4^th Grade Colonial Hands On Program

by

Frank Wilson

 

    During four days in early and mid May, 192 fourth grade students from the 3 East Lyme elementary schools participated in this annual colonial learning experience at the Historical Society’s Thomas Lee House.

    Approximately 48 students arrived each day, where they were divided into four groups. Each group would visit a venue for a period.  A bell ringer walked the grounds, and the students would move on to another activity when the bell was rung. 

    Activities included observing a short play demonstrating what colonial law was like in 1743 Connecticut,  followed with a brief discussion of how things might differ today.  A guided tour of the Lee house followed.  Then they moved on to the Little Boston School House for a touch of colonial schooling.  The school master was strict, and more than one child was observed sitting on the stool wearing the dunce cap.

     Moving outside, they were treated to the Quoketaug Rangers, re-enactors in outstanding period costumes demonstrating tomahawk throwing, musket firing and similar activities.  The children had the opportunity to observe, and even help with,  such chores as  butter churning, candle making and weaving.   One popular activity was woodworking, where they learned about drilling a hole with a bit brace and shaping a peg for that hole with a spoke shave.

    Local farmers were present, bringing a couple of wooly sheep to be shorn, and the kids just loved seeing the animals.  At noon time the students had a break for lunch, and their backpacks yielded wonderful fare.  After that it was onto shopping at the colonial store for period toys and games.

    So, our thanks go out to all that participated and volunteered and to the 4^th graders who readily got involved in all the activities.  Both a wonderful learning experience, and a good time was certainly had by all.  In short, I don’t believe anyone had a better time than those who volunteered their time and effort.

Thomas Lee House c. 1660

East Lyme Historical Society

Founded 1897

Created by Barbara Jo McGrath, 2007-8

All Rights Reserved

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Annual Meeting

 

    The East Lyme Historical Society held its Annual Meeting on Saturday, June 7th.  After enjoying a pleasant picnic on the grounds of the Thomas Lee House, the many members present listened to reports on the activities of the past year and plans for the future.   The Officers and Board of Directors were approved as nominated, and the warm spring  evening drew to a close.

    For a list of Officers and Board of Directors, as well as Committee Chairpersons, go to Organization.

Connecticut Open House Day

June 14, 2008

East Lyme Historical Society

Thomas Lee House Grounds

by

Frank Wilson

Publicity Chair

 

    The Thomas Lee House joined approximately 200 museums and attractions across the state in the Fourth Annual Connecticut Open House Day on June 14^th, 2008.

    This was the second year for the Lee House participation.  Unlike a year ago, when  the rain was abundant, and visitors few, this year featured warm and sunny weather and a steady stream of enthusiastic visitors.  Our guests were not only from the area, but also from the Twin Cities in Minnesota, New York, New Jersey, and Virginia.  Many we spoke to had been to several other venues in the immediate area, some attending more than five during the course of the day.

    At the Lee House, there were activities and interest for all.  In the house itself, the Leo’s, (young people from the Lions), dressed in colonial costumes, served as tour guides.  They led small groups through to meet and speak with role players as Ezra, Elisha, Abigail and Phoebe Lee.  In the kitchen, Elisha’s and Abigail’s slave, Violet, was churning butter and treating visitors to butter-topped corn bread.  Next door, in the Little Boston School House, other Leo’s  were conducting school classes for visiting children.  Outside on the grounds, they were also helping with woodworking, candle making and playing colonial games with the children.

    No other attraction could match the popular oxen cart rides.  Down from Tolland, Ray Ludwig had brought this wonderful pair of oxen, pulling a beautiful reproduced wooden ox cart.  One cartful of happy riders, young and old, went after another, and it didn’t appear the oxen had many breaks during the course of the day.

    The barn was open, and the colonial store was up and running for visitors wishing to take a souvenir or colonial game home with them.  Lemonade and snickernoodles were free and proved to be a popular treat for all.

    Once again, a good time was had by all.  If you were there you already knew that.  If  not, make an attempt to attend next year and see for yourself.  Better yet, think about joining the Historical Society, and volunteering.  You  won’t be disappointed!

 

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