The Curator’s Corner:

Daily Routine at the Mission Dolores in the late 18th Century

Details of a typical mission day come from the second Padre Presidente of the Alta California Missions, Father Fermin Francisco de Lasuen.

Father Lasuen wrote in 1786 that a typical day at Mission Dolores (San Francisco) began at sunrise. Everyone would go to church for morning Mass, prayers, and teachings called the Doctrine (The Doctrina Lessons lasted for at least an hour). The Fathers taught in Spanish and the native language. Mass and prayers were followed by Breakfast. 

After breakfast began the workday. In all, the Indians learned 50 or more different trades at Mission Dolores. A typical workday for men and boys included: working in the fields, gardens, and workshops; plowing with oxen or harvesting crops; and helping with building. Brick-makers were expected to make 28 adobe bricks in a six-hour workday; When they finished, they could take time off. A typical work day for women and girls included: Work in groups to prepare food; Take care of the children; Raise chickens; Weave cloth; and, Roast corn and grind it with a roller on a stone.

All took Lunch at noon, then went to church for midday prayers, after which everyone returned to work. In the late afternoon, all returned to the church to learn more about the Doctrine. Then followed Supper and free time.

Sundays and feast days accounted for 92 days out of the year. On those days, the Indians did not have to work, but they had to go to church for about half a day.

 To be continued…..