In today’s fast-paced world, the old-fashioned skills of our ancestors often hold the key to a more grounded, fulfilling life. My great-grandmother’s way of living was one of self-sufficiency, from gardening and raising livestock to quilting and preserving food. These old-fashioned practices, passed down through generations, continue to enrich my daily life. Join me as I share 20 enduring traditions that connect me to my roots and can inspire your own journey towards a simpler, more rewarding lifestyle.
20 Old-Fashioned Skills My Great-Grandmother Used That I Still Do
I was blessed to know my great-grandmother. She passed away when I was a young girl, but her influence on my life remains strong. Her middle daughter was my grandmother, and she carried on these traditions, teaching them to me.
As you know, my grandparents taught me to embrace and love the homesteading life. To them, it was just life; a farm life was all they knew. What they learned from their parents, they taught me. These old-fashioned skills are not just tasks; they are a way of life, connecting me to my heritage and grounding me in a simpler, more fulfilling way of living.
You can hear my grandparents tell their story in our Voices of Heritage Series.
Reflecting on the many skills my great-grandmother practiced daily, I realize how much these traditions have shaped my own approach to homesteading. Each task, from tending the garden to quilting, carries with it a wealth of knowledge and a deep sense of connection to the past. These skills are more than just ways to get things done—they are a testament to a simpler, more sustainable way of life that values hard work, resourcefulness, and a deep connection to the land and community.
Her life was harder than mine because of the modern conveniences I have, like indoor running water and electricity. I am constantly humbled by the resilience and strength my great-grandmother exhibited every day. Yet, despite these differences, I find immense value and satisfaction in practicing these 20 skills much the same way she did.
These old-fashioned skills connect me to her and my grandmother, reminding me of the timeless beauty of living simply and resourcefully. I hope to inspire you to explore and perhaps adopt some of these enduring traditions by sharing them. They enrich our lives and honor the legacy of those who came before us.
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Food Production
Gardening
My great-grandmother’s garden was her pride and joy. She grew everything from juicy tomatoes to herbs for cooking and medicine using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Her garden was not just a source of food but a symbol of her dedication and hard work. Today, I carry on this tradition, tending my own garden with the same love and care. There’s something deeply satisfying about planting seeds you saved yourself, nurturing them, and reaping the benefits of fresh, homegrown produce.
If you’re inspired to start your own garden, whether by dedicating a small plot of land or using containers on a patio or balcony, we can help. You’ll find a wealth of helpful information here on TFl to help you get started and succeed in your gardening journey. You can browse the gardening section and reach out to us with any questions you might have.
Composting
Nothing went to waste in my great-grandmother’s household. What kitchen scraps weren’t used to feed the pigs, chickens, or dogs, she composted. Composting is a simple yet incredibly effective way to recycle organic material, returning valuable nutrients to the earth.
Composting involves collecting organic waste such as vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and garden waste and allowing them to decompose over time. The result is a dark, crumbly substance known as compost, which is an excellent soil amendment. By incorporating compost into your garden, you improve soil structure, enhance its ability to retain moisture, and provide essential nutrients for plants.
For those interested in diving deeper into composting, TFL offers a wealth of information on composting techniques, from the basics of starting a compost pile to troubleshooting common issues. By adopting this practice, you can reduce your household waste, create a more sustainable garden, and continue the tradition of turning waste into garden gold.
Our companion articles in the Soil Health section will help you be successful.
Raising Chickens for Eggs and Meat
Chickens freely roamed on my great-grandmother and grandmother’s farm, providing fresh eggs, meat, income, and bartering opportunities for the family. Chicken keeping has been passed down through at least seven generations, and I am proud to continue it today. With over 40 years of experience, I’ve come to appreciate the invaluable contributions chickens make to our sustenance farming lifestyle.
Raising chickens is more than just a practical endeavor; it’s a connection to our heritage and a way of life that honors the wisdom of generations. From hatching eggs to feeding and caring for the flock, we follow the traditional practices we learned from my great-grandmother and grandparents. Our chickens supply us with nutritious eggs and meat and bring a sense of fulfillment and continuity.
If you’re inspired to start your own chicken keeping journey or to improve your knowledge and chicken keeping skills, we can help. TFL is filled with articles on chicken keeping, offering guidance on everything from hatching and feeding to ensuring their overall well-being. Whether you’re a novice or looking to refine your skills, you’ll find plenty of resources to help you succeed in raising chickens in our Poultry Section.
Dairy Cows, Pigs, and Poultry
My great-grandmother kept a dairy cow for milk, butter, cheese meat from the bull calves. They also raised pigs and turkeys and kept guineas for eggs and pest control. Continuing this tradition, we keep A2A2 Jersey cows renowned for their rich, creamy milk. This milk isn’t just for drinking; we use it to make butter and have plans to delve into cheese-making. The quality and taste of fresh, home-produced dairy products are incomparable.
