Chapter 12 cont. THE BRIGHT SIDE The history of pioneer life generally presents the dark side of the picture, but the toils and privations of the early settlers were into a series of unmitigated sufferings.  No; for while the fathers and mothers toiled hard, they were not adverse to a little relaxation and had their seasons of fun and enjoyment.  They contrived to do something to break the monotony of their daily life and furnish a good hearty laugh.  Among the more general forms of amusements were the "quilting bee," "corn husking," "paring bee," "log rolling" and "house raising."  Our young readers will doubtless be interested in a description of these forms of amusements, when labor was made to afford fun and enjoyment to all participating.  The "quilting bee," as its name implies, was when the industrious qualities of the busy little insect that "improves each shining hour" were exemplified in the manufacture of quilts for the household.  In the afternoon, ladies for miles around gathered at the appointed place, and while their tongues would not cease to play, the hands were as busily engaged in making quilts, and the desire always manifested to get it out as quickly as possible, for then the fun would begin.  In the evening the gentlemen came, and the hours would then pass quickly by in "plays," games, singing and dancing.  "Corn huskings" were when both sexes united in the work.  They usually assembled in a large barn which was arranged for the occasion, and when each gentleman had selected a lady partner, the husking began.  When a lady found a red ear of corn she was entitled to a kiss from every gentleman present.  When a gentlman found one he was allowed to kiss every lady present.  After the corn was all husked, a good supper was served, then the "old folks" would leave, and the remainder of the evening was spent in the dance and in having a general good time.  The recreation afforded to the young people on the annual recurrence of these festive occasions was as highly enjoyed and quite as innocent as the amusements of the present boasted age of refinement and culture. The amusements of the pioneers were peculiar to themselves.  Saturday afternoon was a sort of half holiday.  The men usually went to town and when that place was reached, "fun commenced."  Had two neighbors business to transact, here it was done.  Horses were "swapped," difficulties settled and free fights indulged in.  Whiskey was as free as water.  Twelve and a half cents would buy a quart, and 35 cents or 40 cents a gallon, and at such prices enormous quantities were consumed. Debbie Clough G-erischer G-erischer Family Web Site http://gerischer.rootsweb.com/ Assistant CC, Iowa Gen Web, Scott County http://www.celticcousins.net/scott/ List Manager for: IASCOTT-L * G-erischer-L * D-encker-L Fitzpatirck-L * V-lerebome-L * Huntington-L * Otis-L * Algar-L EIGS-L * Pickens-L * McNab-L * Patris-L - Rankin-L