Old Fashioned Home

Library of Congress: New Bedford, Massachusetts family, 1942.

In the old days, Mothers were always at home. The children felt safe and well taken care of. Mothers worked hard with cooking and baking and housekeeping. They were skilled and capable. Yet, there was an amazing amount of love in an old fashioned home.

Mother would guide her children throughout the day - in manners, kindness, chores, and the Bible. She would pray with her babies and she would read them stories in an unhurried way.

She baked cookies and made hearty meals to nourish and comfort her loved ones. She could be seen in an apron and a house dress. When it was time for Church or to head into town, Mother would get all dressed up, looking her best. The children were in awe of her.

Her entire life revolved around her family and creating a home-culture of godliness. Worldly thoughts or materialism were the furthest things from her mind. She lived on the strictest economy and was a good steward of the money and things she was provided with.

Mother was wise in heavenly matters.  She labored each day with eternity in mind. Not only for herself, but with the decisions she made for her children and household. Some of the children would balk at her. They were young and wanted to have some worldly fun. But later on, as they looked back, they realized Mother was steadfast and strong in her beliefs and would not bend with the whims of society. They were drawn to the peace and faith of their dear mother. . .

blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Family Time in the Old Days - When Television Was Special.

Wisdom from Long ago - Quote from 1882 on Home Economics.

A Mother's Greatest Use of Time - A Humble Parlour as a School of Theology.

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

 

* Added in the year 2022: Now Available from The Legacy of Home Press:

"Gracious House Keeping: Advice, Encouragement, and Cleaning Help for the Christian Housewife."

Complete with Encouragement and Work Charts to cheer you along in your homemaking.

115 pages, paperback.

  

 

Holiness from the Garage

I love walking into an old-time church. The congregation is often a humble, kind group who are there to join together in prayer and worship. These kinds of churches are hard to find, but they are such a blessing!

I think about these churches when my Father (Grandpa) is out working on the property. He is in his 70's and keeps busy maintaining the grounds and doing repair projects. He has full possession of our two-car garage. He uses it as a workshop. There is a wood stove in there, counters, and tools. He also has a cassette player and 8 track player in there.

Throughout the day, I can hear the sounds of holiness coming from the garage. Grandpa plays old gospel music or old sermons of his brother preaching. It gives me a warm feeling of comfort. I am safe here because of Grandpa. I go about my housekeeping with the windows open, and I can hear the precious sounds of worship and spiritual nourishment. It awakens me to live a holy life. It protects me from worldly distractions. It is a testimony that says, Grandpa is here.

In my section of the house, I am often listening to sermons or old gospel music. I read my Bible and pray and delight in spiritual duties. I am continuing Grandpa's tradition and passing it on to the next generation.  As my children age and mature, they will be drawn to this kind of life.  They will be drawn to the peace and joy which comes from religious duties. It is the legacy of holiness.

blessings
Mrs. White
(Updated Feb. 2025: Nana and Grandpa lived with us, here in this house, for 9 years. They passed into heaven some years ago.)

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

"At Mother's House" by Mrs. White:

  For Encouragement in Homemaking, order Mrs. White's book, from 2016, "At Mother's House: The Blessing of Being a Christian Housewife."

In this book, you will find essays, articles, and diary entries about life in a Christian home.

Those who are seeking a peaceful home, with the Lord as the foundation, will find encouragement. (Paperback, 122 pages.)

No Matter What it Cost Me

Library of Congress - A farm worker's home 1941 Idaho.

When we first moved to Vermont from Massachusetts, I had just gotten out of the hospital for severe physical problems. I had been a cancer patient years before and was undergoing tests and treatment for more difficulties. It was unbearable and I continued to suffer.

When we arrived in Vermont, to our newly purchased country store, Mr. White and I had a deal. I would help him, along with our children, for one year, then he would hire an employee to take over so I could tend to our home cares. This proved to be the most difficult year of my entire life. I am grateful I was right there with my husband and children. We lived above the store, and it was like one big house. But most nights, I would fall into bed in tears of agony. My frail body could not endure the trauma of so much work for very long. Or, so I thought...

After many months of this, I suddenly began to heal. Most of my pain was gone. I had become stronger. I had worked so hard, and the Lord had rewarded me with better health. I did my duty, no matter what it cost me.

