A Visit to the Algonquin Mill

Yesterday we took the kids to the Algonquin Mill Festival. There is much to do there, including an old flour mill (circa 1826), demonstrations of early American life (spinning, weaving, shingle making, log mill, etc), tasty treats and all sorts of crafty junk.

Newly arrived and hungry. The kids were waiting for Chris to find out where the pancake breakfast was being held so we could get some pancakes.

This crazy contraption was really making home made ice cream

David, playing the organ

Ruthie having a turn

Being very analytical at times, Ruth was explaining how she believed this contraption, run by a steam engine, was working. She was nearly all correct except for one part.

Admiring the turkey squisher (it's kind of a long story as to how it got the name)

Everybody loves a good tractor. Especially David.

Going on a hay ride-we were the only ones to go aside from two other girls who probably deeply regretted riding with the Chatterbox Boys. The boys talked non-stop the whole time. And loudly.

Our horses, patiently waiting to leave

The model train was a big hit

A ride on the steam operated train

The boys were talking to this lady nearly the whole ride. I found out later she had candy. No wonder they were feeling so chatty

We stopped to watch a blacksmith for a while. He had tons of really cool stuff for sale (really expensive, cool stuff) and he gave a demonstration of his craft by making a small hook. We ended up buying 5 of them for the kids-one for each one and one for a future, Lord willing, adoption.

Stoking his fire and explaining the trade of blacksmith

The blacksmith working on what will soon be a hook

Next was a stop at the old one-room schoolhouse. The kids had a good time there. They got a kick out of sitting at the old desks and looking around the room.

The Class Clown

Byron and Grace

Ruth, David and some random kids I don't know

This is what school is really like here at the homestead.

What's in there, anyway?

When we went to watch the men make shingles, the older gentleman asked if Byron would like to help haul a piece of wood. He said that Byron could have a shingle from the piece. Byron was a little shy, but I think he was intrigued, too.

Byron, helping out with the shingle making

Putting his block of wood up on the trailer

The shingle being cut

Byron, getting the shingle he "helped" make

And, we ended the day with a little home made ice cream from the crazy contraption mentioned above