"Abridged from [the author's] Home life in colonial days and Child life in colonial days."

Homes of the colonists -- The Light of other days -- The Kitchen fireside -- The Serving of meals -- Food and drink -- Babyhood -- Childhood -- Education of boys and girls -- Old-time discipline -- School books -- Writing -- Story and picture books -- Games, pastimes, and toys -- Girls' and boys' occupations -- Needlecraft and decorative arts -- Flax culture and spinning -- Wool culture and spinning; cotton -- Hand weaving -- Dress of the colonists -- Religion in the colonies -- Colonial neighborliness -- Old-time flower gardens -- Travel, transportation, and taverns.

Studies the domestic aspects of American life, examining such features as clothing, houses, food, furniture, toys, games, books, and various arts and crafts.