Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 June 1894 — Beds Like Cupboards. [ARTICLE]

Beds Like Cupboards.

“The peasentß of Brittany have some strange customs, and one of tiiem is of quite ancient origin," said a tr aveler. “Many years ago their coast was visited by pirates, who invaded the houses and carried off all the money and valuables they could find. In order to protect themselves in the future, the people had an odd kind of a bedstead made, which looks Exactly like a cupboard with shelves and a door. On the lower shelf slept the ma ter of the house and his wife, while the children of the household were distributed on the upper shelves. A small opening like the port-hole on a steamship was made against each shelf, and covered with a wire sieve, which admitted the air. At bed-time the family crept into their respective places, taking their treasures with them, and, locking the door, slept with a feeling of perfect security. Many of these curious articles of furniture are still to te found in the old houses of Brittany, and are highly prized by curiosity seekers. “