From the first it also implied protection from enemies, a safe retreat from attack and a refuge when wounded.

But above all else it has, through the ages, stood for a safe and retired place for the bringing up of the young of the species.
The colonial houses of New England with large living-room, dominated by the huge fireplace with its outfit of cooking utensils, with groups of buildings for different uses clustered about them, giving protection to the varied industries of the homestead, illustrate the most perfect type of family life.

Each member had a share in the day's work, therefore to each it was home.

To the old homestead many a successful business man returns to show his grandchildren the attic with its disused loom and spinning-wheel; the shop where farm-implements were made, in the days of long winter storms, to the accompaniment of legend and gossip; the dairy, no longer redolent of cream.

These are reminders of a time past and gone, before the greed of gain had robbed even these houses of their peace.