I thought about this last night. I have been ill for several days. Just so weary. I was tempted to skip my Bible study. I was just about to fall asleep when I remembered something from the book, Stepping Heavenward, by Elizabeth Prentiss. You see, the main character, Katy, was staying up late waiting for her husband to come home. In the room with her was her elderly father-in-law who had just arrived that day to live with them. He was depressed and sorrowful. His wife had died, and he felt like a burden. But he said something significant. He said something like: "At what hour does my son do family prayers?"  It was getting very late at night, and he dearly needed sleep. Katy told him not to worry, but to go on to bed. There was no need to wait for his son to come home. But he responded with something like this - "I will do my duty, no matter what it cost."  When I remembered this passage from the book, I was stung in the heart with conviction. I was startled out of my selfish stupor of being tired, and called for my Bible and record book. My dear 13-year-old son got them for me, and we sat down together and did our Bible time. We did this no matter how tired we were, or how sick I was. We did it no matter what it cost.

There is a beautiful quote from Jonathan Edwards:

 ~ “Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.” ~

Blessings,
Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

A Simple, Godly life with an eternal Perspective - Fighting the Money Seeking Mentality.

 Happiness while Living Frugally - Making Money Last.

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Find Home-keeping Inspiration, in Mrs. White's book -Mother's Book of Home Economics .  Paperback, 312 pages.

A Lovely Old Fashioned Study for You

The Elizabeth Prentiss Study

Elizabeth Prentiss

In October of 2009, I created a life transforming study. It is designed to help you have daily personal devotions.

The format helps discipline us, using daily assignments like Prayer, Keeping a Journal,  Bible Reading, Listening to hymns (or gospel music) and reading portions from a wonderful book written in the 1800's by Elizabeth Prentiss, "Stepping Heavenward."


This is a 90 day program and has been adapted for individual use. This was originally a free download,which is no longer available.

 In 2021, we expanded the study into a book.  

The original study was a printout that one would place into a binder notebook

.

.

 

The new deluxe edition includes these special features:

- Introduction by Mrs. Sharon White

- Portrait of Mrs. Prentiss, from 1882.

- About "Stepping Heavenward," including reviews written in 1871.

- Detailed directions for the study with inspiring details from the letters of Mrs. Prentiss. 

- Instructions for an optional Group Study format called "The Prentiss Study Club." It also has 12 weeks of weekly check-ins for those who want to do the program with others.

- The Study itself has 90 days of assignments with a place to check off each item as completed.

- A brief biography of the Prentiss family at their summer home in Dorset, Vermont (in the 1800's). This includes details of their family life, and photographs taken in 2019 by Mrs. White when she visited Dorset a few years ago. You will see a little of the town and the Prentiss home. 

- Reference notes include details of sources and other helpful information and guidance.

                        -------------------

 In addition to having a copy of "The Prentiss Study" book, you will need the following in order to do the study:


- Your Bible. (I use the KJV.)

- A copy of the 1800's book, Stepping Heavenward, by Elizabeth Prentiss. (This is a fictitious journal, which has inspired and changed women all over the world.)

- A journal or notebook to record your diary entries.

- Access to hymns or gospel music.

- Time for Prayer each day.

                                                                ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

  Below you will find a link to each edition of "The Prentiss Study Deluxe Edition" It is available in both paperback and hardcover.  Both editions are 105 pages.  The hardcover edition is especially sturdy and beautiful and will make an excellent addition to any home library. 

The Prentiss Study Deluxe Edition paperback.

105 pages, 6 x 9.        ISBN: ‎ 978-1956616040

The Prentiss Study Deluxe Edition hardcover. 

105 pages, 6 x 9.      ISBN:  978-1956616057

I hope you enjoy the study! If you are able to get "The Prentiss Study" and like it, I hope you will be able to leave a review on Amazon. It would be a great help to me. Thank you!

- Also available from The Legacy of Home Press:

 

Stepping Heavenward - The paperback edition:

ISBN # 978-1956616002

295 pages.

6 x 9

Enjoy!

Blessings
Mrs. White

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Mrs. White's special book for homemakers:"Introduction to Home Economics:  Gentle Instruction to Find Joy in Christian Homemaking."

Find stories of home life, with photographs of my home, in this encouraging book. 

 Paperback, 200 pages. 

My Chauffeur

A few years ago, Mr. White drove into our driveway with a shiny pastel-purple Cadillac. It was the epitome of elegance. It was used and cost a few thousand dollars. He was test driving it. He called me outside to look at it. I was shocked.

"Wouldn't this be a great car for you?"  He asked.  "Should I buy it?"  He let me sit on the pretty white leather seats.

