By Kristy Zurbrick, Madison Editor
Pioneer Days at the Madison County Historical Society brings history to life. The free, family-friendly event is scheduled for 12-5 p.m. Sept. 28-29 on the museum grounds, 260 E. High St., London.
Visitors can try their hand at axe throwing, rope making, and old-fashioned games, including: naughts and crosses which is similar to tic-tac-toe; graces, a catch-and-throw game; pall mall, a croquet-like game with a longer field and one wicket; and bumblepuppy which hints at cornhole but involves a ball and a board with nine holes.
Living history interpreters will demonstrate hand-sewing, pewter button making, blacksmithing, flintlock muskets, leather work, wool spinning, and illumination of paper ornaments, as well as share history of the area. According to J.T. Byrd, Historical Society president, George Washington might make an appearance.
All of the society’s buildings will be open for tours, including the museum, Jonathan Alder’s cabin, the Elizabeth Kitchen log house, the one-room schoolhouse, the Florence Switch train station and caboose, the blacksmith shop, and the barn housing antique farm equipment. The Darby Creek chapter of the Archaeological Society of Ohio will display and share information about Native American artifacts.
The museum will feature a display with a pioneer theme. Additionally, visitors are invited to purchase a leaf to be placed on a metal memorial tree located in the museum. The cost is $20; the leaf can be etched with a family name, business, or the like. Proceeds go to the Historical Society.
On Sunday, the Treble Tones youth choir will perform at 2 p.m. followed by the London Silver Cornet Band at 3 p.m. Visitors can shop at vendor booths, as well as purchase something to eat. Layla’s Sweet Treats will be on site on Saturday, selling pizza and desserts. El Rey’s taco truck will be on site on Sunday.
The volunteers helping to put on Pioneer Days include Historical Society board members, supporters of the organization, and London High School students.
“The group represents a lot of experience and dedication to a hobby to educate people in the way things used to be,” Byrd said. “Without that volunteer help, we probably wouldn’t be able to do this.”
For more information about Pioneer Days or the Madison County Historical Society, call (740) 852-2977 or visit “Madison County Historical Society” on Facebook.