By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley
It has been 446 years since the first Thanksgiving was celebrated on this continent. The Georgina Historical Society has been keeping that spirit alive for over forty years with an annual Harvest Festival at the Georgina Pioneer Village.
Each year, all the historic buildings come to life with friendly greeters dressed in period costumes. There are always, kids’ games, food vendors, and live music.
Paul Brady, president of the society, says, “This is the biggest event we organize, and each year we add something new! Today we have a blacksmith demonstrating his craft; and an antique enthusiast is displaying his fascinating artifacts in the old schoolhouse.”
How do you make a sickle? Blacksmith John Walker, owner of Fallen Willow Forge, was busy making one, surrounded by kids and adults firing off endless questions.
He brought his own equipment –including a forge – and had fascinating stories about the vital role blacksmiths played in the past.
“It takes a whole day to forge a sickle,” he explained, “and it’s made to last—unlike today’s ‘use it and lose it’ mentality. I’m glad I can demonstrate this old trade, and it’s great to see so many people interested in history.”
Bruce Whittaker from Keswick was also a treasure trove of stories! He brought along artifacts from his private collection, featuring items from the 1800s and early 1900s: rifles and tiny medicine bottles, handmade cloth, and even some mysterious objects that leave us scratching our heads about their purpose.
“I’ve been a long-time history enthusiast with a special interest in 18th and 19th-century military and social history,” he shared.
“Today’s event is a wonderful chance to display these items and give everyone a glimpse into pioneer life.”
There were many young children and teenagers there! Gobiha, Mehdi, and Jeremiah, all 14-year-old volunteers, shared how much they enjoy learning about Georgina’s history. “I enjoy passing that knowledge on to visitors!” said Mehdi.
Eight-year-old Brooke from Keswick exclaimed, “I love exploring the old houses and seeing how people lived! It was also cool to check out the games kids played back then.”
Her mom, Sarah Hogan, chimed in, “We come to Pioneer Village for almost every event, from Harvest Festival to Christmas. It’s always fun and so educational!”
If you missed the festival this year, Georgina Pioneer Village will be ready to welcome you next time! You can visit the village online at georginavillage.stqry.app.
Mark your calendars for the next event hosted by the Town of Georgina, on Saturday, November 30: Vintage Christmas at the Village!
- Family of motorist killed crossing Highway 48 calls on province to make intersection safer - December 19, 2024
- Book Review: Andrew Sibbald’s The Briars Between - December 18, 2024
- ‘Operation Snowball’ sends Xmas letters and care packages to Canadian troops overseas - December 17, 2024
