The candle, made of either tallow or bayberry wax, was the standard
lighting device at Jamestown. Pine torches were often used out of doors,
and rushlights and candlewood were undoubtedly used in the humbler
dwellings during the very early years of the settlement. Candlesticks
unearthed at Jamestown include a large brass pricket holder, one made of
English sgraffito-ware, several incomplete earthenware holders, and
parts of delftware candlesticks. Many fragments of brass and iron
candlesticks, as well as a few candle snuffers, have also been
recovered.

[Illustration: BOTH BRASS AND POTTERY CANDLESTICKS HAVE BEEN FOUND. THE
CANDLE WAS THE STANDARD LIGHTING DEVICE DURING THE 17TH CENTURY.]


FIREPLACE ACCESSORIES

The fireplace, around which the family gathered, was one of the most
important features in the Jamestown home. Its fire offered warmth in
winter, afforded light at night, and cooked the family meals during the
day. An oven, usually found at the back or at one side of the fireplace,
baked the family bread and other foods. About the fireplace, many home
chores were carried out, including spinning and sewing; and not far from
the glow of the burning logs the children learned their daily lessons
and received their early religious training. Social activities were
enjoyed about the hearth, especially during the long winter evenings;
and when a member of the family was ill, the fireplace and its
accessories were in constant use. The fireplace was the first place
visited by the housewife in the early morning, and was usually the last
place where she performed her household duties late at night.