10 Unusual Items Colonial Americans Kept at Home

Colonial America was a world filled with peculiarities, both in everyday life and in the belongings people kept in their homes.

The early settlers had limited access to mass-produced goods, which often made their personal belongings reflect their environment, survival needs, and cultural roots.

In this article, we explore ten of the oddest items Colonial Americans kept at home, objects that today may seem strange but were indispensable in 17th- and 18th-century life in the New World.

Toad Medicine

During Colonial times, medical practices were rudimentary, and many of the treatments we consider old wives’ tales today were standard procedures. One such bizarre remedy involved using toads.

It was common for people to keep dried or live toads in their homes, believing they could cure a range of ailments, from warts to epilepsy.

The idea was that toads were a powerful source of medicinal properties, with their skin believed to contain healing oils. This belief was deeply rooted in the magical thinking of the time, and many colonial families kept these amphibians as part of their health routines.

Mummies for Medicinal Use

The obsession with mummies in Colonial America was not only about the fascination with Egyptian culture. Some Colonial Americans kept mummies in their homes for their perceived medicinal value.

Mummia, as it was known, was ground into a powder and believed to treat various diseases, including plague and internal injuries.

This practice persisted well into the 19th century and often involved purchasing these mummified remains from European markets where they were seen as a source of rare and powerful healing substances.

Witch Bottles

In an era rife with superstitions, many Colonial Americans kept witch bottles in their homes. These small ceramic vessels, typically filled with a mixture of urine, nails, pins, and other personal items, were believed to ward off evil spirits or witches.

It was thought that the items inside the bottle would absorb any negative energy or curses directed toward the household. These bottles were often buried or hidden beneath the home’s floorboards, an invisible yet powerful form of protection.

Squirrels as Pets

While it may seem odd today, some families in Colonial America kept squirrels as pets. These creatures were not only viewed as cute, but they also had practical uses.

Their fur was highly prized for making clothing and bedding, while their hunting abilities helped protect the family’s food stores.

Squirrels were often domesticated and allowed to roam freely through the house, creating an interesting dynamic within the home. For families in rural areas, having a squirrel as a pet was a practical and often entertaining choice.

Lockets with Hair or Teeth

In a time when people lived short lives and death was ever-present, keepsakes were deeply meaningful. One common item in Colonial homes was a locket containing hair or teeth from deceased loved ones.

These items were cherished and worn close to the heart as a reminder of the deceased. Hair, in particular, was thought to be connected to the soul, and keeping it was a way to remember loved ones who had passed.

These lockets often featured intricate designs and were carefully crafted to display hair or teeth in a decorative manner.

Preserved Animal Parts

Another unusual item found in Colonial homes was preserved animal parts, often displayed as signs of status or wealth.

These could include mounted animal heads, such as deer antlers or birds of prey, which were considered symbols of the owner’s prowess as a hunter. In wealthier households, entire taxidermied animals were kept as a display of wealth and success.

These items were also sometimes used to decorate rooms, giving homes a distinctly natural, yet somewhat macabre, atmosphere.

Colonial Dowsing Rods

Dowsing, or divining, was a common practice in Colonial America, especially among those living in rural or unsettled areas. A dowsing rod, often a Y-shaped branch or a metal rod, was used to locate water sources beneath the earth.

Colonists believed the rod would bend or twitch when held over a spot where water was present.

While the scientific basis for dowsing is questionable, the belief in its power was strong, and many people kept these rods at home as essential tools for survival in unfamiliar terrain.

Powder Horns

In the colonial period, gunpowder was an essential part of daily life, especially for those living on the frontier. Powder horns were used to store and carry gunpowder for firearms.

They were often intricately carved and decorated, reflecting both the item’s practical and symbolic importance.

These horns were not only tools for defense and hunting but also status symbols, with elaborate designs that showcased the owner’s craftsmanship and the family’s wealth.

Moss and Fern

Despite the lack of modern conveniences, Colonial Americans had a keen understanding of the therapeutic properties of plants.

Many families kept small herbal gardens in their homes, growing moss, ferns, and other medicinal herbs on windowsills or in specially designated pots. These plants were used for a range of purposes, from soothing illnesses to providing ingredients for potpourri and perfumes.

The practice of growing and preserving medicinal plants was especially common in households where access to doctors and pharmacies was limited.

Horns and Shells as Currency and Decoration

In an era when bartering was still common, Colonial Americans often used objects like horns and shells as currency, or at least as items with exchange value.

These objects were also kept as decorative items, with their unusual shapes and textures often incorporated into household displays.

Some horns, particularly those from cows or goats, were also used to make practical items such as cups, spoons, and other utensils. Shells were collected and polished to make jewelry or used as tokens of trade among native tribes and settlers alike.

Conclusion

The items Colonial Americans kept in their homes offer a fascinating glimpse into their lives, beliefs, and practices.

From the supernatural to the practical, these objects were not only essential to their survival but also reflected their culture, status, and connection to the world around them.

Understanding these peculiarities helps us appreciate the ingenuity, creativity, and resilience of the people who built the foundations of modern America.