June’s Plenty - Wild Strawberries

By Elizabeth King

I don’t know about you, but I love wild strawberries – one of nature’s delicious gifts! Not the movie, not the band - but the beautiful little creeping plant that grows in forests, fields, along the County roads and behind our very own Fife Cabin on the edge of the wooded area before you hit the riverbank here at Lang Pioneer Village Museum. There is something about the delicious, sweet little berries on this wild perennial herb that remind me of the carefree days of summer weekends in the sun. And of course, did I mention enough that they are delicious?

You probably might not even realize the plants are there if you aren’t looking for them. They are fairly small compared to the berries we are used to seeing at our supermarkets and cultivated farms. They tend to grow well among with weeds, grasses and poison ivy, which means they often get killed off or cut with the mower before they can flourish. But let me tell you, if you ever get the chance to lie down in a field of these wild gems – do so. Breathe in and enjoy the aroma, which is subtle and reminiscent of roses and clean, fresh air.

 

 

 

 

In The Canadian Settler’s Guide by Catherine Parr Traill she talks about the abundance of wild fruits in newly surveyed townships, and the benefit they were to the settler’s. I have included the excerpt below:

“The absence of fruit from their diet would be most severely felt were it not that Nature has bounteously scattered abroad some of these blessings in the shape of wild fruits which are met with in many situations and often brought as it were almost miraculously to the settler's very door springing up without his care or culture.”

These treats are not just for us humans though. Many different types of birds and other animals enjoy their bounty; skunks, chipmunks, wild turkeys, voles, mice and some turtles too apparently enjoy this sweet indulgence. Thank goodness they share! These birds and other animals help to spread the plant around by pooping out the seeds. Now there’s something you probably didn’t think about! I love it.

I’ve opted to not share a recipe this time around…simply because they don’t need gussying up! Sometimes it’s the unpretentious things... So go out and pick some – you won’t regret a juicy handful of these naked berries, I promise!

Elizabeth King is the Administrative/Volunteer Coordinator at Lang Pioneer Village Museum.  She has been working at the Village since May of 2009.  Elizabeth is passionate about history, costuming, reading, vegan culinary crusades and environmental pursuits. When she isn’t in the middle of a project at Lang, she is 
often found with her head in the clouds.

A Time to Play

By Rhonda Akey

I have a confession to make…of all the artifacts I have had the privilege to handle over the past year of my internship here at Lang Pioneer Village Museum, the toys have been my most favorite of all. There is just something about them that brings an instant smile to your face. You are instantly transported to wonderful memories of your own childhood, like Christmas morning or the best birthday present you ever received, or maybe the memory of your favourite childhood toy. I bet you’re smiling already, aren’t you!

Today I thought I’d share some of the marvelous toys we found in the collection while reorganizing the shelves one day. I have to admit, I do not know much about the history of them, as I have not done any research. Despite this, thought it would be fun to provide some pictures of these wonderful artifacts.

This doll tea set is a miniature version made of enamelware. Not only is it adorable, there was a really wise parent behind this purchase, as they are very durable. They inspire thoughts of a little girl in the 1800s playing tea party with her little rag doll.

  

 

 

 

This is a tiny wooden, lathe turned tea set. I took the second picture with the end of a pencil to show you the tiny scale it was made to. I imagine a father working diligently out in the barn creating this as a special Christmas gift for his little girl. The craftsmanship is superb!

This is a puzzle which adds an educational element to the fun. On the back of each piece is a math equation. The pieces are then matched with the corresponding answer. The box contained several puzzles.

This is a tabletop game that is a cross between a billiard game and a pinball game. The inside of the wooden case has a picture of how to set up the pieces and rules on how to play.

The game came with these glass marbles. Each one is a different animal figure, encased in thick glass. Surprisingly, these are meant to be struck with a wooden cue, similar to how you play billiards!

The above are marbles made of fired clay. When examined closely you can see slight variations in shape, which suggests that each one was hand rolled. Don’t they provoke an image of a bunch of boys crowded together playing games in the school yard dirt?

 

 

 

 

This little toy is a miniature cannon that works. As you can see from the two images, the one end has a hammer that pulls down and is held in place by a clasp. A cap or some type of exploding powder would be placed in the hollow of the hammer. The hammer was then released to create a loud cannon pop. What little boy won’t love something so interactive and realistic?

I hope you enjoyed these toys as much as I do. I am sad to say that my one year internship has come to an end. It is bitter sweet, as I will be joining the interpretive staff this summer. If you’ve enjoyed reading my blogs and happen to visit Lang Pioneer Village this summer, please stop by the General Store to say hello. I wish you all a wonderful and safe summer.

Rhonda Akey is the Records Management Intern at Lang Pioneer Village Museum. She has been working and/or volunteering at the Village since September of 2010. Rhonda is fascinated by all things historic – and loves to share the neat tidbits she discovers behind the scenes in the Lang Pioneer Village Museum collection with everyone.