances the early settlers were generally compelled to lead what would now be considered a rugged and laborious life. To clear the land and bring it under tillage, and to provide comfortable buildings against the inclemencies of the seasons, must have required considerable effort. Roads had to be opened, streams bridged or made passable, so as to allow of communication with the mill, the market or the metropolis. Toil alone could accomplished this, but continued toil would not content with his condition. A change would bring recreation which leads to amusement or diversion. The latter, when properly pursued and directed, must lead to enjoyment. Our ancestors had their sport and pastimes to vary the monotony of existence. Though they may have been few and rude, yet they were adapted to their condition, and unquestionably gave them pleasure. Among the sports of the past the foxhunt figured prominently. This animal, it appears, was tolerably abundant, and often destructive to lambs, and poultry in general. From the minutes of the county 339 commissioners we ascertain, under date of July 27, 1719, that it is "Ordered that the treasurer reserve and keep in his hand, out of the present tax, the sum of Fifty pounds, to be applied as the law directs for wolves and foxes' heads." An act was passed in 1724 offering an increased bounty for the destruction of foxes. For all old or full-grown fox two shillings was to be paid, and for a whelp half that sum. To secure the reward the possessor had to go before a justice of the peace, to be examined under oath or affirmation as to the capture of the same. It was the duty of the justice to cut off the tongue and cars of all the heads brought him, and issue orders therefor on the county treasurer. Bucks County paid, even as late as 1805, for fox and crow head orders $19.47. The rewards encouraged men to the sport, for which purpose numbers kept hounds, with which they pursued them, particularly during the winter months, when snow lay on the ground, and hunger would bring them from out their fastnesses or rocky retreats. Peter Matson, who resided at Matson's Ford (now West Conshohocken) during the Revolution, was an inveterate foxhunter, who kept a number of hounds for this purpose, and gave considerable time in their pursuit. Dr. Archibald McClean of Horsham, also kept his hounds, and was addicted to this sport. Even into the beginning, of this century foxes were still common in Upper and Lower Merion, the wooded hills there affording them refuge. As they got scarcer they were caught for the chase, which became quite a common diversion over the county during the winter, the newspapers of the time containing a number of advertisements of this kind. One was thus held at the public house of John Hughes, near the present Kulpsville, February 4, 1804; at the Spring House, March 14, 1807; at the "Sign of the Trooper," March 10, 1808; and the following December 7th at Plymouth. In all these notices the chase was to commence at ten o'clock in the forenoon. To help popularize the sport there was about this time an inn established at Springtown, Norriton Township kept by Isaac Pritner that had for its sign the "Fox Chase." It was probably maintained in this county down to about 1835, when the animal was becoming less frequent, and the chase, in consequence, began to cease. About the beginning of this century horse racing became quite a rage, the highways at some places being used for this purpose, to the danger sometimes of life and property. For several years considerable racing was done on Barbados Island, opposite Norristown. An advertisement of 1804 states that the "Barbados Island Races will commence on the 8th of May, when a Purse of 400 dollars will be run for, four-mile heats; the day following three-mile heats for a purse of 200 dollars, and the third day 100 dollars for two-mile heats." About the same period, what is, now Swede Street, in Norristown, (then known as the Jail Lane), with a worm fence on each side, became a place for general racing. At length it degenerated so much into betting or gambling that public opinion began to change, and it finally became unpopular in the county, and was abandoned for many years. It has again been revived within the past quarter of a Century and encouraged by agricultural societies, with the idea of improving the speed of horses. From accounts, fighting and wrestling must have prevailed to some extent in the last century and down to about 1825. William Homer, of Upper Dublin, who died in 1860, at the age of nearly ninety-three years, stated that the elections held at Whitemarsh from 1784 to 1797 for thirteen townships, where he was witness to many pugilistic encounters, that fighting throughout the adjacent section would be postponed for this day and place, numbers attending there on purpose to behold this novel mode of settling disputes. On one occasion the fighters had given their coats and vests in charge of the same party, who, when the struggle became the most exciting, disappeared, leaving the men under the necessity of returning home without these garments. Subsequently regimental and battalion training also became the scene of such contests. Owing to the frequency of the fights that ensued among the lime-burners and quarrymen of the vicinity, a village in Whitemarsh received the name of Wrangletown, which it still bears; though its former glory and prosperity have departed. Wrestling was also considerably practiced by the young men at public resorts. The Jail Lane mentioned in Norristown, in the beginning of this century and for many years thereafter was a favorite place for playing long bullets. This game consisted in throwing with the hand an iron ball of several pounds weight in such a manner as to roll the greatest possible distance. One method was for the players to take the ball and commence at a common starting-point, and at the cessation of the ball's rolling to throw it again, until it was thus five times repeated. The second player would now return on the same line, and by his throwing the ball an equal number of times it could be readily seen whether he could surpass his companion in distance. Any reasonable number of players could be engaged in it, taking successively their chances, and thus be going arid returning over the same ground. Of course, considerable would depend oil the power of the arm combined with practice to insure skill. The writer remembers once seeing this game performed in an adjoining county in 1830, his, recollections thereon being revived by an answer lately given in the magazine of the Pennsylvania Historical Society to an inquiry on the subject. Shuffleboard was well known in Norristown, and was practiced down to about 1830. In making inquiries on the subject, we find our informants to disagree so in their accounts of it that we deem ourselves not qualified to make a description. Raffling and hustling, as they were called, were common about 340 Christmas and New Year's, for which the parties paid a certain amount for their chances. These were somewhat akin in their management to shooting matches, which came into vogue before the Revolution and have been continued well into this century. These consisted in a trial of skill at a mark with the rifle or gun, in which the most successful would be sometimes rewarded with a deer, a bear, or later with turkeys and poultry. If elections and military training or vendues had their fights and wrestling, the