Handyman husband

We packed for our vacation in the Kawarthas with family members. Every time we go, a pail or box of tools go with us. You see, my husband is a mechanic at heart and was one by his trade. Our grown-up kids ask him for advice on a variety of matters from vehicles to house and electrical issues. And so the pail of tools went along with us.

The first day, we had lunch soon after arriving. The girls played outdoors or in at the trailer and some of us had a nap. We decided on a lazy relaxing day and planned for a tour of Lang Pioneer Village the next day.

We’d been to Lang’s before, and now the girls were old enough to enjoy it more. One remembered the mill on our arrival whereas the younger one didn’t remember her previous visit.

We collected our map on paying the entrance fee and decided where to start. We also collected some cards at the gift shop that we could use to name our favourite locations in the village. We talked with the girls about it and I wrote down staff names for each location in my little notebook.

making rag dolls at the General Store

One of the stops our granddaughters especially enjoyed was making rag dolls with Lauren on the front verandah of the General Store in the village. They carried their dolls around, pleased with the outcome.

One of the best things about this village was the interactive possibilities for children as they often learn better by doing. So do many adults as well.

The girls were surprised by some of the things they learned, such as how a family of four could sleep in one bed in the Fife cabin, and how the cooking was done in a fireplace, and why the women couldn’t play games like the men did in the Keene Hotel. It was good fodder for discussion, comparing the things girls and women can do today with what happened in the 1880s to the 1920s.

The Register

Joshua, at the Register, showed us the process of printing newspapers and flyers in the print shop and told us that the chase (printing block) was set up one letter at a time.

The Weavery

Amory at the Weavery showed the girls how basic weaving is done with a small loom and gave them opportunity to try pushing the shuttle through. He told us that the piece they were helping with would most likely become a little purse to sell at the General Store.

Incidentally, the strips of fabric for the dolls were ends of fabric from this location. Residents of the community at this time wasted nothing.

There was much more to see at Lang’s and it took most of the day with a picnic lunch added between the tours. Watch for my next holiday post coming soon.