Native American Plank House

Native American Plank House. . , Before 1880 most Anishinaabe people, the first local indigenous people, lived in wigwams or long houses. By the 1880s, hunting could no longer support an Anishinaabe family and many took wage jobs and began a more sedentary life in more permanent homes. Some of the more prosperous might build a log home like the Detweiller farmhouse, but many built small (16 by 20 foot) plank houses like this building., Compared to a wigwam, a plank house was a more durable sleeping shelter. But it still honored Native traditions with the front door facing east. The main floor, often simply dirt, provided living space. A fire in the center provided warmth and a spot for cooking. The house had a simple chimney or smoke hole in the roof. A second floor loft was used for sleeping, protecting the family from intruders and wild animals., Except during the coldest winter days, most of the day was spent outside farming, harvesting, and cooking as well as creating the tools of survival like basket making! A lean-to on the side of a plank house served as a work area. Many men took cash-paying jobs working in local farms, sawmills, or on fishing boats., [Captions:] , Notice the types of housing of Chief Mastow of Mackinaw City, two teepees to the left, a style inherited from Plains Indians, and a plank house to the right. Above is a multi-family longhouse., This Chippewa delegation went to Washington, D.C. in 1899. Their variety of clothing reflects the changing lifestyle of native people at the turn of the century., The Odawa tribe avoided trans-location during the Jacksonian era when many tribes were sent west. They still live in the area and practice traditional ceremonies. A tribal elder recorded the tribe's story as a video that can be seen when the plank house is open., Since most plank houses had no electricity, students in Mackinaw's science class outfitted this building with solar power for the video player.