more harmless performances of corner-ball and quoits would also be practiced. At this period lotteries were common, funds were thus raised even for the building of schoolhouses, academies and churches, and legalized by acts of Assembly. Dancing was indulged in, and has by no means yet become obsolete. At the close of the Revolution these were called minuets, hoe-downs, Virginia reels and jigs, later cotillions, Jersey reels and hornpipes. Dancing prevailed the most during winter and in times of sleighing. William McCalla, an innkeeper at Jenkintown, advertised in 1807, as having a ballroom forty by sixteen feet in dimension for this purpose. Their mode of life was calculated to promote not only much more sociability than now prevails, but hospitality. Nearly all kinds of labor would be frequently performed and lightened through "frolics" in which nearly the whole neighborhood would be invited to join. Thus they had their grubbings, house-raisings, log-rollings, wood-choppings, flax-pullings, corn-huskings, apple-cuttings, apple-butter boiling, quiltings and other gatherings which tended to encourage and enliven intercourse. Shad and herring-fishing in the Schuylkill and Perkiomen gave them both food and sport; the pursuit of the deer, the wolf, the bear, the turkey and pheasant gave them also diversion. Raccoon and possum-hunting by-moonlight were not neglected, and at times in the spring and fall wild pigeons were captured in nets of great numbers. All these tended to divert, and were looked upon as sport and pastime from the general labors of the farm or workshop. Even in the gloomy hours of the Revolution, when contending armies would occasionally meet in conflict within the territory of our present county, recreation was not entirely forgotten from the numerous incidents that tradition has preserved. Dr. Benjamin Rush, in his biographical sketch of Mrs. Ferguson, of Graeme Park, mentions that she was fond of spinning flax and thread for linen, as was the common custom. For one of those occasions of rustic simplicity and merry-making -a neighboring spinning frolic- she was requested to compose a song, which was duly furnished and became popular. This was copied by the writer many years ago from her manuscripts, and probably has not been heretofore published. She mentions that it was the custom of the owner of the flax to distribute a hank or a dozen of cuts apiece among the young women of the neighborhood, which they would spin and reel at their homes, and on an appointed day return to his house. Here they would be provided with refreshments and a supper, when in the evening the young men would join them. "THE PENNSYLVANIA SPINNER'S SONG. "Since Fate has ordain'd us these rural abodes, Far distant from honor and fortune's high roads, Let us cheerfully pass thro' life's innocent vale, Nor look up to the mountain since fixed in the dale; When storms rage the forest, and mighty trees fall, The low shrub is sheltered that clings to the wall. So let our wheels and reels go merrily, round, While health, peace and virtue among us are found. "Tho' the great deem us little, and do us despise, Let them know It is wise to make little suffice, In this we will teach them, altho' they are great, It is always true wisdom to bond to our fate; For tho' King or Congress should carry the day, We farmers and spinners at least must obey, Then let our wheels and reels go merrily round, While health, peace and virtue among us are found. "Our flax has its beauties, an elegant green, When it shoots from the earth enamels the scene; When broken and moisten'd in filaments fine, Our maidens they draw the flexible line: Some fine as a cobweb while others more coarse, To wear but of week days, of substance and force. Then let the wheels and reels go merrily round, While health, peace and virtue among us are found. "Since all here assembl'd to card and to spin, Then, girls, be nimble and quickly begin To help neighbor Friendly, and when we have done The boys they shall join us at set of the sun; Perhaps as brisk partners, shall lead us thro' life, And the dance of the night end in husband and wife. So let our wheels and reels go merrily round While health, peace and virtue among us are found." Among the Germans, in the beginning of this century, a peculiar recreation prevailed, called by them a "strousz," concerning which we have seen no written account. A party of young folks would be formed, and a sum raised which would be generally invested in some article of feminine apparel, as a shawl or in materials for a silk dress. For this purpose every young man was required to have a lady partner, whom he would meet at some designated place in the evening about Christmas or New Year's. A fair-sized room would be required, in which the party would be placed in a circle, ladies and gentlemen being placed alternately. From the centre on the floor a line would be drawn with chalk. Those in the circle would now commence to go round in an ordinary walk to the accompaniment of a song. At a signal the light would be extinguished, but the party must still continue on their round for, several minutes, when a halt would be ordered and all to remain at their places. A light was now brought in from an adjoining room, and the lady who stood on or nearest the line was awarded the prize. To win the "strousz" was not only considered lucky, but regarded as betokening to the person future success and happiness. An aged acquaintance is still living in Upper Salford who was a participant in several of those gatherings. Many of the sports and pastimes of the past 341 abounded in humor and partook of the nature of jokes. Among them was a game, or practical joke, called "elbedritch." The party at whose expense this joke was to be perpetrated, after being told that an animal called "elbedritch" abounded on the hill-tops and was only to be caught in the coldest weather, would be taken by their companions to the bleak top of a high hill, and there stationed holding an extended blanket in their hands to catch the "elbedritch." It is not necessary to state that the stormier and colder the night the greater was the enjoyment of their tormentors. After having stationed their victims upon the most exposed point, and warning them to "watch carefully for the 'elbedritch,'" the participants in the joke would proceed by different routes to their homes instead of starting up the supposed creature, and there await the discovery of their plot. When the victims had suffered from the wind and cold long enough to appreciate the fact that they had been fooled, they would naturally return home, and there find their tormentors enjoying the warmth of the fireside and a laugh at their expense. Among old German families there are still traditions current respecting this pursuit, giving to some hilltops a notoriety An unusual excitement was gotten up in sport near Hatboro' about 1770. Bears had disappeared from the forests in that section for several years, and of course to capture one would create quite an interest. It was reported that a large one had been seen in the vicinity of the present Fulmor's mill, which, in consequence, created a stir among the sporting fraternity. The news spread rapidly, and for weeks an eager search was kept up for such noble game. The sensation bad about subsided, when it was announced that the bear had been again near the aforesaid place early in the evening. A large party turned out, bringing into