A traditional settlers Christmas was on full display this past weekend at the Park House Museum.
The Park House presented “Christmas at the Parks” last Sunday. Curator Kat Schryburt said it was a look back at the way settlers would have celebrated Christmas in the 1800s.
“It’s Christmas-time traditions at the Park House,” she said.
Schryburt said it was a Christmas event to go along with other holiday events in Amherstburg, such as the River Lights Winter Festival.
Mary Bezaire was busy in the parlour stringing popcorn and making pomanders while Mark Feltoe was in Dr. Park’s office giving talks on trading posts and how they worked. Schryburt was busy in the kitchen making a traditional Christmas meal with the help of reflecting ovens in the fire place, with the meal consisting of roasted chicken, vegetable soup, buttermilk biscuits, mashed potatoes and cinnamon shortbread.
“Everything today has been cooked over the fire,” she said.
People in that era didn’t always have a chance for such a meal, so this was a Christmas treat for them, Schryburt indicated.
Tinsmith Victor Lavergne was in the pensioner’s cottage at the rear of the museum demonstrating his craft to those who stopped by.
The rain and dreary conditions is believed to be a factor in keeping attendance lower than they would have liked.
“It’s really unfortunate we haven’t had a lot of visitors,” she said.
Schryburt said there are additional events on the horizon, some also being part of the holiday season. The Christmas at the Parks Candlelit Tours continue this weekend with tours at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. People can book their tours by calling 519-736-2511 or e-mailing parkhousemuseum@gmail.com.
There will also be an introduction to fireplace cooking course in mid-January, Schryburt added, and a Valentine’s Day event as well. Schryburt encouraged people to keep an eye on the Park House Museum’s social media channels for information in the coming weeks.
For more information on the Park House Museum, people can also visit www.parkhousemuseum.com.
Traditional Christmas presented at the Park House Museum
By Ron Giofu
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