"Why are you asking me this?" I told him. "Of course you should buy it!"  I thought it was the prettiest car I'd ever seen. . . .  Yet, I was no fool. The car was for him. I have never even driven it! (smiles)

"I always wanted a chauffeur" I kept saying. The truth is that I never liked driving. I don't even want a driver's license. I would rather ride in a car. I want someone else to drive me around!

Well, now I have my wish. . .

Our oldest son (17) has his driver's permit. He has been doing all the driving for me for the last few months. He has become an excellent driver.  I am more than happy to give up the wheel for him. Sometimes, he even opens my car door for me.  My guys have always been protective. I love how they take care of me.

Whenever we go out, as a family, Mr. White does the driving. He either opens my door, or tells the children to open it for me.

In the old days, few housewives knew how to drive. They would get a ride from a neighbor, their husband or one of the older children. Housewives mostly stayed home.  For me, having a chauffeur helps bring back some nostalgia of the old days for homemakers. . . And I love it!

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives - 

Some ideas for - A Godly Home.

A Record of Blessings - My Prayer Journal.

Love this - 1894 Advice for Housewives.

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

Lovely Things Going on at Home

Everyone is still sleeping. It is morning and there is hope for a lovely day. We will be heading off to church in a few hours. I have a few quiet minutes to visit with you.

Last night, I did a lot of sorting and throwing out some clutter. I also found several old papers that I enjoyed reading so much. There was this one newspaper from 1998 written by an old fashioned housewife. It was called, "Common Sense at Home." It contained articles, ideas on thrift, homemaking, gardening, advertisements for other homemade publications and also sweet letters from readers. One of the readers was Mrs. Connie Hultquist. At that time, she was writing her own homemade publication. Hers was handwritten, without a computer. She would just go to the local store and make copies of each page and then mail them out to her subscribers. It was so nice to read about all the old time homemaking wisdom! I packed away those newspapers in a big shoebox so they would not get dusty or dirty. It would be an easy place for me to retrieve them anytime I wanted to read them again.

I also made a special supper for all the children. After our meal, the table was cleared off and my three teenagers and I played cards for the next few hours. We play "Rummy." It requires a lot of concentration, thinking and math so it is a good game for homeschoolers. We play several times throughout the day, every day. Even if there are only two of us, one of us will say, "We have to go on an errand, but there is time for one game. Will you play?"

After I went to bed last night, two of the children were still at the table playing cards, talking and laughing. I love to hear their chatter.

Tonight our Youth Group starts up for the school year. The children are excited to attend. It will be a fun year. When they get home, we will sit at the table and play cards while they tell me all about their adventures. And we will eat homemade brownies and drink iced tea.

Blessings
Mrs. White

A Place They Want to Come Home To

The kitchen is the center of the home. When guests come by, a Homemaker always offers a refreshment - food or drink. Sometimes a guest will decline. This is when the Homemaker begins to coax:

"I just baked an apple pie and we have vanilla ice cream to go with it. Wouldn't you like some?

There is a sparkle in the eyes of the guest. They enjoy the delightful treat and have a pleasant visit.

This is the same with our husband and children. They love to hear Mother say, "Can I make you something special to eat?"

This is what I was thinking about last night. It was 4:30 in the afternoon and I didn't know what I was going to make for supper. I wanted everyone to have a lovely evening. I wanted supper to be a family event. I wanted to make sure they always wanted to come home.

So I began working on the environment. I put on my apron and turned on soothing Classical music to inspire me. Here is what I did:

1. I cleared off and washed the kitchen table. (The children had been playing cards earlier.)
2. I placed a vanilla scented candle in the center and then lit it.

I still didn't know what was for supper.

3. I pulled some burger out of the freezer to begin to defrost.
4. I set the table. I used Styrofoam (paper) plates. I put out napkins and forks. I put a glass at every plate.
5. I went in the kitchen and prepared carrot sticks. Then I sliced up some Cracker Barrel Cheddar Cheese and placed these on a small serving plate. Both items were carefully and artfully placed on the table.
6. I found the salt and pepper shakers and put them on the table.

I still didn't know what was for supper.

7. I made a large batch of iced tea and put this in the fridge to chill.
8. I saw one of the children walk through, take some cheese, smile, and then run off.
9. I started to fry up the burger. I added a bit of water to the pan to slow down the cooking, giving it more time to defrost and to prevent burning.

I knew what was for supper.

