(A SIMPLER THYME is an herb sale and quilt display of the 40+ antique quilts owned by the House. Proceeds from the sales of the herbs go to the House.)
It's a good thing we got the upstairs organized during the winter months, when we were closed.
So this morning, with a few more items donated by Laceyville Hardware, I tackled setting up the Store, at least as I envision it.
I clearly saw one corner with hides and skins of various sorts, and large barrels, and maybe a gun, powder horn, and similar items. Handmade nails might have been for sale, as well as other tools. Possibly the Eel Fork or Spear owned by the House will find its way into this corner of the 'Store.' It would certainly have been a useful item for someone living near the Susquehanna to own, as eels were plentiful and frequently featured cooked, salted or pickled, as a meal choice.
That's a pepper tin on the left, loaned by the Cappucci family of nearby Mehoopany. The smaller brown container without a lid is a salt barrel. The barrel that the bear head is resting on is an old wine barrel, also from the Cappuccis. And the bearskin is from Lori Phinney Mislevy and her family.
In another section on built-in shelves in this room, I thought fabric and things one might use in a home would look good: dishes, candlesticks, etc. Lanterns, oil lamps and other types of small home furnishings would have stocked the shelves, as well as rugs, and rug beaters. A lot of these items I sourced from The Oldest House itself, but other active Members have pitched in and brought candle molds, lanterns, crocks and jugs.
Back in 1836, especially way out here in a relatively unsettled area of Pennsylvania, a General Store would have sold things like flour, sugar, salt, and pepper, and maybe some spices too. Most people would have grown their own herbs, but more exotic items and things that could not be grown here, like black pepper, salt, ginger and cinnamon, would likely have been carried by a General Store. So too, most people would have grown their own flowers and vegetables and saved the seeds from year to year to sow again. However, a small selection of seeds might have been offered.
Local farmers could have had eggs, cheese, cream and milk to sell, although most people probably had a milk cow and some chickens and so would have their own dairy products.
Books would have been a special order, but a General Store would likely carry quills and ink. They might also have the latest newspaper--which would probably be at least a week old! And no General Store would have been complete without a small group of oddly shaped and colored bottles and vials: the tinctures and cures of the day, possibly sold on consignment for an itinerant peddler.
Pins, needles, ribbon and other sewing paraphernalia including patterns would have been available, too. There might even have been 'penny candy.'
We have one cupboard filled with House related or House themed items for sale: wooden Houses originally carved by the late Francis Ace, note cards with a sketch of the House, postcards of the House, hand painted engraved tin ornaments of the House, and my book A RIVER IN TIME, which is set at and inspired by the House. All proceeds from the sale of these items--including my book!--go to the House. One corner of our '1836 General Store' features all these items and more for sale, so visitors this year will be able to actually buy something in our '1836 General Store.'
I've got more to do yet and a few more items to collect, not only from my own house, but from members of the community who have offered items for the display.
However, I hope the photos, above, give you an idea of what one of our new exhibits will look like this year. And I hope you make a trip to The Oldest House to discover Wyoming County's historical treasure.
The schedule of events for 2013 is below. I am usually there on Friday afternoons, so I look forward to meeting you, and giving you a tour!
The Oldest House
2013 Event Schedule
‘Come Back in Time With Us’©
A Simpler Thyme- herb sale, quilt exhibit 17,18,19May-10-5;10-5;1-5
Susquehanna Celebration- river themed events & talks
21,22,23 June- 1-5;10-5;1-5
Music with the Morrisons- a musical weekend
19,20,21 July -1-4&7-9;10-9;1-5
Art at the Oldest House-art sales, exhibits & more
16,17,18 August - 1-4;10-5;1-5
Muzzleloaders’ Rendezvous -early american outdoor life & weaponry, artifacts, displays & demonstrations
5 & 6 October - 10-5 both days
***Held at Black Walnut Legion
The Fancy Fair - varied selection of antiques, collectibles, artwork, and hand crafted gifts; bake sale
18 & 19 October - 9-5 both days
The Christmas Tea-an early american christmas on all three decorated floors
6,7,8 December - 4-8;10-5;12-5
Light refreshments available at all events; lunch available at the Fancy Fair & Muzzleloaders’ Rendezvous.
The Oldest House is a living museum owned and operated by the Laceyville Area Oldest House Society, a not for profit 501(c)(3), and is supported solely by donations and GENEROUS GIFTS FROM THE COMMUNITY. OUR STAFF IS ALL VOLUNTEER.
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