Another field trip we took while in the Alexandria area was to a colonial farm. The kids have been to Williamsburg and while that is a wonderful place it gives the impression that everyone was wealthily in this era. This farm shows how the common people lived and showed their hardships.
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We travelled back in time to 1771. |
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Found out just how far our neighbors, store and church was. |
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For every person living like George Washington there were 16 people living at the poverty level |
This farm is an actual operating farm currently there are 6 people running the farm and they are using tools exactly as they did in the 1700's
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The tobacco field and house |
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Turkeys were kept near the tobacco field as they help to keep the insects down on the plants |
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Seeing in the tobacco barn and learning the process of drying out tobacco |
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MarioFan tried the seesaw |
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and garden skittles |
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Playing the games graces |
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and shuttle cock with an old corn cob and feather |
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Next the kids were shown what some of the chores would have been for children of that period. Grinding corn |
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Washing clothes with lye soap |
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rising and hanging them up |
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Learning about wool |
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and carding the wool |
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and trying our hand at drop spinning to make thread. |
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Another cabin in the woods but closed to the public |
We had a great day exploring the way the average person would have lived in the 1700's. If you are ever in the area I am told they do many events throughout the year.
Oh my gosh; I so loved this one. I love it when you get to experience the whole thing. I can imagine that was an awesome experience for your children. I am so happy you are back going on more adventures like these. I just loved this one. The pictures told such a good story too.
ReplyDeleteBlessings for this learning experience. Maybe someday I will get back there again.
Do the people actually live there or do they just reenact during the day? Did they really eat the meals they prepared there? Looks like a great experience. Interesting to note that turkeys are good for controlling insects. I wonder if keeping a hen house near a garden would serve the same purpose....
ReplyDeleteWhat a great learning field trip.... so nice of you to invite us along. :)
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