requisition nearly every dog and gun in the neighborhood. As it was a moonlight night in autumn a pack of dogs, by their loud yelping and cries, announced that something unusual had turned up. The excited huntsmen started for the spot, where they found some thirty dogs assembled in a circle looking up at a tall white oak standing by itself. At the height of about sixty feet, where the branches were the thickest, a large black object was discovered and a bear distinctly recognized as looking down at the dogs. Now commenced at the devoted object such a shooting as probably never happened in that vicinity before, and it was kept up for several minutes. At last the bear moved, and down he came to the ground. Now there was a scampering of men and dogs to insure their safety, some stopping but little short of their homes. One or two of the nearest dogs not seeing him stir, approached and ventured to seize on him, when the whole pack pitched in to assist. The hunters now became amazed at the quantity of litter that filled the air and was scattered around. One bolder than the rest, with the muzzle of his extremely long gun, turned the bear over to be sure whether he was indeed lifeless, when it proved to be only the skin of one ingeniously stuffed. It turned out afterwards that a wag in the neighborhood had been to all the trouble, and it was thus brought about: After the stuffed animal had been placed up the tree, a fish from the stream had been fastened to a string and dragged over the ground from various directions to the foot of the tree, the scent of which had brought the dogs together and caused the alarm. The novelty of this performance even yet lingers in the early traditions of that neighborhood. Sports on the 1st of April were greatly enjoyed, and carried to such an extent that the day was termed the fools' holiday. Fancy a relative fifty years ago visiting an aged brother and his nephews early in the morning and shouting out in apparent earnestness at the great flocks of wild pigeons abroad, the former calling out from his chamber-window that it was unfortunate that be had not brought his double-barreled gun with him. This reply brought out a hearty burst of laughter, because of his unconsciousness of its being the 1st of April. In a village in Moreland township about forty years ago, a blacksmith-shop stood on a much-traveled turnpike to Philadelphia. The apprentices, unknown, early on a 1st of April morning nailed a horseshoe to the plank of a small bridge to induce the passers-by to pick it up. As it was a market morning, many were the attempts from farmers and others to secure it, causing some disappointment. It was ingeniously gotten up to impress the beholder that it had been lost, and the finding of such was believed to bring good luck. A historical work of this kind is, like a newspaper, intended for the instruction and information of readers generally; hence it is proper that we should take enlarged or comprehensive views on subjects adapted to several tastes. Respecting sports and pastimes different ideas prevail. They need only a proper direction and they may afford a great deal of harmless recreation or pleasure. When William Penn prepared a set of laws in England for his colony, in May, 1682, in the thirty-seventh section thereof he states that "All prizes, stage-plays, cards, dice, May games, masques, revels, bull-baitings, cock-fightings, bear-baitings and the like, which incite the people to rudeness, cruelty, looseness and irreligion, shall be respectively discouraged and severely punished." He very well knew that all the aforesaid then existed and were practiced in Great Britain, and have even yet not been entirely repressed there. The Germans, like the Swedes, were entirely exempt from such brutal sports as bull-baitings, cock-fightings, bear-baitings, dog-fightings and kindred amusements, and their descendants in this respect have adhered to their principles. LOCAL SUPERSTITIONS. -"There is an indescribable charm about the illusions with which chimerical 342 ignorance once, clothed every subject. Even now I cannot look back upon those fanciful creations of ignorance and credulity without a lurking regret that they have all passed away. The experience of my early life tells me they were sources of exquisite delight." -Washington Irving. Such a change has taken place in the customs and institutions of society since the formation of Montgomery County that it can hardly be credited at the present day. As the country was but sparsely settled, every neighborhood, for the want of good roads, good accommodations and traveling facilities, formed, as it were, a community within itself. The hamlet and village, even when but a few miles apart by reason of the communication between them, which was generally afoot or on horseback, caused such a separation as to give to each its peculiar habits, opinions, and we might add superstitions. This want of intercourse caused them to be fonder of their homes and to care less for wandering, which was doubtless owing to the general practice of subdividing their then unsettled possessions among their children and the absence of such incentives as stage-coaches, post-offices, newspapers and railroads. Need we wonder, in an age of little education, of simple habits, and where people lived the isolated lives of our ancestors, that they should now and then be deceived by external objects. No people are entirely free from superstition, for no mortal man possesses the power or even the knowledge necessary to draw a line as to where it begins or ends. We have alluded to a century ago, but we know not in that time hence, from the changes going on, what judgment posterity will pass on us respecting our present prevailing ideas. When we come to consider the disadvantages our forefathers labored under, and compare them with the facilities we now enjoy, we need not wonder at their humble superstitions which were peculiar to the time and circumstances in which they lived. To their great credit as Pennsylvanians, their posterity can say with pride that they accorded with their character, as both were simple and inoffensive, while abroad, it not only too often bore a repulsive, but an intolerant and persecuting spirit. The early settlers doubtless retained their faith more or less in the superstitions of their Fatherland, and their descendants we may claim as the originators of those of a local character. These, from their imperfect education and simple credulity, as will be observed, were generally occasioned by the circumstances around them. Nature, from the newness of the country, then wore a for wilder and more romantic appearance, calculated the more to engender and foster such feelings. Their isolated manner of living occasioned more sociability within their own neighborhood and from their situations was thus rendered more dependent on each other. Probably no one thing had a greater tendency to spread and cherish a love for the marvelous and supernatural than their fireside conversations, which so often enlivened the long evenings of winter, and took the place of newspapers, books and other aids to knowledge, now so generally diffused. But faint traces of some of the superstitions can now be found, and those mostly in some of the long-rooted families, in neighborhoods where progress has made but little innovation. As the march of improvement is onward and intercommunication is made easier even those in this matter-of-fact