Living History Day 2007
Third - Fifth Grade
Col. John Franklin - Rev. Don Anderson will reenact one of our most outstanding citizens. He led our citizens through tough years, through bitter land disputes, and tried to establish another state, with Athens as the capitol. Eventually, he helped to establish a thriving community.
Blacksmith - children as young as 8 years old were apprenticed to tradesmen in colonial times. Sometimes called indentures, these children were fed, clothed and sometimes taught to read, while learning a trade until they were 21 years old, at which time they were released from the contract. Children at this station will learn how important a blacksmith was to his community in the 1790's.
Quill & Ink - learn why early settlers wrote with quill and ink, look at facsimiles of original documents, and then try to write with a quill and ink.
Sampler - students will try their hand at the finer arts that were required learning to be a refined child in the 1790's.
Manners - Manners and etiquette for children was vastly different from what it is today. Children will go to "Manner School" to learn the social polish of the 1790's.
Games - Students will try their hand at the stick and hoop game, hop scotch, stilts, and other games of the past.
French Azilum - "In 1793, when the revolution in France was raging Col. Hollenback was employed, by the Governor of Pennsylvania, to procure a place of retreat for the royal family of France, at some secluded spot on the Susquehanna, and he purchased Asylum township, Bradford county, to which place came the French colony, a few of whose descendants are yet with us. The royal family never came-for the good reason they had lost their heads."(1) Students will enjoy learning about the origins of one of our local landmarks.
Cats Cradle - one of the earliest games to amuse children - each student will make his or her own yarn cat's cradle, and then learn the steps of the game. They will also learn a children's hand clapping game from the time period.
Dance - In the 18th century, dance was a symbol of status, sophistication of taste, and an opportunity to enhance ones reputation in the community. Many families took great pains to ensure their children were taught the current fashionable dance. At this station the students will either learn the Minnuet or the reel, both dances of the day.
Game - Rounders - The precursor to American Baseball, rounders had many names and varied rules. Each community created there own version of this game, played with posts instead of bases, and an animal's bladder for a ball. We will adopt the spirit of the game, with a few changes for the sake of safety.
Trading Post - Students will stop and shop at Hollenback's trading post.
Spinning/Carding/Weaving/Dyeing - Students will learn the steps necessary to take wool (and possibly flax) from the raw stage to the finished product. They will try their hand at this remarkable craft.
Militia - Forward March! Each student will learn about the role of the militia after the Revolutionary War. Each community had one, and they drilled on the village green. Students will learn some simple militia drills.
Constitution-Birth of a Nation - The 1790's were a time of change. A young nation was trying to find its identity, and its people were attempting to fashion laws to govern themselves. Students will learn about this time, and play a game of what if?
1790 Peace Treaty - A significant event occurred on the Pine Flats (near the roller skating rink). A meeting was organized between the United States government and the Iroquois at Tioga Point. While the event lasted for over 3 weeks, the students will spend 15 minutes reenacting the event through a reader's theater.
(1) History of Bradford County, H. C. Bradsby, 1891