We also raise heritage breed pigs, which provide us with high-quality, flavorful meat. Heritage breeds are known for their hardiness and superior taste, making them a valuable addition to our homestead. Alongside our chickens, we keep turkeys and guineas. While these birds provide meat, they also play a crucial role in pest control, roaming the property and naturally reducing flea, tick, and snake populations.
Raising livestock is a commitment that requires daily care and attention, but it offers the reward of homegrown food. If you’re considering adding livestock to your homestead, start small and build your experience. You can read about turkeys, guineas, heritage breed pigs, and what an A2A2 Jersey cow is in our companion articles.
Making Butter From Fresh Cows Milk
Churning butter was a regular chore for my great-grandmother, my grandmother, and for me growing up. It’s a tradition I continue with great joy. The process starts with fresh cream from our A2A2 Jersey cows. I still use an old fashioned churn and follow the same process Granny taught me, the one she learned from her mother.
If you’re interested in trying your hand at butter-making, you don’t necessarily need a traditional churn. You can use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment or a small tabletop electric churn. Whichever method you choose, making butter at home provides a superior product and connects you to a simpler, more hands-on way of living.
Cooking from Scratch
Her kitchen was always filled with the aroma of home-cooked meals, a testament to the care and effort she put into feeding her family. Cooking from scratch with fresh ingredients was a necessity then, driven by the lack of convenience foods and the need to make the most of what they had. My great-grandmother’s approach to cooking has become a cornerstone of my daily life.
Today, cooking from scratch has taken on new importance. In a world where processed foods dominate, and our food supply is often compromised, preparing meals from whole, fresh ingredients is a way to save money and ensure we eat healthily. By taking control of what goes into our meals, we can avoid preservatives and additives, creating dishes that are both nutritious and delicious.
If you’re new to cooking from scratch, start with simple recipes and gradually expand your skills. You will find many of my great-grandmother’s recipes on TFL, especially her desserts. The Recipe section on TFL has recipes and tips to guide you on this journey and help you create wholesome, homemade meals for your family.
Baking Bread
Nothing says home like the smell of baking bread wafting through the kitchen. My great-grandmother baked bread every Saturday, filling her home with warmth and the comforting aroma of fresh bread. I learned to love this process, which connects me to her and the generations before her. As a baker, I’ve learned that I never stop learning and improving my techniques and skills, and that makes bread-making adventurous for me.
Baking bread from scratch is more than just a cooking task; it’s a ritual that brings a sense of accomplishment and a deeper connection to our food. The process of mixing, kneading, and watching the dough rise is both therapeutic and rewarding. The end result is a warm, fresh loaf that surpasses anything you can buy at the store in taste and nutrition.
If you’re new to bread baking, start with a simple recipe. Basic ingredients like flour, water, yeast, and salt are all you need to create a delicious loaf. As you gain confidence, you can explore different types of bread, from sourdough to whole grain.
You’ll find several bread recipes and tips to help you get started and refine your skills here on TFL. From the basics of yeast bread to the art of sourdough to baking with Einkorn flour, you’ll find recipes and tips for baking your own bread. Embrace this timeless tradition and fill your home with the heartwarming smell of fresh bread.
Hunting and Fishing
Hunting and fishing were essential to their way of life, providing fresh meat to supplement their food supply. In our family, it was the men who took on the hunting duties, but the skills and knowledge were shared with everyone, including us girls. We were taught to hunt and fish from a young age, ensuring that these vital skills were passed down through generations.
While I appreciate the importance of hunting and fishing and what they provide, I don’t enjoy them like some in my family do. I only enjoy fishing when the fish are biting! My Uncle Stanley was a fisherman at heart. He made sure we went on fishing trips with him. He would stay out all day whether the fish were biting or not, but he was such a treasure to be with that we always went when invited and had a blast.
There’s something undeniably rewarding about catching or hunting your own food. The peaceful moments spent by the water, the thrill of a catch, the patience required in the hunt, and the satisfaction of providing food for the table are enjoyable. But I prefer to stay home and process and preserve what they bring home.
For those interested in trying their hand at these skills, it’s important to start with the basics. Whether it’s learning how to properly handle a fishing rod or understanding the fundamentals of hunting safety, there are many resources available to get you started.
Housekeeping
Hand Washing Dishes
There was no dishwasher in my great-grandmother’s home; she washed dishes by hand. This practice, which many today might consider a chore, is something I find meditative and grounding, connecting me to simpler times. I haven’t had a dishwasher in over 15 years, and I genuinely enjoy the process of hand washing dishes.