age must soon disappear, while their collection may probably serve in the future as materials for some other Shakespeare, Goethe, Irving or Whittier. With the changes wrought by progress, the causes, too, for many superstitions are disappearing, probably never to recur, and as our distinguished countrymen, already quoted, remarks: "It is curious how the most beautiful fictions have their origin among the rude and ignorant." As it is the duty of history to preserve information of the past, we hope to rescue a portion of those fanciful creations from being altogether lost. William Penn as chief magistrate presided in two trials for witchcraft, the first in 1683, when the party was adjudged guilty "of having the common fame of a witch, but not guilty in name and form as she stands indicted; "the other in 1701, when on inquiry the case was dismissed as too trifling. However, it may not be generally known that the law of Pennsylvania actually recognized the existence of witchcraft. From an "Act for the Advancement of Justice," passed May 31, 1718, we take the following extract: "And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that another Statute, made in the first year of the Reign of King James the First, Chapter 12, instituted An Act against Conjuration, Witchcraft and dealing with evil and wicked spirits, shall be duly put in Execution in this Province, and of like Force and Effect as if the same were here repeated and enacted." Of all our superstitions, undoubtedly witchcraft was the most odious, but it never, as we are aware of, at any time became so abused as to lead to any actual evil beyond mere imputation. If old women bewitched children, horses and cattle, who suffered from malignant disorders, their owners had the consolation of having a remedy at hand, by calling to their aid the witch doctor, which by his conjurations, would expel their influences. As a further preventive, talismans would be worn, red strings tied to the cattle's horns and a horseshoe nailed to the door. Watson, in his "Annals," mentions the visits to Flourtown and vicinity of "Old-Shronk," a resident of the Falls of Schuylkill, who was frequently sent for to dispel and ward off evil influences. About the same period, or a century ago, a witch doctor resided in Upper Dublin, and no doubt there were others over the county who pursued the same calling. There were also persons who devoted themselves to finding lasting water for wells and mineral treasure with the divining rod. Some became noted for their success, and were called upon errands of these kind twenty and thirty miles distant. The instrument used for this 343 purpose and called the divining rod, was no other than a -forked twig of a sweet-apple tree, cut in the form of the letter Y, though sometimes other wood was used, as witch-hazel. A prong, of the fork was held in each land, and its mystic influence was supposed to be such as to point out the exact locality of whatever the search was for, when the operator came within proper distance. Those who practiced this art were generally called "water-smellers" or "diviners," whose usual charge was a dollar and mileage. It has been practiced at least in several townships of this county as late as 1838. The depth of water was judged by the sensitiveness of the rod; if its influence was powerful, it must necessarily be pretty near the surface and in quantity. The secret, by some of its advocates, was said to lie in the sign in which the operator was born and therefore a natural gift. A story is told of a farmer, who, designing to erect new buildings on a portion of his land, secured the services of one of these "water-smellers" to locate for him a suitable place for his well. A spot was indicated as very favorable, and a stake driven in the ground. In the mean time the farmer had become skeptical on the subject, and removed the stake and placed a stone instead. To test the matter practically, however, about six months afterwards he sent for the "diviner," stating that the stake had come away and therefore desired him to make another trial, as he was desirous now of having the well dug. The surroundings since having become greatly changed, in his search for water he even passed over the former spot quite a distance when he became certain from the indications that he had found the place mentioned before where the two veins flowed together that would furnish him with all abundance. A belief in ghosts or spooks was prevalent. To conceal ill-gotten gain or treasure would cause the spirit of the perpetrator to guard it after his death. Indian ghosts, it was said, haunted places where the natural scenery was likely to engender such feelings as gloomy forests and deep solitary glens by running streams. The Perkiomen, with its numerous branches, and the Pennypack particularly were believed to be thus frequented, and where the spirits by their graves kept vigils. Some imagined, too, that they had heard their wailings as it they were upbraiding themselves for having parted with their lands. Probably this belief was strengthened by the subsequent regret of the Indians at leaving, as their strong attachment to the graves of their ancestors is well known. Deserted houses, old limekilns and secluded graveyards and places in here unnatural deaths had occurred or suicide committed would be avoided at night as suspicious places. Eye-witnesses of undoubted veracity have informed us of seeing on dark nights lights in graveyards. These, no doubt were "ignes faturi," or the result of decomposition brought about under favorable circumstances by close and humid weather. The howling of a dog through the night was considered a foreboding of some calamity, especially when some of the families were absent. The dropping of a fork, knife, or scissors to the floor or the cat washing herself was a sign of unexpected visitors. The clock striking, while the family were partaking of their meals denoted the announcement of a death. A horse neighing on the way to a funeral was regarded as a token that another member of the family would soon follow. The unlucky egg, which the Germans termed the "unglucks ei," to ward off disaster, was required to be thrown over the house or barn roof. This was an egg of only half the usual size or less, and was consequently regarded as ominous unless its power was counteracted. Toads and barn swallows must not be injured or it would cause the cows to give bloody milk. This belief was probably encouraged by the number of insects they destroyed, which, in newly settled countries, are so annoying to cattle. Mothers would caution their children not to leave a loaf lying upside down on tables or in cupboards, as it foreboded ill. To harm turtledoves or their nests would incur divine displeasure. Friday was believed to be an unfortunate day for any new undertaking, even to the cutting out or making of garments. The boy that was late at school on Shrove Tuesday or Fastnacht would be a laggard the whole year round. So current was this belief in some neighborhoods that the general attendance at school on this day was much earlier in consequence. Butter that was long coming in churning must be bewitched, which could be dispelled by a cross mark or a horseshoe. To kill the first snake seen in spring would be to overcome all your enemies for that year. Dreams were believed to premonish, and various interpretations were given them. Old shoe were collected and burnt, and the ashes scattered