Journey back in time and enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, 19th-century parlor games, stories, children’s craft activities in the cozy Washburn kitchen, caroling, the one-room schoolhouse, mulled cider made on the woodstove, and the simply decorated 1867 Washburn mansion.

Kerck Kelsey, Washburn descendant and historian, will share stories about the Washburn family in the mansion at 1 p.m. and again at 2 p.m. Kerck is the great-great grandson of Major General Cadwallader Colden Washburn (1818-1882). Cadwallader was born in Livermore, made his way west and established a flour company which later became Gold Medal Flour.

Caroling takes place in the Ladies’ Parlor in the mansion starting at 1:30 p.m. Jerry Ellis, Livermore resident and musician, will play the 1853 Washburn piano.

Find the 19th-century “Bradford Family” in the Farmer’s Cottage and see how they are preparing for a 19th-century Christmas. Grammy (Martha) Bradford, wife of Dr. Benjamin Bradford, will be spinning. And, perhaps you’ll have a chance to help her daughters, Celia and Osca, and daughter-in-law Lydia with the cooking. Grandson Rush Bradford might pay a visit.

A Cookie Walk fundraiser benefits the new barn fund. For $5, fill a bag with homemade cookies to take home. Proceeds from the cookie sale benefit Norlands’ “Raise the Barn: Rebuild the Magic” fund.

The gift shop will be open and filled with unique treasures to meet your holiday shopping needs. There are old-time toys, books, prints, cards, caps and bonnets, dolls, stick candy, and more. Norlands’ T-shirts and timber-frame peg sales benefit the barn-raising fund and make unique holiday gifts. Sponsor a Peg for $25 in honor of someone special. Write your name or a unique message on the handmade wooden peg that will be used in the timber frame of the new barn.

The Washburn-Norlands Living History Center is at 290 Norlands Road. For more information, call 207-897-4366 or visit www.norlands.org.

Comments are no longer available on this story

filed under: