Bed Paddle
A cursory internet search for "Bed Paddle" yields an unexpected array of results, from canoe paddles to modern bed-making tools, leaving one to wonder: where is the true link to a "Bed Paddle"? The elusive nature of this term piques curiosity and prompts a journey into the history of colonial comfort and domesticity.
In the early days of American settlement, comfort was a luxury achieved through satisfaction of space and proportions rather than plush furnishings. Chairs were hard and flat, and beds offered little respite from the rigors of daily life. Enter the American rope bed—a marvel of simplicity and functionality that served as the ultimate in comfort for colonial settlers.
Constructed with wooden frames and ropes strung across, the rope bed may seem rudimentary by today's standards, but it provided a surprisingly adequate resting place for its occupants. In an era marked by vigorous activity and laborious tasks, sleep was a precious commodity, and the rope bed offered a sanctuary of repose amidst the toils of frontier life.
Image from Eric Sloane's booklet American Yesterday (1956)
However, comfort in colonial bedrooms extended beyond the humble rope bed. Antique shops often showcase wooden "butter paddles" with slanted handles, a curious find until one unravels their true purpose as bed-patters. These paddles were essential tools for maintaining the shape and fluffiness of feather beds, requiring regular patting and fluffing to restore their loftiness after a night's sleep. As a cherished wedding gift in the eighteenth century, a bed-patter symbolized the practicality and domesticity of marital life, offering newlyweds a means to preserve their sleeping comfort and marital harmony.
The legacy of the bed paddle serves as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of early American homemakers, who found innovative solutions to enhance their daily lives amidst the challenges of frontier existence. As we unravel the mysteries of colonial comfort and domesticity, we gain a deeper appreciation for the simple yet profound ways in which our ancestors sought solace and tranquility in the midst of a rugged and unforgiving landscape.
Carpet Beater
"Bed Paddle" should not be confused with a "Rug Beater". Housework has always been physically demanding and time-consuming labor. In the 19th century coal and wood burning stoves constantly soiled walls, drapes, and carpets, so that rug beating, along with window and floor washing, would have been a necessary chore. Usually made of wood, rattan, cane, wicker, spring steel or coiled wire, rug beaters were commonly used to beat dust and dirt out of rugs. A rug beater's flexibility depended on the number of woven switches it had in its paddle, a two-switch beater being more flexible than a three- or four-switch one. What you know as a traditionally designed rattan carpet beater is great for cleaning the dust from rugs. However, it was imported to America much later.
All proceeds from the sale of the "House of the Messenger" support the Joseph Greer Chapter and the Tennessee Society, Sons of the American Revolution. The funds will be allocated to historical and educational programs dedicated to the founding principles of the republic and the Constitution of the United States.