10. I started to boil water to make egg noodles.
11. I pulled out bread crumbs, garlic powder, vegetable oil, cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Everything would be mixed up together to make a sort of homemade hamburger helper.
12. I warmed English muffins in the toaster oven and then buttered and sliced them in half. These were laid out artfully on a serving plate.

When the food was all finished, I placed it on the table with serving spoons. I called the children for supper. As they sat down, I said:

"Use your best table manners."

I listened as the children talked and laughed while helping themselves to food. When someone began to talk about something I didn't like, I would say, "Not of general interest!" (This lovely phrase is from the 1940's book, "Cheaper by the Dozen" by the Gilbreth family.) This helps keep the conversation appropriate and interesting for everyone.

After A.- (15) finished eating, she lingered at the table. She was smiling and enjoying our company. She did not run off. I was delighted and I noticed. It was a pleasant meal.

This is the kind of place they will want to come home to. It takes effort to create a pleasant environment for the family. But in the process, I am rewarded beyond measure.

Blessings,
Mrs. White

To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

 

For happiness and cheer in the kitchen:

Mrs. White's old fashioned cookbook focuses on serving meals and setting the table in a humble home.

"Serving in the Kitchen: Cookbook with Recipes, Advice, and Encouragement for the Christian Home"

152 pages, paperback

Bible Study for the Reflective Homemaker

At this very moment, I can hear the church bells ringing. The sound is carried throughout our rural Vermont village. It is an awakening to the community and a reminder that a church service will take place in a short time. I dearly wish that happened every single day!

I have come up with a new Bible reading schedule for my personal study time. It is hard, but I am striving to make it a habit. I read 8 chapters in the morning and 8 in the evening.  At mid-day, I do The Prentiss Study.  This reminds me of Scripture which says to meditate on the Word -day and night.  (I am currently working to make the Prentiss Study available for individual use, as a free download and will let you know when it is ready.)

I love reading the Bible this much. I love having it all absorb into my mind. It brings wisdom and understanding. It pushes away worldly culture and helps me think clearly. Instead of putting off Bible reading because of other pressing matters, I am forcing myself to make it a priority. I want to be remembered for what I love to do, not for what I always wished I did.

Can you just picture a content and happy homemaker, reading the Bible throughout the day? It is her joy and comfort in this difficult life.  You may find tears on her cheeks at times, or notice that she is stopping to pray and plead with the Lord, or you may just see a glow on her face, like the shining countenance of Moses when he came off the mountain after getting the Ten Commandments from God.

If only I could truly understand how very important this is, I would keep up with it no matter what was happening in my own life. This is my daily striving for precious holiness.

Blessings,
Mrs. White

 - To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

 

For happiness and cheer in the kitchen:

Mrs. White's old fashioned cookbook focuses on serving meals and setting the table in a humble home.

"Serving in the Kitchen: Cookbook with Recipes, Advice, and Encouragement for the Christian Home"

152 pages, paperback

Review - Love Finds you in Victory Heights

Book - Love Finds You in Victory Heights Washington


I have always wondered what life was like for the women who worked in factories during World War II, in the 1940's. Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss have written a fascinating historical novel with a wholesome Christian-based love story. The main character "Rosalie" is similar to the popular ads portraying the famous "Rosie the Riveter." Rosalie finds faith in God, a love for a good man she never thought she would have, and has some wonderful friends. There are many trials she endures and some sad realities about the suffering of soldiers and their families.

I enjoyed reading about some of the music from that time period. The sayings used, like "doll" and "light a fire under it," were charmingly interspersed throughout the book.

I was amazed at how hard women worked on the home front. I cannot imagine how they did what they did!

* Disclosure - A received a copy of this book from the publisher, through a tour with litFUSE, for review purposes.*

Struggling to Keep House

I just finished reading a few chapters in the Bible. It is getting late, but I want to do a little housework. I have been in pain all day and resting. . . I miss cleaning.    I miss the work of making a home. . .

Sometimes, when I am in too much pain, I think about taking Tylenol, just to make the pain stop so I can have a normal life. But I don't. I would rather rest and avoid the medicine. After a few days, it always goes away. It gets better.

I will try to rest more often so I am not on my feet too much. That is when the pain comes. I can only do so much before I wear out.

I am sure I will be fine by tomorrow, but I just don't like missing out on homekeeping. It is a quiet, reflective art -  to make and keep a home.

I think I will turn on some soothing Classical music and tidy up for a little while. Then I can rest, content and happy.

Tomorrow will be a better day.

Blessings,
Mrs. White

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -