In use year round, the kitchen was one of the liveliest buildings on the plantation. The fireplace is large enough to roast a whole ox and to warm the huge copper and brass vessels gleaming on the hearth. Among the many utensils seldom seen today are a medicinal still and a spit jack that could be wound to turn the roasting spit automatically.

Outside the kitchen, the well is only a few steps from the door and kindling is conveniently stacked. Included among the many kitchen yard activities were candle dipping, soap making and laundry chores.

LAUNDRY

Although now furnished as a wash house, the room adjoining the kitchen may well have been a larder or dairy. Various types of irons were used for pressing ruffles and flat sections of clothing. The reel for dipping candles was an important tool, since hundreds of candles were required to light the Great House throughout the year.

Continue on to the Smokehouse, or you may choose which building to visit from either the Java Site Map or Non-Java Site Map.