As we celebrate the 241st anniversary of our countrys freedom lets look back at what progress has replaced. Weve been blessed not only by the country our forefathers gave us but all the practical blessings freedom produced. We owe much gratitude to those who came before and and pioneered the way risking their lives and living in difficult conditions so that later generations could enjoy freedom and prosperity.
Life at Home
In 1776 about two and a half million people lived in the 13 American colonies mostly on farms or plantations. Most lived a rough life and the average person died in his or her 50s. Families usually
consisted of a mother and father and four to six children. Many
had eight or more children but up to five of them might die due to the high childhood mortality rates.
Families lived in small homes with one or two rooms about the size of a single-car garage. Many homes had dirt floors. Rooms were heated with wood fires and lit by candles. They had small windows covered with oiled paper.
People on farms worked from dawn until dusk. They needed to hunt not just for food but to keep pests and predators away. When crops were harvested women and girls would dry and store fruits and vegetables for the winter.
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