around the premises to keep off snakes and evil. The moon was believed to exert a considerable influence, and the almanac, in consequence, often consulted as to the signs for sowing, felling trees, splitting rails, grafting and other minor matters to insure success. Among the remarkable mysteries of the past, in which numbers believed, was the bird of happy omen. This was said to be a snow-white dove from the spirit land, which came to announce to the sick their approaching death arid, their speedy departure to a better world and a happier state of existence. During the whole of the last century, and well into the beginning of this, when the country was far less settled and woods greatly abounded, this faith had its fullest sway: An instance will be related from an eye-witness: "About midnight in the winter, with snow on the ground, an aged woman was living very low and not expected to recover. A light was kept burning in the chamber on a stand near a window. The nurse being alone, and to beguile the wearisomeness of the time, and as appropriate to so serious in occasion, took up the family Bible, and after reading therein probably for half an hour, heard a peculiar noise at the window. 344 Turning around to observe the cause, she observed distinctly a beautiful snow-white bird, the size of a pigeon, standing on the windowsill, nodding his head and gently tapping at the pane. She sat quietly, determined to observe it closely; after being there a few minutes it flew off and suddenly disappeared. On seeing this bird, she went somewhat excitedly to the bedside to be now satisfied that her patient could not possibly long survive. She therefore hurriedly aroused the several members of the family, and related to them that she bad seen the long spoken of white dove at the window, where he had left his token. Such an announcement, as may well be imagined created some consternation, for the woman was actually dying and in less than two hours breathed her last." Now well may it be asked, "What bird can this be, possessing so marvelous a character and yet really existing?" The fact is that it was no other than the snow owl, who in search of prey at night, was attracted towards the sick-chamber alone by the dazzling of the light at that late hour. What has strengthened this superstition is that they are only abroad at nights and to be found here only in severe winters on transient visits, being natives of Hudson's Bay and the far north. The hoop snake was another mystical thing that haunted the hillsides, of which many current traditions exist. This was said to be a gray snake that would take the extremity of its tail in its mouth, and roll in the manner of a hoop with the speed of the fleetest horse. Occasionally, to show its power, it would direct its course towards a tree, when it would let go its tail, which was armed with a formidable horn or sting, and strike the trunk to the very socket, and then continue in its progress. Strange to say, wherever dead trees could be found standing over the bills, these identical holes would be hunted up and pointed out a few feet from the surface of the ground, where they had thus been pierced. INNS. -Houses for the entertainment of travelers was early established in Pennsylvania. William Penn made his first landing in the future city opposite the Blue Anchor Tavern, which had been erected, and used for this purpose before his arrival. We find, as is the population spread into the country and roads were opened that at the most prominent points or intersection inns were soon located. It appears that the number had increased so by 1710 that legislation on the subject was deemed necessary. An act was passed "that no public house or inn within this province be kept without a license," which was confirmed by Queen Anne, February 28, 1713, and, thus became a law. The object was stated to be the "preventing of disorders and mischiefs that may happen by a multiplicity of public houses of entertainment." According to its provisions, no one in the province was thereafter to keep any inn or tavern unless recommend by the justices in the respective County Courts to the Lieutenant-Governor for his license, under the penalty of five pounds. All persons so licensed were to suffer no drunkenness nor unlawful games whatever in their houses, under the penalty of forty shillings for the first offense, and for the second to be suppressed by the aforesaid justices. All licensed innkeepers were to keep good entertainment for man and horse, under penalty of forty shillings. For every license granted by the Governor to sell wine any other liquors in the country the sum was to be thirty shillings "and no more." For drawing such license and affixing the seal the price was six shillings. The act of May 31, 1718, states that it had became "the practice of ale-house keeper, and inn-holders to exact excessive rates for their wine, beer, cider and other liquors, and also provender for their horses, without regard to the plenty and cheapness thereof." To remedy this it was ordered that the justices of the peace "shall have full power four time a year to set such reasonable prices" thereon as they shall see fit, which shall be proclaimed by the crier at the conclusion of the courts, and fixed upon the courthouse doors for public view. An additional law was passed in 1721 that debts for "tavern reckonings" are not recoverable when above twenty shillings From this on very little is to be ascertained on the subject until the act of April 22, 1794, which states that the "great abundance of taverns and public houses for the vending of spirituous liquors has been found to promote habits of idleness and debauchery; to the end that the number thereof be determined by the means of real utility and necessity." Compared to previous efforts this was certainly a laudable move. During the whole colonial period this license money formed no inconsiderable revenue to the pockets of the several Governors. William Penn established it, [See NOTE 22-3.] which fact none of his biographers have yet mentioned. We can see here a powerful incentive to create numerous public-houses without regard to their real necessity, and that it could not fail to be abused in the hand of improper persons under cover of this protection. [NOTE 22-3.] See Judge Quarry's letter to the Lords of Trade, May 30, 1704, in Doc. Col. Hist N Y vol. ix, p. 1083. [FINIS NOTE 22-3.] The subject of inns in the past is an interesting one, not only from the prominent part that they have occupied for the transaction of important measures concerning the public welfare, but also as general business centres for intelligence and intercommunications before either steamboats, railroads or telegraphs were known. It was at the inns that elections and public meetings of nearly all kinds were held. It was here that military training were held, also, lectures, shows, and exhibitions. Here it was that stages and travelers stopped, and nearly all post offices were established. The dance, the ball and the wedding often took place here as well as nearly all kinds of amusements. And why? Because no other convenient places for them 345 existed. Before the completion of the courthouse in this county the Courts were held altogether at the inns, also nearly all manner of business transacted. So dependent were the people on them that even the city of Philadelphia previous to 1837, did not contain a single hall sufficiently large to accommodate