Spring Valley revelas life in 19th century
Meat Keeping and Preservation, Cheese Making and Blacksmithing, Brewing with Grains, Natural Leavening.
These sound like the titles of some great books, or interesting college courses. However, what they are really about is the living history lessons provided by the Spring Valley Nature Center and Heritage Farm.
As part of its Sundays on the Farm program, these topics have been researched to teach visitors about life on a farm in the 1800s. Organizers say many more treats are in store for visitors.
"Sundays on the Farm demonstrate different activities from the 1880s life in Schaumburg used on a typical farm," said Patricia Kennedy, Heritage Farm's program coordinator. "It is a kickoff to our official opening in April to get folks interested again and give them a sneak peek for what's in store."
One thing in store at their recent offering was the making of short beer, a low-alcohol beer that was given to children in the 1800s at the Volkening Heritage Farm. About 80 people attended that day.
"Some of the kids thought the beer was an icky idea," said Kennedy. "When people walked into the house and smelled the beer brewing they thought it was interesting. We take an educational standpoint on everything, so there are no bad connotations."
Smelling the beer was about all visitors could partake in that day. Spring Valley is not allowed to serve any food or drinks that they make on their grounds. However, they are happily obliged to serve up anything and everything you ever wanted to know about 19th century life.
This Sunday, the program will be on Sewing, Mending, and Firewood Harvesting. During 19th century wintry months, a great deal of wood was needed to heat the non-insulated early homes. Visitors will see an example of how wood was harvested.
"Historically, we know local farming families leased or rented a plot of woods from the Busses," said Dave Brooks, manager of Conservation Services at Spring Valley. "Once a year, usually in the fall, they would select trees, cut them down and into sections so the wood would be manageable for horses to carry. In the winter, they would go out with the horses and load the wood onto the wagon."
The farm's ever-popular Sugar Bush Fair returns March 15 and 16. Both maple sugar, and hope, springs forth for the warm months on the horizon. This affair is coupled with a pancake breakfast. The event is free; however, there is a charge for breakfast. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time or on the day of the event. The farm will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday for this program.
Interpreters in the farmhouse will be making soap, while those outside prepare the fields at the March 30 "Sundays on the Farm" Soap Making and Soil Preparation day.
"The soap is made from pig's lard and lye," Brooks said. "Folks will be surprised that the messy job actually ends up in soap to wash your skin.
"Visitors should also find the soil preparation interesting as the draft horses pull plows to break up the clumps of dirt. It's a neat demonstration because it's what most people picture and imagine it to be."
"Sundays on the Farm are a nice way for getting out after being cooped up all winter," Kennedy said. "It's the perfect opportunity to get some history and learn something."
If you go
What: Sundays on the Farm
Where: Spring Valley Nature Center and Heritage Farm, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg
When: Sundays through March 30
Time: Noon to 4 p.m.
Admission: Free
Call: (847) 985-2100 or www.parkfun.com
Sugar Bush Fair
What: A celebration of maple sugar, with demonstrations, hayride, children's puppet show
When: 9 a.m.-noon March 15-16
Admission: Free
Pancake breakfast: Pancakes with real maple syrup, sausage, juice and coffee. Cost in advance: $3.50 for half-stack, $4.50 for full-stack; 50 cents extra day of event.
Call: (847) 985-2100