Simpler times- by Kimberly Grist

Pioneer life was a simpler and more challenging time. Homes were made of logs and lit by oil lamps, and days were filled with chores necessary for survival. A glimpse of what life was like still exists near my home in Georgia at Calloway Gardens, located in Pine Mountain, Georgia.

The above photo is of a two-room cabin at Calloway Gardens, constructed of longleaf pine and occupied for over a century.

Tiny House Living
Like many of you, I'm intrigued by the thought of downsizing and embracing tiny-house living. But just trying to envision where I would put all my kitchen gadgets, not to mention my husband, children, cat, and rottweiler, makes my heart race. But then again, in retrospect, my fondest memories were growing up in a modest-sized home not meant to house seven children. We ate our meals together and sat on benches like the ones shown below. When a new sibling or friend arrived for dinner, we scooted over and made room.  

Life was Simple 
This cabin was built in the 1830s and was home to many families, one of which included 15 family members who lived here at the same time. In 1959, the structure was relocated from neighboring Troup County to Callaway Gardens. As I toured the room, I could imagine this family much like my own growing up. Their meals were simple, and the conversation was lively. I can't help but believe their discussions around the table were far and away better than today's substitute of texting.

A simple design, the downstairs was one room and functioned as the main living room and a bedroom, most likely for the parents. The doorway to the additional loft space is located in the right-hand corner.

Our tour guide joked that due to the hard work required to survive, the people living here would have been so tired that the thin mattress would not have inhibited their sleep. Thinking back to my childhood, I rarely recall a night of unrest. After school, my brothers and I had a paper route where we delivered the news to the neighbor's front door. We walked and rode our bicycles for fun and played "King of the Hill," Red-light, Green-light, and Hide and Seek. Like the child who may have once slept here, we were asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillow.  

Making the Most Out of Life
The above photo shows how the front porch could have been utilized to dry herbs. Every inch of space of the homestead was put to good use. A porch might also be used as additional sleeping space during many months of the year. Growing up without air conditioning, this front porch brings back more memories of lingering outside on summer nights, counting the stars, and watching and chasing fireflies.

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"I believe you should come away refreshed and inspired after reading a book, an outlet, and an opportunity to relax and escape to a place where obstacles are met and overcome."

Fans of historical romance set in the late 19th century will enjoy stories combining, History, Humor, and Romance with an emphasis on Faith, Friends, and Good Clean Fun,




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