a great concourse of people. Consequently on a few occasions churches were used; notably among these was the old Zion Lutheran Church, torn down in 1857. In the past, inns have, either directly or indirectly, given quite a number of names to places all over the country. In Montgomery County our researches have led us to ascertain that they have thus supplied the following names: Bird-in-Hand, Blue Bell, Broad Axe, Dreshertown, Eagleville, Fitzwatertown, Franklinville, General Wayne, Harleysville, Hatboro, Hickorytown, Jeffersonville, Jenkintown, King of Prussia, Kulpsville, Lederachsville, Mooretown, Rudy, Seven Stars, Schwenksville, Shannonville, Sorrel Horse, Sollidayville, Spring House, Sumneytown, Three Tons, Trappe and Zeiglersville. We entertain no doubt, but that this list by additional inquiry, could be increased. The products of Pennsylvania are stated to have required in 1760 between eight and nine thousand wagons for their transportation to Philadelphia. From the location of this county it is very probable that two-thirds or three-fourths of this great number must have actually passed through its territory, thus requiring considerable inn accommodation. From the advertisements of inns for sale, we get information concerning the extent of their stabling. The earliest ascertained is that of John Paul, in 1768, of the old "Red Lion" stand, at the present Willow Grove, "for near one Hundred Horses;" the "Jefferson" tavern, at the present Jeffersonville, in 1805, one hundred horses; the "New Moon" tavern, Norristown, in 1805, sixty horses; "Barley Sheaf," Jenkintown, 1807, ninety-five horses; "Sandy Run" tavern, Whitemarsh, one hundred horses; and the "Spring House" tavern, 1827, "for over one hundred horses." It would be quite a mistake to attribute in those times intemperance generally to the inns, for in the introduction and use of intoxicating liquors they were rather the followers, as public opinion was then constituted. Neither the manufacture nor importation was restrained nor nearly all engaged in mercantile business kept it for sale without any special license being required therefor. Cider, ale and beer entered largely into household consumption, in place of its more nervous substitutes, tea and coffee. William Penn had his brew house at Pennsbury, Governor Keith in Horsham, as well as numerous others who could afford it. The former, as we learn from the Penn and Logan correspondence, was lavish in the dispensing of wine to his guests and it would appear that Madeira was his favorite and while at Pennsbury he drew his supplies from Philadelphia or from Edward Hunloke of Burlington. The fact is thus revealed that coffee was very rarely used in his household. Inns were undoubtedly early established as a necessity within the present limits of the country, yet we have failed to secure such data. However, in further illustration of what has been stated, we ascertain from the records that Martin Pidoing, of New Hanover township, petitioned the court in December Sessions, 1742: "That whereas, your Worships have been lately pleased, for the convenience of the Inhabitants of Upper Oley and Maxatawny, to cause a new road to be laid out from Yoder's Mill, leading into the Great Road to Philadelphia by way of Farmer's Mill, and as there are no Houses of Entertainment on this road from said Mill to Garret Dehaven's, being twenty-five miles in distance, and your petitioner's dwelling-place, lying near the middle of said distance, he has for some time past, at the request of several, entertained the Waggoners and Travellers passing that road, and sold rum by Permit, at which your Petitioner finds them uneasy by reason that they cannot have it in smaller quantities." It is very probable that Martin Pidoing at this time resided at or very near the present Hanover Square, and Garrett Dehaven's inn was at the present Skippack, making that a very old stand. The latter we know in 1734 was a resident and taxable for two hundred acres in Perkiomen township. Within our present county limits in 1758 there may have been between twenty and twenty-four inns; in 1786 the number was seventy-one, and in 1883 two hundred and nine, besides thirty-seven restaurants, nineteen liquor-stores and two breweries. From the nature of their business or custom there were several kinds of inns. The "Stage House" was usually regarded as of a higher class, because its business lay more with the genteel portion of society, persons given more to fashion, recreation and expeditious travel. Along the Schuylkill was what were called "boat-houses," where the raftsmen, lumbermen, canoe and boatmen as well as fishermen, stopped. On frequented routes, for the accommodation of teams, the inns would be kept open day and night, nearly, as many calling through the night as in the day-time. Now and then some inn-keeper, to secure additional custom, would reduce his charges, which would create additional competition; as a result, this would bring about a kind of union. For instance, a general meeting of tavern-keepers was called for the counties of Philadelphia, Bucks and Montgomery at the house of Philip Sellers, in Whitemarsh, January 1, 1814, on business of importance, whose establishments are situated on the great roads leading from Philadelphia to New York, Easton, Bethlehem, Allentown and Reading the chief object being to agree to a more uniform rate of charges. Even as late as 1845 it was a common thing to see teamster and formers take their beds along and lodge on the floors. About the period spoken of the writer has thus frequently seen as many as one hundred lie down respectively at the "Red Lion " and "Black Horse" inns, in North Second street. In severe winters parties would sometimes get storm-stayed for 346 several days through drifting snows, on which occasions, to while away the time, great merriment would prevail, such as our younger generation can scarcely conceive. Wit song and dance would be exercised just as humor or fancy led them. No ideas or sense of social distinction marred the general harmony or threw an additional chill on the weather without. Thus, like vessels in a sheltered harbor would they be securely anchored here until it was deemed safe to proceed on so distant a voyage as the city, which, to many a farmer's son was one of the first great events of his life, not soon to be forgotten, when few streams were bridged and even turnpikes unknown, though the county had been more or less settled for three fourths of a century. We Will now proceed to take a brief glimpse at the more prominent inns that were established within the present county, in the last or in the beginning of the present century. A more extended account, however, will be given in the histories of the several townships and boroughs. ABINGTON. -Licenses were granted in this township in 1766 to Thomas Cooper, in 1774 to Joseph Watkins, 1779 to Sarah Jenkins, Thomas Dungan and John Phipps, 1787 to Mary Moore and Stephen Meshon, and to William McCalla in 1800. Mary Moore kept the sign of the "Square and Compass" at the present village of Abington for a long period, hence its more popular name of Mooretown. The elections for Abington and Cheltenham were held here for some time. William McCalla kept the sign of the "Barley Sheaf," some time afterwards changed to the Eagle Hotel, at Jenkintown, where, in 1807, two lines of stages stopped and the post-office was established. This is the present Cottman House whose origin dates considerably before 1758. DOUGLAS. -In 1779, Nicholas Moyer, Peter Richards, Dieter Matheys and Jacob Witz were licensed. Four inns are mentioned as being in the township in 1786. Nicholas Scull mentions "J. Walker's" at the present Gilbertsville, which may have been also an inn. Jacob Witz kept the stand so long known as the "Rising Sun," in Pottstown, where Washington made his headquarters while the army was here in September, 1777, and which afterwards became a noted stage-house kept by Jacob Barr. It was torn down in 1865. FRANCONIA. -Elizabeth Gerhart in 1779, and but this one stand in 1786. FREDERICK. -George Whitpain and Valentine Boyer, 1779. GWYNEDD.