The slave quarters housed Mansion House slaves and replaced an earlier structure known as the House for Families in 1792. Here as many as 15-20 men, women, and children shared communal living quarters. Other slaves who lived at the Mansion House Farm lived above the buildings where they worked, such as the kitchen or carpenters shop, or lived in small cabins. Although there is a large fireplace, this room would have been cold in the winter and the people who lived here probably slept two or three to a bunk to keep warm.  Each person received a blanket in the fall as part of their yearly rations. Food rations were issued once a week by the overseer. Many slaves also kept garden plots where they grew fresh vegetables to eat and to sell at market.  They prepared their meals in this communal living area.  The work week was six days, with Sundays off.  When not at work, the Mount Vernon slaves had a number of ways to spend their time.  They were free to work in their gardens or hunt and fish.  They also spent time visiting with friends, playing music, and taking part in games and sports.