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Turtle Island
Visitors to this Pit House
 The longhouse is home to many families. The men built the framework of elmwood, and the facings and roof of elmbark. The man lived with his wife's family. Smoke from the cookfires escapes through staggered holes in the roof. Outdoor fireplaces were used in good weather. In heavy rain and snow the smokeholes were partially closed by a series of shutters. The roof was high, but the eyes sting from the smoke. The firepit is the place for socializing, warmth and light. The soupkettle here is always on. No doubt here are many smells of beargrease, soot, tobacco, and humanity. At the very least it is warm and dry. On each sidewall, divided by central corridors, are raised platforms separated by skin curtains for privacy. Here the entire family can sleep snug among a variety of furs. Above our heads are deep shelves for storage. Every pole, beam, and rafter carries a load of drying foods-peppers, squash, apples, corn, and herbs of all kinds. Hollow logs are used for pulverizing dried corn and other grains. The shelves hold baskets, pottery, weapons, spare skins, cooking implements, antlers, and corn husk mats.
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