History comes to life this Saturday at the High Ground Museum.
“Everybody’s welcome to come ‘relive exactly what it used to be like’ during our annual open house and hay day,” invited Lloyd Florence, and his wife, Marlene.
“Think of it,” and the farm couple has already got it on the agenda for the “packed day of activities” they’ll be hosting at their own unique High Ground Museum, six miles northeast of Council Grove on Old Highway 4, with signs posted along the route.
“The private on-farm museum, including historical pieces from rural living of more than 160 years ago, is generally open only by appointment, but all of the buildings are to be “open for browsing” during the open house,” Florence emphasized.
Important to note before listing the attractions, which required considerable logistics to get incorporated, there will be “free admission” for all.
“We do this because we want to, and desire to share our collections and interests with the public. Many people have no idea what our ancestors did, and this will give them somewhat of an idea,” Florence noted.
Of course, because it’s a “Hay Day,” there will be old time hay making. “We’ll have demonstrations of haying with horses and men, along with horse-powered and tractor-powered hay machines. We’re sure glad Ralph and Bruce Anderson will again provide the horse power,” Florence said.
“We will also be making apple cider with an apple press from 1905,” Florence pointed out.
Local cowboy poet Don Thomas is to entertain with his rhythmic yarns and tales of his life, and that of his many sidekicks throughout the Flint Hills, and beyond.
Among the other “demonstrations our ancestors did daily” will be hand corn shelling and grinding, a working buzz saw, spinning wool, hand quilting, rug crocheting, butter churning and rope making.
A stationary engine is to be in operation, and a vintage firearms demonstration has been scheduled. Additionally, there will be a cow chip throwing contest, and a hay tunnel is being setup for the kids.
Lunch of barbequed pork and beef, and all the extras, will be available, and there is to be a special drawing for prizes being given by the hosts.
Information is available by calling Lloyd and Marlene Florence at 620-767-5357.
