Dear Neighbors,
I'm afraid I only received a handful of responses to the meeting suggested for next week so I am proposing another date to try again! We need several people to help us plan a warm weather party! How about April 23 in the evening? Please write and let me know that you are available to help...it will be nice to get together! Thank you to those who were going to come this week...
Since we are all getting into lawn mowing season very soon, how about letting me know the going price of your lawn service if you have a chance? A couple of neighbors are wondering what would be competitive to ask. I'll let you know the results if I get some responses.
See below for an announcement from Linda Callegari about some events at the park where she works. Looks like some interesting things to do at a beautiful time of year.
Thank you,
Carol Pfister
gwyneddknoll@gmail.com Rural Life at Pennypacker Mills
Historic Site Offers a Look at Life in 1900 with Antique Automobiles, Hands-on Activities, Gardening Speaker and More!
Life at Governor Samuel Pennypacker's farm was like most farms here in Montgomery County one-hundred years ago. Farm chores were on the increase as crops were seeded and cows needed milking, spring cleaning had commenced inside the mansion, and house guests arrived for a weekend at this Governor's country estate. On Saturday, April 19th, from 11 am to 4 pm Pennypacker Mills will offer a hands-on look at Rural Life in 1900! Admission and parking are FREE.
Step into the "modern age" of automobiles with a display of vintage Model A & T Fords! Over 25 historic cars are expected! Stop by and see a Model T chassis without it's body to see the inner workings of a running antique car.Car club owners will be on hand to explain the workings and restoration of these real transportation gems.
Gardening enthusiasts will want to hear Dr. Irwin Richman, Director of Research and Development for the Heirloom Seed Project at Landis Valley Museum (Lancaster Co.) present, "Growing Yesterday's Garden: Heirloom Seeds and Pennsylvania German Trandition," focusing on heirloom varieties of flowers and vegetables. Hear his speech at 1 pm in our Barn.
Laundry in 1900 meant rolling up your sleeves and using a washboard, chunk of soap, and a washbucket to get the job done. Kids and adults can try this chore for themselves using the washboard and early washing machines. Also, a 1929 Maytag washer will be demonstrated using a hit or miss engine with belt system. After seeing these early washers we all have nothing to complain about!
Kids and families can visit our General Store set up and purchase dry goods with wooden coin money, play a game of checkers, and check their mail. Bring those groceries back to our kitchen set up where household chores will be the order of the day: roll biscuits, use a sweeper to clean the rug, beat rugs, dry fruit, see how apple cider vinegar was made, and try old-time kitchen gadgets. Wood stove cooking will also be offered and kids may take a turn churning butter.
The Montgomery Bee Keeper's and Dairy Clubs will be on hand with a live hive of honey bees, goats and calves. Hear them talk about the effort needed to maintain a working farm, the care needed for these animals, and buy some local Montco honey to take home. Also, kids can milk our wooden cow to simulate what it was like to hand-milk a cow. After this, they'll never complain about taking out the trash!
The mansion will be open for tours. Decorated with furnishings that reflect the 1800-1900's, approximately 95% of what visitors see inside the home belonged to the family. A bedroom will be arranged as if preparing for spring cleaning. Tour guides will explain how spring cleaning was a huge effort that involved the lady of the house and her staff.
Our current exhibit, "Treasured Memories: Scrapbooks, Keepsakes, & Sourvenirs" will be available as part of the mansion tour.
The Museum Shop is open and carries books, period toys, home decor pieces, and Victorian cards. New this spring are cast iron farm animals, a cast iron piggy bank, and repro moveable coin banks.
Pennypacker Mills is the home of Pennsylvania's twenty-fifth Governor (1903-1907) Samuel W. Pennypacker. Set on 170 acres of beautiful farmland, this country gentleman's estate is open year-round for guided tours, changing exhibits, seasonal events and hiking. Adjacent to the Perkiomen Trail system, those walking, biking, and hiking can enjoy this historic site by exploring it's history and enjoying the many programs. FREE admission and parking.
Website: www.montcopa.org/historicsites
Telephone: 610-287-9349
Directions: Route 202 South, turn right onto Route 73 West (Skippack Pike) and continue through the Village of Skippack. Go through intersection at Route 113 and we are just four miles further. Turn right onto Haldeman Road and take an immediate left into the site entrance
