Stoneware jar

c. 1835-1850
Recovered from the Edwards Place privy
Collection of the Illinois State Musem

This jars was used to store or “put up” food items such as preserves and pickles. In a time before adequate refrigeration, putting up food was a way to preserve garden fruits and vegetables for the winter months when no fresh produce was available. Antebellum Springfield cellars were filled with jars such as this one.