Lucy Mack Smith’s Oilcloths

   Every member of the family contributed to the household income of Joseph Smith’s family. Joseph Smith Sr., Alvin, and Hyrum were all coopers (barrel and bucket makers), they dug wells for people, hired themselves out to other farmers, cleared trees, split rails, and other labors. Lucy, Joseph’s mother, and his sisters made pies, gingerbread, boiled eggs, and root beer and sold them to neighbors. Lucy also made oilcloths. These floor, table, and counter coverings were linen coated with linseed oil and paint. She made stencils for the painting. Here is an example of a Vermont-style oil cloth we show in the Smith frame home on our tours.