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Log Cabin Scavenger Hunt

Log cabins

Log cabins were made from logs of trees that had been cut down to clear the land. The cracks between the logs were filled in with mud to keep the wind out. The roof was made of shingles, logs or thatch (straw). Often there was only one room to live, eat and sleep in. Floors were often dirt, sometimes wood. There was a door and a window or two, if glass was available. There was no indoor plumbing. Water had to be carried in for washing, drinking and cooking.

Lantern

Lanterns provided light. Some held candles, others burned oil.

Spinning top

Children played with hand-carved wooden spinning tops.

Quill pen

The tips of turkey or goose feathers were cut to form a sharp pen nib. Quills were dipped into inkwells from time to time as you wrote.

Stove

Made of cast iron, stoves burned wood to heat houses and cook food.

Bed

Linen bags, stuffed with straw or corn husks, were placed on the bed frame to provide a layer of insulation. A feather mattress came next. Linen sheets and quilts were laid on top.

Dough box

Bread dough was placed in a wooden box and set near the fire to rise.

Woodpile

Massive amounts of cut wood were needed to heat a house throughout the winter.

Wool basket

Wool was spun on spinning wheels and woven or knitted to make blankets and clothes.

Butter churn

Soured cream was poured into the wooden churn and then pounded with a stick, called a dasher. After about 30 minutes the cream turned to butter.

Barrel of salt

Salt was added to lots of foods to stop them from spoiling, especially meat. It was also used for cleaning things.

Washstand

With no inside plumbing, a large bowl and water jug were placed on a stand for people to wash themselves with.

For more on log cabins, check out the Books and Links section.