The majority of the people who lived in the Allen House from 1787- 1789 were women. A great deal of attention is placed on farming and herding, and other trades that were traditionally considered masculine, but Women were often the most important people on a Homestead.
The reality of life on a homestead was marginal. Crop failure was common, and even in years when the crop was good, farmers tended to be heavily in debt and subject to fluctuating prices. Many years, Farmers were fortunate to simply break even.
There were often many revenue streams on a farm, and often the most profitable ventures were traditionally done by women. Things like sewing, textile manufacturing, making butter and cheese were critical activities on a Homestead that brought in vital income. The work that women did on the Farm was usually the most stable and steady income stream, While women were key economic drivers on a homestead, the laws of the time did not recognize that. Upon her marriage a woman lost her legal rights and her property became her husbands. Women were forbidden to serve on juries, own real estate, nor vote. She also did not automatically inherit her husbands estate on his death. Fanny Allen was nearly disinherited by her brother in law Ira, and had to sue him for her interitance…after she had remarried.
Some Tasks that Women led on the Homestead
Lighting We have notions of candle-lit evenings in the 18th century, but every one of those candles needed to be made, and were usually made on the farm.
Making Money in your Home Textile manufacturing was a long and laborious process. As a result, textiles had significant value. The Allens paid their hired hand in cloth. Textile manufacturing was literally making money!
Home and Hearth The hearth was the center of the home, where meals were prepared and other work done. Women preserved food that would help the family survive.