Dr. Rotman:

Concerning the issues you've raised, you might find my recently published book  helpful.  Although it is called "Colonial Virginia's Cooking Dynasty," the book is about archaeology at Curles plantation (near Richmond, Virginia), the overall history of early Virginia as well as site-specific history of Curles, social prescriptions, influence of frontier conditions and cultures on Virginian foods and   touches of human comedy.

The first third of the book covers the issues of interest to you, including the fact that Richard Randolph and his wife Jane Bolling moved from their simple house to a mansion with their growing family.  Their house was then converted into use as a kitchen and abode for the enslaved cook and her family.  (The Randolphs, however, were not the first family to live at Curles, but they lived there for three generations.) The archaeological site at Curles is discussed in detail, showing the connection between the family's growth and the archaeological record.  A site plan of Curles is included, illustrating its expansion over time as revealed through the archaeological work conducted by Dr. L. Daniel Mouer several years ago.

(The second third of the book then discusses the categories and history of foods as well as the influence of British, French, Indian and African cultures on the early Virginian cookery.  The last third of the book reproduces the recipes as found from the two related culinary manuscripts. One, dated c. 1700, was first copied from an earlier manuscript by a yet unknown author. The other cookbook, by Jane [Bolling] Randolph, was initially written during the years 1737-1743.)

The book, published by the University of South Carolina Press, is available online as well as through bookstores such as Barnes and Noble, Borders, et al.

Katharine E. Harbury
P.O. Box 2098
Mechanicsville, VA 23116






> Dear Colleagues --
>        I am interested in how the developmental cycle of a family/household
> (i.e., newlyweds, young family, elderly couple) shapes uses of the material
> world -- and by extension, impacts the formation of the archaeological record.
> I am seeking references for studies in historical archaeology where
> developmental cycle was central to interpretation.  I appreciate your kind
> assistance.
>
> Deborah Rotman, Ph.D., RPA
> Department of Sociology and Anthropology
> Purdue University
> 700 West State Street
> West Lafayette IN  47907
>