This mansion, home to Alexander Campbell and his family, was built in four stages from 1795 to 1840. It may not look like the typical mansion now, but back in the day it was considered to be one of the most beautiful mansions and to be invited to stay in it was a big deal.
In 1795, technology wasn't readily available even for the Campbell family. There were no ovens, no washers or dryers, no TV, no air conditioning, no electricity, and no plumbing. But the things they did have to make up for what they lacked were incredible. They used oil lamps for light, fireplaces in every room for heat and to cook food, chairs with holes cut out which were used as a toilet, and homemade cooking utensils such as dough rollers and butter churns.
Of the items found in the home, I thought the homemade toilet was interesting. We are so used to having plumbing and a toilet where all you have to do is push a handle down and everything just disappears. We forget to think that back then, it all went into a bucket and you had to empty it out. Another thing I thought was neat was the recliner. I wasn't aware that they had reclining seats back then.
A typical day in the Campbell house probably consisted of a lot of worshiping, seeing as how Campbell was a teacher of religion. Alexander would sit in his parlor and right sermons, while the kids either helped out around the house, played the family piano, or played outside, and Campbell's wife helped prepare the meals that the family ate as well as knit the families clothing.
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