The Great Second Advent Movement: Its Rise and Progress

Housekeeping under Difficulties

In April, 1852, Elder White moved from Saratoga Springs to Rochester, N.Y. It was in this city, at 124 Mt. Hope Avenue, that they for the first time set up housekeeping with articles purchased instead of borrowed. But such was their anxiety to make the publishing work a success, in order that the paper might be regularly published, and thus the truth be spread abroad, that they denied themselves of many of the common comforts of life. GSAM 316.3

The manner in which they began housekeeping at this time, you can read in the following private letter written by Mrs. White to S. Howland’s family, April 16, 1852:— GSAM 316.4

“We are just getting settled here in Rochester. We have rented an old house for $175 a year. We have the press in the house. Were it not for this, we should have to pay $50 a year for office room. You would smile, could you look in upon us and see our furniture. We have bought two old bedsteads for twenty-five cents each. My husband brought me six old chairs, no two of them alike, for which he paid one dollar, and soon he presented me with four more old chairs, without any seating, for which he paid sixty-two cents for the lot. The frames were strong, and I have been seating them with drilling. Butter is so high we do not purchase it, neither can we afford potatoes. We use fruit sauce in the place of butter, and turnips for potatoes. Our first meals were taken on a fireboard, placed upon two empty flour barrels. We are willing to endure privations if the work of God can be advanced. We believe the Lord’s hand was in our coming to this place. There is a large field for labor, and few laborers. Last Sabbath our meeting was excellent. The Lord refreshed with his presence.” GSAM 316.5