- In 1773, Christian Dull, and in 1779, Abraham Woolford and Jacob Heisler. In 1786 the township is stated to have contained five licensed inns. The Spring House is an old settlement, and its inn has been long and widely known, and is among the most noted in the county. The forks of the road were formed here in 1735, and this, may be about the mate of its origin as a public house. Benjamin Davis kept it, we know, from 1758 to 1772, when he was succeeded by Christian Dull, who retained it until his death, in 1827. It is described at this time as containing nineteen acres of land, stabling for over one hundred horses, a store stand established thirty years previously and as possessing "a durable spring of water a short distance from the door, over which is a stone milk-house, two other dwellings, besides a blacksmith and wheelwright shop." In this extract may be observed the origin of its singular name. General Lacey, in 1778, mentions it as the "Spring House" tavern in his dispatches, having at this date some men stationed here to intercept supplies to the British in Philadelphia. In October, 1804, Alexander Wilson, the distinguished ornithologist, with his two companions, on their pedestrian journey to the Falls of Niagara, humorously mentions it in his poem of "The Foresters," they having remained here over night. HATFIELD. -At the present Line Lexington in 1758 was "Housekeeper's," which went by this name for some time afterwards. George Shive was licensed in 1779 to keep an inn, and we find in 1786 that this was still the only stand in the township. HORSHAM. -In 1779, Thomas Roney 1790, Mary Ball; 1800, William Yerkes; and in 1807, Jesse Kirk. On inquiry we ascertain that Thomas Roney's stand was at the present Prospectville, kept in 1785 by David Caldwell. Mary Ball established the inn at the present Davis Grove, sign of the "Yellow Ball," and was succeeded by William Yerkes, next by Jesse Kirk, and on his death by his son, Jacob Kirk, who discontinued the business about 1850. In 1786 these were the only two inns in the township. LIMERICK. -In 1779, John Keely, Nicholas Pool, George Snell and John Stettler were licensed. Widow Lloyd kept, at least from 1758 to 1769, an inn at the present Limerick Square, which was the stand subsequently kept by John Stetler as late as 1792. Only two licensed inns are mentioned in 1786. LOWER MERION. -In 1766, Elijah Weed; 1778, David Briggs, William Stadleman, Abraham Streeper and Catharine Jolly; 1785, Mordecai Taylor, Llewellyn Taylor and William Stadleman. The number in 1786 is stated to be four. According to Reading Howell's map of 1782, the "Black Horse" inn was on the Lancaster road, in Philadelphia County, but near the county line, and the "Buck" in the angle of Delaware County, between the present Ardmore and Bryn-Mawr. The "General Wayne" in 1824 was kept by William Matheys. The township elections were held continuously here from 1806 to 1867, or until a division was made. At the former date this house was kept by Titus Yerkes. The "Red Lion" at the present Ardmore, was long a noted house for teamsters and farmers, as many as fifty teams often staying overnight there, some of which carried freight to Pittsburg. LOWER SALFORD. -In 1776, Frederick Dickenshiet, and 1778, Andrew Campbell. These inns were in the 347 present Harleysville, the former having for his sign, "The Stag," kept by Samuel Harley in 1790, and on the establishment of the post-office here, in 1840, the village was called after him. In 1758, on the authority of Nicholas Scull's map, inns were kept in the township by John Isaac Klein, Gabriel Schuler and Mathias Stouffer. The former was just below Harleysville, Schuler's being a half-mile farther south, and near the present mainland was Stouffer's, whose sign was a white horse. At this inn several of the officers were quartered during Washington's encampment in the vicinity. MARLBOROUGH. -In 1779, David Johnson, Jacob Bender, Andrew Ohl, George Roth, Mathias Thieffly and Conrad Zimmerman. But four licensed inns are mentioned in 1786. Isaac Summers kept an inn at the present Sumneytown about 1764, and the stand has been continued to this day. Dorn's inn was undoubtedly at this place in 1758. MONTGOMERY. -Blase Weaver kept at the present Montgomery Square in 1758 succeeded by his widow, Mary Weaver, about 1779, and afterwards by his son, George Weaver, who was here at least from 1785 to 1806, making probably over half a century in the family. Theophilus Shannon also kept an inn herein 1774 and for several years afterwards. In 1786 George Weaver kept the only licensed inn in the township. In 1832 there were four licensed houses, and at the present time but one. Montgomery Square was at the intersection of two great roads some time before the Revolution, and thus a considerable business centre, at which there is now no public house. MORELAND. -In 1779, Joseph Butler, James Fulton, John Tomkins, James Vansant and Humphrey Waterman kept licensed inns. Joseph Butler occupied the "Red Lion," in the present Willow Grove, which had been kept in 1767 by John Paul and in 1786 by William Heaton, and later by Israel Michener. This noted stand was continued until 1868, or over a century. Abraham Duffield kept at Hatboro'. At this latter place an inn with the sign of the "Crooked Billet " was kept some time before 1748, which in 1766 was kept by David Lowborough. Washington in his dispatches to Congress, August 10, 1777, makes mention of the "Billet Tavern, on the road leading to Coryel's Ferry," by which it is inferred that at this time he may have stopped here. James Fulton kept the "Sorrel Horse," on the Middle road, where the township elections have been held for a long time. In 1807 inns were kept by Israel Michener, George Rex, William L. Hallowell and Joseph Carr. George Rex established the Mineral Spring Hotel at Willow Grove, kept by the family for about half a century, and is still a Public house. NEW HANOVER. -Martin Pidoing applied for license from this township in 1742, stating that on the road to Philadelphia there was no nearer inn than in Skippack, twelve miles distant. Nicholas Scull mentions "The Rose " in 1758, at the present Fagleysville. In 1799, Michael Hinderliter, Michael Kreps, Henry Kepner, Andreas Smith and Henry Snyder were licensed. The number in 1786 was reduced to four. The inn of Michael Kreps was at the present Hanover Square, and in 1807 was kept by his son, Henry Kreps. The elections have been held at his stand continuously from the first organization of the county to the present time, -the long period of a century. From 1785 to 1807 six townships voted here, after which for several years, with New Hanover, the adjoining township of Douglas. This may therefore be well regarded as one of our historic