Learn about early settlers at 'Harvest Gathering of 1858' Nov. 5

Join costumed re-enactors as they share how early settlers harvested, processed and used corn and other natural fibers in their everyday lives.

"Harvest Gathering of 1858" will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, at the historic Powers-Walker House in Glacial Park, off Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood.

See examples of heritage vegetables in all sizes and colors.

Try your hand at shelling corn off the cob and grinding it into flour with a hand crank, or making your own corn husk doll or yarn doll to take home.

Witness other harvest activities such as grinding herbs for winter use, creating bobbin lace or spinning and tatting.

There also will be a weapons demonstration of the era by a mounted Cavalry sergeant and a surveyor showing how land boundaries were defined prior to today's GPS technology.

Follow the smells of bread baking in the wood-burning cook stove inside and take the opportunity to tour inside the historic farmhouse, which is open to the public only a few times a year.

"There are always changes to the house with the on-going restoration," said Gail Brown, volunteer restoration coordinator. "If you haven't seen the interior of the summer kitchen lately, now is your chance to see what 'new' old artifacts are around and what changes we have made."

The program is free and registration is not required for this drop-in event.

For more information contact Prairieview Education Center at (815) 479-5779 or www.MCCDistrict.org.