Nan and I visited Old Sturbridge Village on our way through Massachusetts. The village is a model New England Village/Living Museum. 1800's era buildings and furnishings have been moved here from various New England towns to create the model village.
As you enter, imagine that you are stepping back in time to the 1830s. THe American Revolution ended 50 years ago, and the Civil war is still a generation away. The Erie Canal opened in 1825, and a railroad connects Boston and Worcester. Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois are "The West."
This is a "well sweep," one of the easiest ways to draw water from the well. It works like a large seesaw.
Costumed historians help you understand the past and its relation to the present.
This is a rural community, surrounded by farmland.
The Friends, or Quaker Meeting House.
The Friends had no ministers to lead services. Worshipers sat on the benches and rose to pray or preach as the Spirit led them.
More about the Society of Friends:
This was a Meetinghouse of the Congregational Church. It was also used for town Meetings and other community events.
Most churches had a graveyard. I found this interesting about the imagery on the gravestones.
Inside of the Congregational Church.
View of the Village Green from the steps of the Congregational Church.
General Store
Inside the store
Barrels of Mackerel
The parsonage of the Congregational minister.
The pastor was receiving visitors in his "sitting room."
A tinsmith at work.
A New England tavern served many purposes. Men visited the local tavern to drink and socialize, read the newspaper, examine notices tacked to the walls, discuss politics, farming, etc.
Travelers stopped here to eat and rest for the night.
Musket demonstrations. There were many school children here for their end-of-the-year field trip.
The children picnicked on the Green.
This 1796 Federal style house was built for Salem Towne in nearby Charlton, MA.
This well-appointed hallway was designed to impress visitors with the family's wealth and taste.
One of the 4 downstair's parlors.
A portrait of Salem Towne over the fireplace.
This large upstairs room could be partitioned into separate bedrooms, but open it became a Masonic Meeting Hall.
Masonic symbols painted on the ceiling.
About the Freemasons who met here:
The animals were real, and so was the manure!
You could take a ride on the Quinebaug River to learn about its use in transport and mills.
I also learned that every part of these native lilies are edible.
Covered bridge beyond the mill dam.
Inside the sawmill.
The millpond.
The Carding Mill where these machines brushed the wool before it could be spun into yarn.
Another farm
The potter
Kids were having fun pretending in the one-room schoolhouse.
The shoemaker at work.
Inside the shoemakers shop.
We got tired before we saw it all, but enjoyed the day walking through history.
A very interesting tour as always!
ReplyDelete