Pioneer history of Ingham County, compiled and arranged by Mrs. Franc L. Adams, secretary of the Ingham County pioneer and historical society.

INGHAM TOWNSHIP AND ITS HISTORY

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her old age would knit and sew, even when she could make nothing but holders. She had her own loom and her spinning and
weaving were quite notable.
We of this generation scarecly realize the methods of our grandmother's cooking, which was done at a fireplace, the kettle hanging
from a hook or crane. Beans were cooked in an iron kettle that
had a tight-fitting iron cover with a handle. The beans were
parboiled, then pork was added and the kettle buried, with its
contents, in the coals for hours.
The first ovens, made before bricks could be procured, were
built after this fashion: A pile of wood was made very compact,
the size and shape of the oven desired, and then plastered over with
clay. The wood was burnt out and the clay was made by the
action of the fire, as strong as and serviceable as brick. When
baking was to be done a fire was built in it some time before it
was wanted, then when thoroughly heated the coals were taken
out and bread, pies, cakes and all sorts of good things were put in,
those articles requiring least baking being placed in the front,
where they could be taken out handily. When the tin ovens came
into use they were considered a great invention. These set before
the fireplace. and were open on the side of the fire, the heat being.
reflected on the other by the cover.
William Avery remembers well the first stove they ever used.
The top was circular, with a griddle in the center and four other
holes around it. The top revolved, allowing the cook to bring
each part of the top within easy reach. This article was secondhand and after a time was replaced with a Clinton air-tight stove
with an elevated oven, the door of which dropped down. It cost
$30, which was paid in chopping. The same amount was paid for
a clock, a few years later, and the brass works of this timepiece
are still running.
(Written 1899 by Lillian Drake Avery, of Pontiac, for a Family
Record.)