While some people prefer dishwashers for their ease of use, sterilization capabilities, and potential water savings, I find that hand washing offers a unique sense of satisfaction. I remember drawing water from the well and heating it up on the stove to wash and rinse dishes at her house. This memory is a powerful reminder of the resourcefulness and hard work of past generations.
You may enjoy reading about our time living off grid or my Granny Brown’s log cabin.
Using a Clothesline
In my great-grandmother’s time, using a clothesline was the only way to dry laundry, and I continue this simple practice today. There’s something delightful about the fresh scent and crisp feel of sun-dried clothes that a dryer simply can’t replicate.
I still use a clothesline regularly unless I have to do laundry on a rainy day. Watching clothes flutter in the breeze, knowing they are drying naturally, is both satisfying and environmentally friendly. This method saves energy and reduces wear and tear on fabrics, extending the life of our clothes.
Hanging clothes on a line can be a relaxing and mindful task, providing a moment of calm in a busy day. For those new to this practice, start by investing in a sturdy clothesline and some good-quality clothespins. Find a sunny spot in your yard, and embrace the simplicity and eco-friendliness of air-drying your laundry. It’s a small but meaningful way to connect with the past and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Sewing, Quilting, and Knitting
She mended clothes and made beautiful quilts, each piece a testament to her skill and creativity. Thanks to my grandmother, her daughter, who taught me everything I know about sewing and quilting, I am able to carry on these skills.
While my sewing skills don’t even come close to theirs, I still take on small projects like making curtains and tablecloths, as well as mending tears or worn-out places in our clothing. Mending not only extends the life of our clothes but also embodies the resourcefulness that was essential in her time.
I find great joy in quilting. I use my sewing machine for some parts but always do the actual quilting by hand. There’s a deep satisfaction in seeing a quilt come together, stitch by stitch. Quilting, with its rich tradition and practical application, is an excellent way to use fabric scraps and create something beautiful and lasting.
In addition to sewing and quilting, I also enjoy knitting small projects like socks, hats, and gloves. These handmade items provide warmth and carry the personal touch and care that mass-produced items lack. Knitting, like sewing and quilting, is a soothing and rewarding craft that connects me to the past.
For those interested in these timeless crafts, starting with simple projects can build confidence and skill. Whether sewing a set of curtains, mending a favorite shirt, or knitting a cozy pair of socks, these activities are both practical and fulfilling. Many resources are available online and locally. Check with your local library to discover opportunities in your area.
Food Preservation and Sustainability
Canning and Preserving Food
One of my favorite memories of her and my grandmother’s home is the pantry lined with jars of home-canned food, a testament to their hard work and dedication to providing for their family. I continue this tradition, preserving fruits and vegetables from my garden to ensure we have nutritious food year-round. Canning and preserving not only help us avoid food waste but also allow us to enjoy the flavors of summer, even in the depths of winter.
Our pantry now includes a variety of canned goods, from sweet preserves and tangy pickles to home-canned meats. Dehydrating is another method I use to preserve food. Our companion article explains food dehydration.. It allows me to store vegetables and fruits in a space-efficient way, retaining their nutrients and flavors for months. My great-grandmother sundried different berries and fruits to preserve them.
Canning and preserving food provides a sense of accomplishment and ensures that your family has access to wholesome, homegrown food throughout the year. By embracing these techniques, you can take control of your food supply and enjoy the rewards of your hard work long after the growing season has ended.
Our companion articles on canning meat, canning tomatoes, and pickle recipes will help you learn to preserve food safely at home.
Using a Root Cellar
My great-grandmother stored vegetables in a cool, dark root cellar, which kept them fresh throughout the winter months without the need for refrigeration. Currently, part of our basement serves as an improvised root cellar. While it does a good job, we’re looking forward to having a dedicated root cellar that will offer more space and better temperature and humidity control.
A root cellar provides the ideal conditions for storing a variety of vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, beets, and apples. The consistent cool temperature and high humidity help to preserve the produce, maintaining its freshness and nutritional value for months. This method of storage not only reduces our reliance on modern refrigeration but also keeps our homegrown food accessible and in excellent condition through the winter.
For those interested in learning more about root cellars, many resources are available to guide you through the process of building and maintaining one. Embracing this age-old technique can greatly enhance your food preservation efforts, connecting you to a simpler, more sustainable way of living.
Natural Home Remedies and Herbs
She used herbs and natural remedies for health. As a child, I didn’t understand the significance of her “medicine garden,” but I loved being in there with her while she worked it. We use natural remedies regularly in our home. I am currently in the ongoing process of establishing a medicinal herb garden and learning to use it effectively. This journey into natural remedies has been both enlightening and rewarding, as it connects me to time-honored traditions and offers a natural approach to wellness.
