Chicken was not thought of in the 19th century as nutritious as pork.

Yet it comprised an important part of the diet of Lexington County residents then.

Chickens would have roamed around the farmyard during the day looking for bits of food spread by livestock or scraps thrown out of the kitchen.

They would have searched for seeds and insects. At night, chickens would return to the house where they were raised.

The Lexington County Museum’s chicken house dates from around 1890 and came from the Hendrix family. Besides food, chickens were used for feathers and eggs.

P.S. The Friends of the Lexington County Museum elected new officers at its April meeting. Constance Caractor Flemming is the new president, John Derrick presidentelect and Tim Hill vice president. Bobbie Sox is treasurer. Carol Metts recording secretary and Connie McFarland corresponding secretary. The Friends presented former president Dan Koon with a gift to show their appreciation.

JR Fennell is Lexington County Museum director.