Items from our Past

Waterfall

Steve and his son Chris hand-carried the stones from Steve’s property to create this waterfall. The unusual trees were spotted by Steve as he surveyed his property, keeping his eyes peeled for unusual items that could be placed at the Trading Post. He would later go back and carry these items out. Most people who know Steve know that he has always been an avid hunter. All of the animals in the Trading Post were bagged by Steve.

Grist Mill

This mill was used for grinding corn.

1900 Living

Many of us remember the old sewing machines, the old kitchen utensils, and many items that made up the early household. The machine, along with the button box, and thread, belonged to Steve’s late grandmother, Dora Kirkland of Grant (photo on machine). Many of the old boxed items and jar lids belonged to the late Ms. Daisy Burks of Grant. Other items, such as the dough bowl and the electric churn belonged to ancestors of Darwin Perkins of Woodville. As we buy ready-made clothes, and purchase our food from the grocery store, it is hard to imagine the work that took place to provide the necessities of the home. The woman of the house was definitely the provider of food and clothing for her family.

1900 Farm Life

Many items in here were used daily. Instead of turning on the faucet, a well bucket (hanging on the left wall) was used for drawing water from an outside well. The pea sheller must have seemed like a modern invention to those who had shelled them by hand. Most land clearing was done with rustic tools with a lot of arm-power. The men on the farm did not have an easy life. They worked hard to provide for their families.

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