When we hear about the Colonial times, we are often painted a picture of a hard-working and determined people. And while those alive in the Colonial era did certainly put in the hours, much like people today, they also made time for leisure and fun. While the go-to activities may have shifted over the years, what remains the same is mankind’s desire for a bit of excitement in our day to day lives. And when we look back, we often discover that while the settings may have changed, the little things which bring us delight have oft remained the same. Today, let’s take a trip back in time and examine what a day of fun may have looked like for our nation’s early settlers.
From the time of its discovery to this very day, music has always been something which brings people together. Whether it was at a concert hall or in the walls of their own home, the Colonial population had no shortage of musical fun. As it was commonplace for children and grownups alike to know how to play an instrument, families would often come together and play music with and for one another. Singing was also a popular way to pass the time, both while working and at play. Common instruments you might have found in a family home include flutes and fifes, fiddles, pianos, and more. Music has always meant a great deal to humanity, and our Colonial predecessors were certainly no stranger to singing, dancing, and playing music to pass the time.
After a long day on the job, there is nothing quite like gathering your crew and hitting the town for some happy hour fun. And back in the Colonial era, a trip to your local tavern was the place to be for laughter and libations. The tavern also served as a significant driver of social interaction, offering individuals a space to network, discuss business, and meet with their peers. Taverns would also host games and other leisure-time activities for guests, further adding to the lively and spirited atmosphere. In many ways, the tavern was far more than just a local watering hole – it was an integral part of the social and political fabric of early America. But putting the serious business aside, the tavern remains the best way for you and your buddies to grab a brew back in America’s earliest days.
The children of the Colonial era would oft pass the time playing with toys or games, many of which are still popular today. Some games that you may recognize which were popular in the 1700s and beyond include hopscotch and hide and seek. Children also participated in a number of outdoor recreational activities like swimming, flying kites, and exploring nature. As toys were often too expensive for the average family to buy, many children had no choice but to get creative and craft toys out of items they had lying around the house. Rather than relying on a toy store, the kids of yesteryear thought outside the box and made their own fun what they had available to them. An inspiring change of pace from the store-bought fun many children today enjoy, these youngsters exemplify what it means to make the most of what you have.
Although the technologies, settings, and execution may have changed, history reminds us that no matter where or who we are, there are certain aspects of the human experience which have continued to endure throughout the generations. Whether it be through a song or a drink with friends, life’s simple pleasures are often the ones which mean the most. As a community with deep roots in the Colonial era, it is heartening to know that those who resided in our city all those years ago may have made the same memories when seeking out fun. It has oft been said that the more things change, the more they stay the same, and how we spend our leisure time with friends and loved ones is certainly no exception.
