Homesteads of Saint-Léon
Translated from Odile Martel's book Pionniers de la Montagne Pembina p. H-55 The Huts of the First Settlers First, a temporary log hut (tree trunks) left as is or squared by hand had to be built. The cracks between the logs were clogged or stained with clay. Quite 5, the colon installed the floor only a year or two later. Fortunately, the roofs covered with curves or earth and hay were relatively watertight. But sometimes it was enough for heavy rain to sink them or even collapse. It was not until 1881 that the Messner mill shingles became available. The only furnishings of these huts were some very rough furniture, such as a table and chairs cut with an axe, a stove, and a straw mattress. (Family unidentified) Land clearing and Agricultural Work Land clearing was a very laborious undertaking. The village was originally surrounded by woodland. The settler had to cut down the trees with an axe, burn the branches and tear the roots and stumps one by one with a spike. He would clear...