For the past 22 years, Michigan Flywheelers Museum members have been teaching kids about life before Smartphones and TikTok.
Washing clothes in galvanized tubs full of washboards and suds, grinding corn into meal, and twisting twine into rope are just a few of the things that students learn how to do during the museum’s annual “Farm History Day.”
This year the tradition will continue as more than 1, 200 students are expected to attend the annual event scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 12. Open to area students, parents and grandparents, the event will feature over 40 exhibits – many of them hands’ on.
“This event is a lot of fun for us because its so enjoyable to see kids reactions when they find out that moms had to sift flour to make bread and that there was no such thing as drills with motors,” said Patrick Ingalls, museum president.
Making rope, dipping candles, and playing old fashion games like Graces are just a few of the activities that kids can do during Farm History Day.
“We began holding Farm History Day as part of our educational goal for the museum,” explains Ingalls. “There is no charge to attend because we wanted to give something back to the community for all the support it has given us.”
Besides the hands-on activities, visitors will be able to stroll through Old Towne filled with places like the Farm History Building, Old Tyme Jail, Farm Machinery Repair Shop, Migrant Camp, Peaceful Knoll Church and a log cabin.
The museum asks that anyone attending with a large group, call or email with how many will be coming to make sure there is enough supplies on hand.
The Michigan Flywheelers Museum is located at 06285 68th Street. It is open on Wednesdays and weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day, as well as for special events. Self guided tours are available during those days from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Large group tours are available by appointment.
For more information, 269-639-2010, michiganflywheelers@yahoo.com, www.michiganflywheelers.org or Facebook.
