The stained glass window (Van Rensselaer Coat of Arms)
Embroidered coverlet used for decorative bedding.
In Dutch New York times, porridge was very common during mealtime.
Architectural Elements
In colonial Dutch-American houses there were single-gable roofs, glass casement windows, and an exterior door in each room which separated at the middle so the top part could open apart from the bottom part. This would be opened to let light in or even get a wave of fresh air to avoid from stuffiness. The Dutch also incorporated the jambless fireplace which would have been in the houses too. Jambless fireplaces were fireplaces that didn't have any jambs, which were the walls of brick that we know most commonly formed a box shape as in English-style fireplaces. But the Dutch style fireplaces , they had wide, open hearths of red terracotta tiles that extended from the back wall well out into the room, and a massive hood that lazily directed smoke upward into a chimney that rested directly on the anchor beams in the garret above. Often times the white plaster back walls of jambless fireplaces would be adorned with courses of imported blue and white or mulberry and white Dutch tiles. Farmhouses were built as it was a common practice during the time, wishbone-shaped chimneys, and exposed half-timbering and stone arches. Art The stained glass window depicted portrays the Van Rensselaer coat of arms. The window was handed to the First Dutch Reformed Protestant Church of Beverwyck (present-day Albany), New York in the year 1656 by Jan Baptist Van Rensselaer. The church was later torn down in 1805, so the window was put at the head of the stairway in the Van Rensselaer Manor House, which 92 years later in 1895, was torn down as well. The embroidered cover was done by Ruth Culver Coleman. There has been some thought that others may have been involved in the needlework as well but it is not known for sure. The coverlet is used as decorative bedding, to add a beautiful touch to the room. Fabrics such as cotton, and linen were incorporated. Food During mealtime, flour was a main component. They used flour in their porridge which was accompanied with some bread and meat. After the English took over, they started using buttermilk instead of fresh milk in their porridge which gave it a bitter taste. Clothing Most children during colonial times only had two outfits. The boys wore dresses until age 7, when they got their first pair of breeches. The men/older boys wore stockings, garters, doublets (long jacket), breeches, lace up shoes, and a hat. Girls/Women wore petticoats shirts, stockings, garters, waistcoats (vests), coifs (bonnets), aprons,pockets (similar to a pocketbook), and shoes.