222 HISTORY OF BROOKLYN.

The first dwellings of these pioneer families were mostly constructed, as we learn, in the Indian fashion, of saplings and bark; with here and there a wooden chimney, or glazed window,—improvements suggested by the experience of civilization. Others again, consulting comfort rather than show, constructed cellars, sided with bark and covered with thatched reeds, which, although deficient in light, were snug and warm. In a few years, however, the establishment of a saw-mill on Manhattan Island, supplied timber for more substantial abodes; and the improving circumstances of the settlers were gradually evidenced by the appearance of a better class of dwellings, one story in height, with two rooms on a floor, and a garret overhead. These humble cottages were roofed with straw thatch, and had fireplaces constructed of stone, to the height of about six feet, having an oven of the same material at the side of the fireplace, and extending beyond the rear of the house. But, in the absence of bricks, the chimneys above the stone-work were made of boards, plastered inside with mortar. Each dwelling was surrounded by strong palisades, as a protection against the savages.

The furniture within these humble edifices was of the simplest sort, and such merely as was necessary to the every-day purposes of life. The great chest, with its precious stores of household goods, was the most imposing article of furniture. Tables were of domestic manufacture; stools, rough-hewn from forest wood, answered the uses of chairs; while rude shelves assumed the office of a cupboard. The “slaap-banck,” or sleeping-bench, usurped the offices of a bedstead, but upon it the ample feather-bed lay in state, and made up in comfort what was wanting in display.

Such was the general character of the dwellings of New Netherland, for some thirty years succeeding its settlement, during which time many of its industrious citizens had accumulated considerable wealth, their children had grown up, and the community had gradually developed the shades of social distinction, consequent upon the advancing prosperity of its members. As early as the year 1656, several of the merchants of New Amsterdam had erected stone dwelling-houses, and there had been a corresponding advance in the style of living, among all classes. In the interior decorations of their abodes this was plainly seen; great high-post bedsteads,