Presents the history of homebuilding as practiced by the colonists in preRevolutionary days.

Absorbing book describes, in detail, farm tools and kitchen implements and how they were made. Includes devices used by curriers, wheelwrights, coopers, blacksmiths, loggers, tanners, coachmakers, and other craftsmen of the pre-industrial age. An informal, expressively written book for cultural historians, woodcrafters, and Americana enthusiasts. 184 black-and-white illustrations.

Describes the shops, working methods, and products of the different types of tradesmen and craftsmen who shaped the early American economy.

Explores the tools and technology that the American colonists use to build homes that could stand the test of time.

If you grew up in colonial America, making your bed would mean more than just tucking in the sheets and pulling up the spread. You'd have to gather hay to stuff a straw-tick mattress and pluck a goose for a cozy down quilt. Colonial kids whittled pegs, spun thread, churned butter, and even cooked up their own soap in big iron kettles. Between chores, they learned the alphabet from hornbooks they wore around their necks. Yet no matter how hard they worked, they still had time for a game of blindman's bluff or king of the hill. How did they do all this? Maybe they took a tip from the mysterious Poor Richard, who said, "Have you something to do tomorrow? Do it today." Meet Hopewell of Bayberry Cove and many other children of the American colonies. (And find out who Poor Richard really was!)

The crafts of colonial woodworkers could be found nearly everywhere, from homes and businesses to ships and battlefields. Learn about the tools and training of these busy craftsmen.