Existing comment:
The Slave Cabin:
Prior to 1860, there is no historical evidence as of the actual number of slave cabins on Oakley Plantation. However, what is known is the number of slaves working on the plantation. James Pirrie had 65 slaves in 1820; Eliza Pirrie-Bowman had at least 245 slaves in 1840. Research conducted at Oakley Plantation and throughout West Feliciana revealed that there were two types of homes for the plantation's slaves.
One type was a one-room frame dwelling that was set on wooden stumps. The cabin also had a front porch, front door, back door, side window, and a side chimney. The entire structure was about 18 feet wide and 17 feet long. The other type of cabin was the same style, only smaller. The other type was only 12 feet wide and 12 feet long. Both types of cabins are displayed here.
Slave cabins were nearly empty on the inside. They were only furnished with the bare necessities. Dishes and cookware were either made by the salves or were "hand-me-downs" from the Big House. The most common item was the calabash. A calabash was a drinking cup made from squash that was dried and hallowed out. The furniture was very primitive as well. The bedding was nothing more than a burlap sack stuffed with Spanish moss, corn shucks, or hay. Wooden benches or small tables were for food preparation, but the floors or porches served as the families' dining areas. |