It's always a treat to share our knowledge about a traditional craft. . .so we jumped at the chance to spend two days at the Parking Archeological State Park, teaching one hundred Home Schoolers and their parents how to make a SIMPLE WHISK BROOM. . .We were part of several stations set up across the park that they visited during Home School Days. . .This year students learned about corn. . .making hominy. . .grinding corn. . .cooking kettle corn. . .making a corn shuck doll. . .and several other activities. . .
True, our whisk brooms weren't actually made of corn. . .although the straw is called Broomcorn. . .It is actually from the sorghum family. . .We fudged a little. . .In times past, though, many brooms WERE made of corn shucks, so we had photos of those for them to view. . .
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| Photo by Mel Harvey |
It was a perfect Fall weekend for Broom Making at the old Sawmill Schoolhouse, located in the park. . .In fact, the weather was so nice that we moved everyone outdoors to enjoy some of the last of our warm days. . .John gave each group of about 25 a little history about brooms and broom making. . .as Mel (Park Interpreter) and I kept him straight on his facts. . .He seemed to have a mindset that it was the Amish who perfected the flat brooms that we know. . .It wasn't. . .It was the Shakers who claim that honor. . .By the last workshop, we were still correcting him. . .It was all in fun. . .
Once our students had a little background. . .we began the broom making process. . .
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| Photo by Mel Harvey |
with lots of one-on-one assistance. . .if necessary. . .
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| Photo by Mel Harvey |
As with most crafts, broom making isn't hard if you have the right tools. . .See the board of twine on the ground? . . .That's the secret to a good tight broom. . .As the twine is wrapped around the bundle, the board keeps it taunt. . .
We had children from 5-15 years old trying their hand at it. . .The real prize was the finished product that each one took home with them. . .once John did the trimming. . .
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| Photo by Mel Harvey |
I think all were happy with their creations. . .Lots of smiles and laughter. . .
I know that we had a really great two days. . .
We always enjoy working with everyone at the State Park. . .
They are a super bunch of people. . .
Mel learned to make a whisk broom, too, and ended up assisting us the last day. . .
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| MEL HARVEY, PARK INTERPRETER |
After the last group left. . .John and I headed over to the Visitor's Center picnic area for a quick snack before traveling. . .Others joined us. . .One brought the remainder of the kettle corn. . .and before we knew it, we almost had a party!!!!
Too quickly the sun began to set in the West, and it was time to head home. . .
with more memories of a wonderful weekend for our scrapbook. . .
By-the-way. . .
We've been invited to teach another workshop at the Park in May 2017. . .
for the Women's Weekend. . .
They'll be learning to make a Turkey Whisk. . .
Maybe we'll see you there?
