The Longhouse

Across the river from Trafton, a short distance below the bridge, stood the Stolouckquamish Longhouse, 30 paces long acid 6 wide, a door in the middle of the front side. From fireplaces inside pictures were painted on the walls. One part of the roof overlapped the other at the top so smoke could leak out but rain could not come in. The walls were made of long, finely hewn boards nailed to heavy studdings. Along the walls all around the room was a row of wide benches also used as beds. A well-built and fine Longhouse, said those who saw it. Here about 50 years ago was held a big Sque-que. In the daytime when Shloqualb shone and in the night when Snoquahl and the Chosads shone, six times it lasted, and everybody had a good time singing. dancing and telling stories. At that time the Indians had acquired a taste for Boston grub and those in charge provided 150 lbs. beans, 200 lbs. of flour and 100 lbs. sugar, and lots of other things. The celebration lasted a week and the house was always crowded. This house was washed out by the river long ago.


Collection:
Bruseth, Nels. Indian Stories and Legends of the Stillaguamish and Allied Tribes. 1926.

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