The 7th Annual Blacksmiths-Soldiers and Log Cabin Weekend was another successful event.
The 1840’s Log House had an interpreter to tell the stories of the hard life our pioneer forefathers endured here in Michigan. Craig Goodlock gave a history of the recreation of our own log house when it was brought to the Farm Museum in 1972. On Sunday, June 28th, The Log Cabin Society of Michigan, represented by the Society’s Founder, Virginia Handy and President, Richard Veit were available to share some of the Log Cabins of Michigan. Abe Lincoln was on hand to share some of his Log Cabin days when he was a boy.
Our Blacksmith Friends from Michigan Artistic Blacksmiths Association (MABA) have brought their forges and art for over 15 years to amaze us and display their wares. Their talents did not disappoint our guests. As always we are grateful to MABA for being a part of our event.
Mr. John Gibney, historian, former President of the Monroe Historical Society, Civil War Reenactor since 1960, recipient of the Excellence in Living History Award from the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival and so much more, spoke on Saturday and Sunday. His displays of flags and memorabilia from the Civil War were a big hit with our visitors. The hard life of a soldier and his family can’t be imagined by our children today, unless they have an opportunity like this to see what it was like in 1860’s.
The Dewey School was open with a School “Marm” in attendance to give a real taste of the One Room School House and the many “Rules” each student, grades 1 through 8 had to follow.
Vendors and demonstrators were on hand, from Sox woven on an 1870 sock machine, weaving rugs and spinning wool, and knapping arrowheads.
Reposted from Waterloo Area Historical Society Newsletter Volume 53 Issue 3 September 2015