inns. NORRITON. -Cephas Bartleson or Bartlestall kept an inn at or near the present Penn Square before 1758, which became quite a noted place. He willed it, with thirty acres of land, to his daughter Elizabeth in 1777 and it was retained for some time thereafter in the family. Besides the aforesaid, licensed inns were kept in this township in 1778 by John Shannon and Christopher Stuart. Inns were also kept here in 1766 by Archibald Thompson, Mathew Henderson and John Elliott; John Wentz, George Gilbert, Josiah Wood, Abraham Wolford, and John Shannon in 1786. Both Stuart and Thompson had been colonels in the Revolutionary army. At Springtown was the sign of the "Fox Chase," kept by Isaac Pritner in 1807. The "Trooper," three miles above Norristown, at said date, was owned by William Henderson, and is still maintained as an inn. The "Jefferson" tavern bore this sign in 1804. The early public houses in Norristown will be fully treated in the history of that borough. PERKIOMEN. -So long, a settled township as this must have had also early inns within its limits. Garret Dehaven, or rather Indehaven, may have had an inn here some time before 1734, and Dietrich Welker, we know in 1756. Nicholas Nichum was licensed in 1779, and Gabriel Kline six years later. All these may have kept the same stand at Skippack, the sign of which was a weeping willow, yet in the recollection of some of the old people of that vicinity. PLYMOUTH. -In 1754, Benjamin Davis was licensed to keep "The Seven Stars" inn and how much earlier it was established we do not know. This stand has been continuously kept unto this day with this designation, and therefore ranks among the earliest in the county. Nicholas Scull mentions it on his map of the province, published in 1759. A further account of it will be given in the history of the township. William Lawrence was licensed in 1767 John Hamilton, in 1773; Mathew Henderson, 1774, John Hamilton, Daniel Neill, Samuel Caughlin, John Coulson and Levi Trump, in 1779; Samuel Coughlin, Elizabeth Bartleson and Daniel Deal, in 1785. Captain Robert Kennedy kept the inn at Hickorytown in 1811, and in the beginning of this century it was a noted place for military trainings. PROVIDENCE. -Edward Lane resided at the present Collegeville as early as 1706, when a road was laid out to this place from the Wissahickon, and three years 348 later was authorized to be extended up to the Manatawny; hence we see here an early fording-place over the Perkiomen. Samuel Lane, son of the former, we know kept an inn here in 1758, and it is very probable many years earlier. John Jacob Shrack, who came to this country in 1717, kept an inn some time before 1742 at the Trappe, through which it derived its name. The "Old Trap Tavern," in 1803, is advertised for sale, with one hundred and ten acres of land, containing "a large stone house, two large stone barns with sheds, also a stone spring-house." In the lower part of this village was also another inn, that in 1758 had for its sign the "Duke of Cumberland." Joseph Richardson was licensed in 1766, and his inn was probably on the Schuylkill, opposite the present Phoenixville. In 1779, Elijah Davis, John Baker, James Shannon, Isaac Connely, Paul Coogler, John Shurr and Frederick Hesser were licensed. In 1790 the number was reduced to six. SPRINGFIELD. -In this township, it being near Philadelphia, inns must have been established quite early. Michael Spiegel was licensed in 1766; John Kenner, 1767; Phillip Miller and John Streeper, 1773; Joseph Campell, John Renner, Jacob Neff, Frederick Kehlhoffer and Christopher Mason, 1779; Nicholas Kline, Ann Mason and Daniel Springer, in 1785. Kline's was a noted hostelry in Flourtown, its being "The Waggon and Horses." Neff's was the present "Wheel Pump Hotel," at the foot of Chestnut Hill, and, it is said, bore this name considerably over a century ago from its having such a pump before its door. TOWAMENCIN. -Hugh Hughes was licensed in 1773, Israel Tennis in 1779 and Jacob Wambold and Elizabeth Weber in 1790. In 1797 the election for eight townships was ordered to be held at Christian Weber's inn, at the present Kulpsville, which continued in force for several years. UPPER HANOVER. -Jost Wyant, 1773; William Geyer, Philip Nice, Michael Rieper, John Fisher, Peter Lower, Bernard Seip, in 1779. Strange to say, it appears that but one was licensed in 1786. It is probable that all those old stands have relinquished the business for a considerable time past. There are now seven licensed hotels in the township. UPPER MERION. -In 1779 James Barr, Peter Holstein, Josiah Pawling and George Savage were licensed. We find but three inns in the township in 1786; these were "The Swedes' Ford," kept by Levi Bartleson; "Bird-in-Hand," by John Roberts; and the "King of Prussia," by John Elliot. The "Swedes' Ford " inn may probably date back to 1723, for this crossing-place at said date bore the name, to which a public road was laid out the following year from Whiteland, Chester Co. This became one of the most noted ferry and boathouses along the Schuylkill, upon which we shall more fully treat in the history of Bridgeport. Engravings of it were published in 1812 and 1828, and though no a public house, it has been well preserved and cared for by its several owners. UPPER SALFORD. -Michael Croll, 1767; Philip Gable, 1778 Jacob Rudy, 1790; Frederick Rudy, Peter Wagner and Jacob Croll, 1807. Michael Croll was a justice of the peace, and his inn was situated at the upper end of the present Salfordville. The Rudys kept the sign of the "Black Horse," in what is now called Mechanicsville. UPPER DUBLIN. -Paul Bower, 1774; Andrew Gilkison, 1778; Susanna Wright, 1770. Andrew Gilkison kept at the present Gilkison's Corner, on the Bethlehem road, at least from 1778 to 1787, and at this latter date was the only licensed inn in the township. WHITEMARSH. -Joseph Norris, 1773; James Stringer, 1774; Ludwig Dagen, Conrad Bean, Isaac Lisle, Frederick Houseman, 1779; George Daub, George Eckhart, Christian Steer, Ludwig Dagen, 1785. Conrad Bean's inn was at Barren Hill. "The Spring Mill Ferry and Boat-House" was another noted inn on the Schuylkill, to which, in 1803, was attached an icehouse for the benefit of its customers. George Streeper advertises for sale the "Rising Sun Tavern" in 1810, on the Ridge road, eleven miles from the city. WHITPAIN. -John Porter, John Rynear and Abraham Wentz, 1779. These three inns were on the Skippack road. In 1786 it appears that there was but one licensed in the township. The stand at Centre Square must be a very old one; Nicholas Scull mentions here, in 1758, the sign of " The Waggon." The "White Horse," of the same date, subsequently changed its sign to "Blue Bell" and this gave name to the place. Abraham Wentz's inn was near Centre Square; the old house is still standing, having been built in 1764, and where, for some time, the elections were held. It is no longer a public house. "The Broad-Axe" bore this sign before 1792, when it was mentioned on Reading Howell's map. WORCESTER. -Rudolph Keller, 1773; Mary Toy, Jacob, Wentz, Jr., and Martin Gikinger in 1779. By an act of Assembly, passed June 14, 1777, the general elections for twenty of the upper townships in the county were ordered to be held at the said Jacob Wentz's inn, which order remained in force until the fall of 1785. Many of the voters, to attend here, had to come a distance of from fifteen to twenty miles, and, in some cases, even more.