Homestead mailing list

[Clansgian AT wmconnect.com]

In a message dated 12/8/2008 12:49:37 AM Eastern Standard Time, 
erthnsky AT bellsouth.net writes:

(Bev)
> >I tend to agree with James' economic view, maybe because he uses terms I 
> understand..trading potatoes, and such..
> 
> >I drank a beer last summer, and it was a Sam Adams. I thought it was 
> very good..
> 

Back in the days when coins were rare and regualtions on the essential things 
in life were likewise rare, beer was indeed used as currency.

Beer doesn't keep like rum does.  But it was the custom for families to brew 
up a great vat of beer and then hang a boot on the gate post to show that 
beer 
was available there.  All and sundry would descend on that household for 
tankard or a pitcher and the alewife would note in her ledger (mentally or 
physically) who had how many rounds and deduct what she owed accordingly.  

This is the origin of the term "Mind your p's and q's"  It means "Mind your 
pints and quarts."

Now, I'd drink to that system!


James