Quote: The first labor strike in Salem

The high cost of living in 1778 was the cause of the first labor "strike" in Salem. A number of young men lived in the Single Brethren's House. They pursued various trades, received a regular salary, took their meals in the common dining hall and paid a fixed price for board. In view of the increased cost of living they requested a larger salary, and expressed a willingness to pay more for their meals. The proper authorities increased the salaries and fixed the price for the meals. The scale did not please the young men. In an evening conference they were admonished to consider these matters in a correct and proper light. A young man spoke rather freely on the subject, and he was advised to seek a wider field in which to use his talents. When the young men returned to the Brethren's House the smoldering fires of discontent broke out, and the next morning they left their work, hoping that the day laborers would follow. Some of the young men went from Salem to Bethabara, others went into the woods, and thus they passed the day. In the evening all were satisfied with the length of the 'one day strike', and returned, humbly asking pardon for their insubordination, and realizing that they had become the laughing stock of the town. 

The Winter of 1788

January 13, "Because of the hard, cold rain and slippery roads the services were not well attended." January 16. Icy rain and slippery roads.

January 24. An eighteen-inch snowfall
.
January 26. The coldest day, thermometer at 1 degree.

February 6. Snow.

February 21. Again deep snow.

each."

December 19 "It has grown so cold that we feel that it was not equaled last winter. Unfortunately the only thermometer in town,
privately owned, has been broken." 

Quote:Treatment for snake bite

September 8, 1787- "In Friedland Br. Martin Schneider was bitten in the hand by a rattlesnake which had hidden under some wood. A few days before he had heard a man from the Catawba River recommend a treatment for such a case, so he moistened a little cooking salt with water, and held the wounded hand in it, which relieved the worst pain, and the hand did not swell much. Friedland members hastened to his assistance, killed the rather large snake and laid some of its fat on the wound, bandaged the hand tightly above the bite, and gave him a drink made from bitter herbs. All of this prevented the dreaded evil results, and by the next day Br. Martin had recovered sufficiently from the fright to hold services as usual." (Salem Diary) 

Quote: No more brandy for day-laborers

April 23, 1784-"Congregation Council put an end to the bad practice of giving day-laborers a dram of brandy in addition to their wages, is not good for our young men who support themselves as day-laborers." 

Quote: About children in early Salem

September 26, 1785 -"In the conference with parents it was pointed out how needful it is that outside of school hours the children should be kept busy in useful employment. The parents were also urged not to misunderstand the faults and shortcomings of their children, but with insight to exercise more faithfulness, diligence, and patience in bringing them up according to the Will of Jesus." July 11, 1786 - "It is important to impress upon our youth the all important things of human life, -- industry, faithfulness, obedience, economy, good manners, and to do unto others as they would be done by." (Auf. Col.)