Memories of Mount Pleasant, Part Three

Our houses were heated with fireplaces and stoves; and we cooked on a four-burner kerosene oil stove. Our father was a very good carpenter and made many pieces of furniture—chests, dressers, tables, chairs. He also made much of our play equipment—merry-go-round, see-saw, swings, climbing bars, doll houses, sleighs, kites, scooters, etc.

Dad played the violin, harmonica and organ and the entire family was encouraged to sing and enjoy music. Our most cherished possession during this period was probably our Edison Phonograph. The wax records were cylindrical, and the needle was a diamond that never needed changing. Records cost 35 cents each or 3 for $1.00. We bought 6 records each month—patriotic, humorous, classical. We children learned to recite Lincoln's Gettysburg speech and “Paul Revere's Ride” by listening to the records.