6) Bundle Up

Scarves, woolen stockings, shawls, slippers, hats, sleeping caps, and gloves were worn inside during the coldest days. The many layers that they wore were also a help. Men wore long johns or union suits and the ladies had an abundance of long skirts, petticoats, and bloomers to keep them warm.

Plenty of bedclothes helped to keep folks warm. Via/ Flickr

5) Cast Iron Stoves

The wealthy of the 19th century put as many fireplaces in their homes as they saw fit, sometimes one in every room. Poorer families might have their cooking stove mere feet from their beds- cramped to be sure but very helpful at warming up on cold mornings! Working class families might be at a slight advantage during the second half of the 19th century in that the iron stove could throw off much more heat than a fireplace. The economical stoves soon became very popular for how well they heated rooms and the fact that they could be moved to a new home as needed.

Working class family in their main room which houses a cast iron stove. Via/ Library of Congress

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