Amusements in Peru

It is always interesting to learn of the manners and customs of proceeding generations. The early settlers farmed mostly with oxen. Families went to church, to parties or visiting on foot, or else hitched the oxen to a big, heavy wagon. Many men went to church bare-footed. In summer their dress consisted of a hat, shirt, a pair of pants, with string or linne bark suspenders. Their amusements were nearly always associated with labor. They enjoyed log rolling. They sat around great heaps of logs in the evening, stirred the logs together and told huge stories. At corn huskings all the young folks of the neighborhood gathered and with their labor enjoyed music and stories. The ladies had their quilting, carpet rag and spinning parties. The men had wood choppings, and in the evening the largest room was cleared and all engaged in a big dance. Shooting matches were a great place for fun. The best marksman was the hero of the county. There was always something to eat and drink. The settlers also enjoyed hunting parties. It was very commom for neighbors to help raise barns. The men worked all day and were rewarded at the end of the day--the women cooked a huge meal for their labors. Can you imagine the kids of today thinking it would be fun to go to a barn-raising and have to work all day?