Great Green Idea: Green Living: Returning to Pioneer Days

Returning to Pioneer Days

In looking back in history, pioneer days were filled with simpler living. Pioneers enjoyed helping others and would travel after saving the appropriate amount of money needed for the trip. They would travel to new frontiers in search of rich, fertile land to plant new crops. Others would travel in search for gold and furs.

Planning Ahead

Pioneer families would consider when the best time was before venturing out to the frontier. They spent time talking and considering all costs to the new destination. Morning time was a time of preparation for each day as well. Planning ahead was an integral part of daily life.

Possessions

Pioneers would travel with basic food items such as beans, rice, potatoes, eggs and bacon. Food items were very central to simplicity. Yeast and water were also taken during traveling times to prepare bread items. Families would hand sew clothing for members, as well as make repairs as needed to family items.

Livestock

Cattle were generally taken on the new journey. Proper water and food amounts were taken into account as well for animal consumption. Oxen were considered the stronger animal and used to help with heavy carrying of needed items.

Time of Rest

Travel time during the Pioneer days was mixed with plenty of family time. Caravans would travel short distances and take time to stop to prepare meals for lunch before more traveling. In the evenings, time was taken to sit down during meal times with much discussion, stories and dancing. Pioneers would take plenty of time to rest for the next day's activities.

Children

Children took part in the duties of the day being involved and learning the pioneer family life. They took part in taking care of the cattle as well as helping with food preparations. Children would also help to collect fresh fruits along the way during journeys.

Pioneer children took time to play games as simple as jumping rope and playing tag. Toys were made carved out of wood or made with fruits, such as apple dolls. Cornhusk dolls were also a very popular item for the young.

Learning from the Pioneers

In such a fast paced world, many of us have lost the focus of simpler living. The family unit was very strong and unified. Each family member played a part in the day's needs. Families took time to sit, relax, converse and become one in unity.

Foods were eaten that were more pure and unprocessed. Definitely, this course of diet was much healthier than the fast and processed foods of today. Many foods were eaten in their natural state during the Pioneer days. Planning is very necessary and important part of life.