Destination Rainier a supplement to the Nisqually Valley News 25
FARM: Museum shows pioneer ways school for dirty hands, they would go home and mom would likely give more lashings for shaming the family name, tour guide Jessica Thompson said. When dad got in from the fields, he might give even more lashings to remind the child that they got in trouble in the first place. “If a teacher thought you needed four lashings for dirty hands, you ended up with 12 by the end of the day,” Thompson said. During the tour, there is a chance to put on costumes resembling the pioneer days while enjoying activities inside an enlarged cabin much like a pioneer home. The houses are lit by candlelight and kerosene lamps since pioneers didn’t have electricity. Activities include learning how to knead dough, churn milk, do laundry by hand, grind cinnamon, chop vegetables with dated cookware and play with wooden toys. Tour guides help girls curl their hair using an iron heated by kerosene lamp, and boys may “shave” one another’s faces. Visitors learn how to milk a cow and can ride in a horsedrawn wagon. Across the street at the Ohop Indian Village, visitors learn about Native Americans and what they did during each season.
Every step of the way, visitors are engaged. For instance, the station representing fall shows people how to play games such as throwing sticks through rope loops. Similar rope loops were used in a game that is much like horseshoes. Plus, visitors are able to make their own arrowheads using soft stones. The tour guide explains how Native Americans would prepare for the winter by smoking fish, clams and oysters. Visitors also learn about different kinds of canoes and what it takes to build one. The spring and summer villages give visitors a chance to try target shooting with a bow and arrow, use a bow drill, play a match-animals game and more. The winter home offers a chance to dress up in nativestyle clothes, try Salish loom weaving, play Indian basketball and make a bracelet to take home. All seasons explore how the Coast Salish people would encourage children to play games that teach kids how to learn about, listen to and respect the environment. There is also a nature trail guided tour where visitors can hike through a forested path in the Ohop Valley. Pioneer Farm Museum and the Ohop Indian Village are located at 7716 Ohop Valley Road E. in Eatonville. There are public tour times,
2010 File Photo
Students may don pioneer clothes and practice washing laundry by hand at the Eatonville museum.
or group reservations. Call 360-832-6300 for details on prices and minimum requirements, or to make res-
ervations. ■ For more information go to www.pioneerfarmmuseum.org
CABINS IN THE WOODS “Echo Valley” Ashford, WA “The Chalet”
“The Park”
Rates start at $150 per night. Pets are always welcome! Weekly rates available! Call for reservations and current availability.
253-848-0598
E-mail us at: cabins_in_the_woods@yahoo.com
11-446297R
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