Pioneer Story Page 5

In her whole life, Mary had never worn a store-bought dress or shoes. In fact, her wedding gown was hand-made from the only store-bought cloth she ever owned. The cloth had been a betrothal gift from Robert. It was a beautiful green gingham fabric that complemented her thick auburn hair. The long trip to the new home site was a vacation to Mary, a welcome respite from her never-ending chores. Her only task was to keep up with the boys. This she did with ease. Now, with a happy heart, she and the boys explored their new land.

While his family explored, Robert examined his tools. So far from civilization, Pa's tools were critical to survival. He tested the edge of the ax he used last summer to clear the home site. He would use it and a broad ax to square and notch the seasoned logs. Robert inspected his auger. It would be used to drill holes for wooden peg fasteners. He examined his hunting knife and chisels. They were important for whittling and shaping. His buck saw was necessary for cutting boards to proper length. A file he brought would keep his tools razor sharp. His rope and pulleys were important tools for lifting heavy logs.

Mary and the boys returned to the clearing around noon. Soon, everyone was busily preparing a hot meal. George built a small fire that quickly became a bed of red-hot embers. On these coals, Mary roasted the edible tubers she had foraged during her explorations. Matthew grilled five plump trout in the searing heat of the embers. He hand-caught the trout in the nearby brook. Mary made a Journey Cake from her meager supply of corn meal and sugar. It baked on a hot, flat rock in the fire. In later years, the family fondly remembered the delicious meal they shared that day.

With the noon meal finished, Mary started cleaning up the cooking area.Robert knew his first priority was to build temporary shelter for the family.The materials needed were close at hand. The construction would take little time and effort. Pa only needed to muster the will to move. What he wanted to do, instead, was take a nap. He could see the boys felt the same way too. Mother, as usual, was setting an example. Robert knew what he must do. Reluctantly, he rose to his feet and said, "Well, boys, we'd better build a little nest. Tomorrow we'll be too busy, and your Ma doesn't like sleeping under the stars." Moaning and groaning, the two boys slowly got to their feet.

That afternoon, Robert and the boys built two lean-to shelters. Each was little more than a thick bed of soft, fragrant pine needles protected by a low, pitched roof of saplings lashed together with vines. On top of the roof and along the sides of each shelter, the boys placed wide strips of bark. The bark had fallen from the trees Pa cut down the previous year. The bark would waterproof their beds from the summer rains.

By supper time the lean-tos were completed. The family quietly ate a meal of greens and beans and left over Johnny Cake before turning in for the night. They knew, starting tomorrow, each day would be filled with back-breaking toil.