RosettaStone: CRAFT A primary, secondary, and annotated source reader for functional craft. By: Randi O'Brien

The following is a primary source summary of the following:
Western Style of Living By: Bishop Morris
Bishop Morris, “Western Style of Living”, Ladies Repository, and Gatherings of the West (1841-1848); May 1846; 6(American Periodicals Series Online) pg. 130. http://proquest.umi.com.weblib .lib.umt.edu:8080/pqdwebindex=
3&did=1604719712&SrchMode=2&sid=20&Fmt=10&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&
amp;amp;RQT=309&VName=HNP&TS=1265847962&clientId=48297

Bishop Morris' documentary of western living was found through the American Periodicals Series (200 years of American history as recorded in magazines, journals, and newspapers).
Morris opens his article through a brief life history. He address that he has seen great changes over the 52 year span of his life, 30 years have been spent as an itinerant preacher, and he is the son of a western pioneer. It is of his specific interest to "note the changes in the society of the far-famed west." He further discloses that he is not making specific observation into the account of "the wealthy aristocrat, with his costly mansions, Turkey carpets, silver plate, and thousand dollar carriage; nor the extremely poor man who lives in a wretched hovel, on the floor of the earth, and sleeps in his bundle of straw. They are both exceptions to the rule. My few observations shall have reference to the great mass of western population."

Morris contrasts "modern style" of living with the early style of living in the western country. Morris documents the ornamentation and lavish decor of modern housekeeping. The contrasted lifestyle of western living is simplified in consumption and decoration. Morris further documents the objects within the interior objects of western living: "In order to comfort and convenience, it was requisite, also, to have the following articles: one poplar slab table, two poplar or oak rail bed-steads, supplied with suitable bedding, and covered with cross-barred counterpanes of homemade, one of which was for the accommodation of visitors; six split-bottomed chairs, one long bench, and a few three legged stools were amply sufficient for themselves and friends; a half dozen pewter plates, as many knives and forks, tin cups, and pewter spoons for ordinary use, and the same number of delft plates, cups, and saucers for special occasions." Morris continues his article by addressing land, labor, and concludes with a reflection of the days of "simple hearted, honest friendships, when social life was unembarrassed by the affected and heartless etiquette of modern times".

Personal Conclusion and Evaluation
This article is an interesting account of the relationship between ornamentation and function. Morris is clearly biases towards the simpler social life style of western living. However the documentation of different functional objects being used for separate occasions, for example “special occasions” versus ordinary occasions; as Morris documents in the function of pewter versus delft plates, could be used an exciting primary support for the philosophy that elevates one object over another due to surface decoration (ornamentations versus monochrome), material (porcelain versus pewter), or process (handmade versus factory made). Morris’ article is short and easy read that could be used as a supporting document for research in the specific genera of ornamentation and function.