Pioneer Day

Local elementary students recently spent the day learning about history first hand at the 7th annual Pioneer Day, hosted by the Ellis County Historical Society on May 14, 2008.

This free event started seven years ago when the historical society staff and Board of Directors were trying to come up with new and exciting ways to bring about awareness of the museum. “We thought Pioneer Day would be a great way to show students how their ancestors lived, worked and played years ago,” explained Sharon Behrman, Co-Director and Museum Manager.

This year students were able to participate in several hands-on demonstrations and exhibits such as a General Store where they could purchase items ranging from 5 cents to $3.00, butter churning, crossbow sawing, horse grooming, goat milking and a petting zoo. They also got the opportunity to learn how to wash their clothes using a wash tub and wash board and how to make homemade soap. In addition to the demonstrations, the students got to participate and play with toys and games from the past such as ring toss, 3-legged races and sack races. They also got the chance to tour the Volga German Haus and Harness Shop.

Each year the staff and committee members try to incorporate something new in hopes of making the event even more exciting for the students. New to this year’s event was the Post Rock exhibit. This included a display showing the students how to get rock out of the ground and make it into mini Stone Post items. Mini bookends and other stone post items are available for purchase in the historical museum gift shop.

The 7th annual Pioneer Day was a successful event with approximately 700 students and teachers participating and nearly 40 volunteers helping coordinate the activities. “We were very satisfied with the attendance and want to thank all the volunteers. We could not have conducted the event without them donating their energy and time,” explained Behrman. “We also want to thank Pizza Hut and Wal-Mart for their donations to the event as well.”

Pioneer Day serves as an excellent way to teach students the history of their ancestors. However, the learning should not stop there. See history unfold at the Ellis County Historical Society Museum. Located at 100 West 7th Street it is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. starting June 1, 2008.