Going back in time

BELLEVUE — Eighteen students joined volunteers in historic Lyme Village late last month to experience "Pioneer Camp." The camp took place from June 23-27 at the village, located at 5001 Ohio 4, and promised participants "a hands-on experience of living in Ohio during the 1800s," according to camp director Becky Parcher. Hotter-than-normal temperatures caused the group to change their activities to keep the students and volunteers as safe as possible. "The weather consisted of a heat index of around 100 degrees or higher all week, but we adjusted our activities and stayed in the air-conditioned buildings as much as possible," Parcher said. Each morning, students spent time doing three activities. Participants met in the Wolfe Barn and would draw and paint, using buildings on the grounds as inspiration. These classes were led by Roger Knight and Betsey Miller. Students also spent time with Pam Benedict and Carolyn Gray cooking in the carriage house kitchen, according to a news release. "The campers' favorite meal was pancakes and sausage," according to a release from the village. Students also made several crafts at the camp, including feathered hats, woven checkerboards, musical washboards and dancing "jig" figures with Mary Brook and Anita Raab leading the activities. Following their morning activities, the campers also took part daily in special presentations and field trips: • Monday: Guest speaker Angie George, from North Coast Narrative, gave a presentation on the 1860s style of dress, dairy farming and the students made butter together. • Tuesday: Students went to the McBride Arboretum in Huron to observe nature, led by Lisa Meyer. • Wednesday: Carolyn Gray gave a presentation on the dulcimer, psaltery and dancing jig figure. Students then made their own dancing jig figure. • Thursday: Doug Osborn, Civil War historian, gave a presentation about sharpshooters and Civil War soldiers. Each student received enlistment papers if they wanted to enlist in the Civil War. • Friday: Mary Brook presented many styles and uses of baskets she has made or acquired through the years. Becky Parcher also talked with the students about Abraham Lincoln and they took part in reading the Gettysburg Address at the parent program. "This camp would not have happened without the assistance of our volunteers," Parcher said. "A special thank you to all the volunteers listed above and to the following volunteer group leaders: Amelia and Addison Hensley, Patrick Kelly, Audrina Robinson and Amanda Savidge, as well as our sponsor, Thrivent."