When the nights were long and cold, having a good light to guide your way was essential. Traditional beeswax candles were a staple on the 1850s farm. Come out and try your hand at dipping a candle and find out how many dips you need to make a candle that you can take home and use at your own homeplace.
Come get a sneak peek at something new on the farm! We’re developing a walking trail with plenty of information about the trees you’ll see in the woods all around the region. Come to enjoy the views, or brush up on your dendrology. Why not both?
Invited historian Susan “Ski” Witzofsky, sets the stage for the historic Skirmish at Pine Bluff as she talks about how the Civil War was not just big battles; it was all so many small skirmishes. One such, but little-known skirmish happened on a hot August day in 1864. During the program, learn about this tragic Between the Rivers incident that happened near the great Western Furnace and discover what happened to the 83rd Illinois company that was attacked by a greatly outmatched guerrilla force 150 years ago.
