By Marcus
Visiting this historical village
that replicated life in Peterborough County in the 19th century was
an experience I surely cannot forget. Being transported back in time, it was particularly
fascinating to see the buildings where families like the Ayottes, Fifes, and
Fitzpatricks once roamed and lived their every day lives. During my 3-day experience at Lang Pioneer
Village, I was captivated by the number of buildings, artifacts, including
tools, and costumes people used during pioneer times. Back in the 1800s it was
such a difficult life.
The pioneers lived in cabins
that seemed so simple, small and cramped. But, having a shelter, a wood stove
for heating and cooking, an area to sleep and eat, was all a family needed.
However, according to today’s standards families' homes require so many modern
amenities like two car garages, multiple televisions, many rooms and multiple
appliances. This journey was so important for me because it allowed me to disconnect
from the modern world of phones, electronics and big cities so that I can see how
people lived before my time; small communities, small buildings and houses, no
electricity and actually connecting with their surroundings for
entertainment.
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| Keene Hotel, Lang Pioneer Village, Circa 1870's |
Something else that I found
particularly fascinating was the price of the hotel rooms at the Keene Hotel.
The room that they referred to as the “best room” costs a grand total of 75
cents. I couldn’t believe that 75 cents
back then could get you shelter, a hot dinner, fully operational bathroom and a
bed to sleep on where as 75 cents cannot even buy you, say, a chocolate bar
now-a-days. But I found that the upstairs has a creepy sort of vibe because
it was just so dark and knowing it was an old building that inhabited people
from a long time ago. To me the building has strong presences of spirits that
might have been there before.
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| Glen Alda Methodist Church, Lang Pioneer Village, Circa 1898 |
Although it was interesting
to see the Hotel, my favorite of all the buildings at Lang Pioneer Village was
the Glen Alda Methodist Church. It was my favorite because it seemed so small
yet enough space to practice Christianity. Myself being a Christian, it
was amazing to see how the people before me practiced religion. The windows
were so beautifully tinted and it just filled my mind with knowledge and
interest to see an original Hymn number board and an organ from the 1890’s. Sadly,
my time at Lang Pioneer Village had to draw to a close but I will always
remember what I learned about the importance of preserving our heritage,
learning how people lived in the past and the importance of giving back to the
community, in which I gave back by helping out at Lang Pioneer Village.
Marcus is a grade 10 student at Trinity College School and guest writer for the Museum.