Starting your own medicinal herb garden can be a wonderful way to embrace these practices. Even if you have limited space, growing a few key herbs such as chamomile, peppermint, and lavender can provide a wealth of natural remedies. These herbs are relatively easy to grow and can be used in a variety of ways, from teas to tinctures to topical applications.
For those new to herbal medicine, there are many resources available to help you get started. Books, online courses, and community workshops can provide valuable information on how to grow, harvest, and use medicinal herbs safely and effectively. By incorporating these natural remedies into your life, you can enjoy the benefits of homegrown, holistic health care.
If you’re interested in taking the best herbal courses, we recommend Herbal Academy We have several companion articles on natural health and well-being that can also help you on your journey.
Community and Family Life
Storytelling and Oral History
Evenings at my great-grandmother’s, as they were in my grandmother’s home, were often spent sharing stories. This cherished tradition brought the family together and kept our history alive. I continue this tradition, passing down family tales to the next generation. Storytelling not only strengthens family bonds but also preserves our heritage and teaches valuable lessons.
As part of a homeschool history project, my boys sent cassette tapes and a recorder to their great-grandparents, asking them to share their stories. These precious recordings capture the voices and memories of our ancestors, providing an invaluable link to our past. I share these stories in the “Voices of Heritage” series here on TFL, presenting them in their own words.
Listening to these recordings and reading these stories helps us all feel connected to our roots and keeps our family’s legacy alive. The Old-Timey Ways section on TFL also offers more like this.
Taking the time to share stories with your loved ones can have a profound impact. It keeps the family history alive and creates a sense of continuity and belonging. Encourage your family to share their stories through recordings, written memoirs, or simply around the dinner table. These narratives are a treasure trove of wisdom and experience, enriching our lives and ensuring that the legacy of our ancestors continues to inspire and guide us.
Sharing and Trading with Neighbors
Old-timers, like my great-grandmother, firmly believed in the power of community support. She often shared and bartered goods with her neighbors. This sense of community was vital, as it helped everyone get through tough times and built strong bonds between families.
The bartering system is a practical and sustainable way to meet our needs while reducing our reliance on money. It encourages self-sufficiency and helps everyone in the family/community benefit from each other’s skills and resources. Whether it’s trading garden produce, baked goods, work, or skills, bartering creates a sense of interdependence and trust.
Towards the end of every harvest season, we open the gardens and orchards up to family members and friends to come and pick all they need. We pick and deliver to those who cannot physically do it for themselves. By embracing the tradition of sharing and trading, we honor the legacy of our ancestors and create a more connected and sustainable way of living. It’s a beautiful reminder that community support is essential and that together, we can thrive.
If you have surplus produce or homemade goods, consider sharing them with your neighbors. Start small by offering a few extra tomatoes or a batch of cookies. As you build these connections, you may find others eager to share their surplus in return. This practice helps everyone reduce waste and strengthens the fabric of your community, making it more resilient and supportive.
Front Porch Sitting
She lived at the dead end of a dirt road. They ended every day sitting on the front porch enjoying the nightshades settling in, watching the animals bedding down for the night, and telling stories while the whippoorwills sang their evening song. Some of my favorite memories are rooted on my grandmother’s front porch, a place that was more than just a spot to rest—it was the heart of the home.
Neighbors passing by on that old one-lane dirt road would often see us sitting there and stop for a cup of coffee or a glass of iced tea. These spontaneous visits turned into cherished front porch gatherings. We did all sorts of activities on that porch. Shelling peas, peeling apples, and chatting away with family and friends filled many afternoons.
The front porch was a place where work felt like leisure, thanks to the company and the peaceful surroundings. The simple act of sitting on the porch, enjoying the fresh air and the slow pace of life, created a sense of community and connection that is hard to find today.
I cherish these moments too, and continue the tradition of front porch sitting. It’s a wonderful way to relax, reflect, and take a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Even just a few minutes on the porch can bring a sense of peace and contentment. We are the only ones who live on our road, so we don’t see neighbors, but those who come here are treated to a front porch visit.
If you have a porch or even a small balcony, take the time to sit and enjoy it. Invite neighbors over for a casual visit, or simply watch the world go by. These moments of relaxation and connection are priceless, and they remind us of the enduring value of slowing down and savoring the simple joys in life.
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Wrap UP
Thinking about these things I still do like my great-grandmother did fills me with immense satisfaction and a deep sense of connection to my roots. These old-fashioned skills have shaped my life in meaningful ways and offer a rewarding, fulfilling way to live. I encourage you to try some of these time-honored traditions. Whether it’s gardening, baking bread, or sitting on the front porch, these simple activities can bring so much joy and purpose.
What traditions have you kept alive in your family? I’d love to hear your stories and experiences. Sharing these skills and memories helps us all stay connected to our heritage and each other. Let’s keep these timeless skills thriving together, passing them down to future generations and enriching our lives in the process.
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