Kitchen helper Julie rolls a pie crust in the pantry. Photo credit Patrice Johnson
revised 12/13/2018
by Patrice Johnson
Rain pattered onto barn roofs and then snow dusted the bakehouse during the Waterloo Area Historical Society’s annual Christmas on the Farm, Dec. 1 and 2. But neither rain nor snow deterred hearty visitors from traveling to the Waterloo Farm Museum in order to step back in time to an 1890s Christmas.
On the walk past log outbuildings, guests were likely to pass Ron Kaiser preparing kerosene lanterns in order to keep the lights on.
Just past the windmill, visitors entered the Realy farmhouse. Here, Amanda Craig greeted them in an entry room featuring a hand-loomed rag rug and an antique pump organ. Veronica Zick took a seat at the pipe organ, and music filled the home. Meanwhiile, teacher Cindy Maxwell revealed the secrets of making bobbin lace to Samantha Huber, or Huber read “The Night Before Christmas”–a good fit for this volunteer who in the 21st century works in the Stockbridge Capital Area District Library. Jenny Smith welcomed guests to a table in the dining room set with home-baked goods.
On entering the pantry, little helper Julie demonstrated how to roll a pie crust. Upstairs, young volunteer Emma told tales of gravity-fed heat to the children’s room. Before exiting, guests stopped to purchase treats from Linda Risner, who graciously manned the checkout.
Amanda Craig greets visitors in the parlor. Photo credit Patrice JohnsonJenny Smith welcomes guests with home-baked goods in the dining room. Photo credit James Clark-Swalla, DigitalCrumbs PhotographyLinda Risner mans the checkout in the Realy farmhouse. Photo credit James Clark-Swalla, DigitalCrumbs PhotographyTeacher Cindy Maxwell and shows Samantha Huber the secrets of making bobbin lace. Photo credit Patrice JohnsonSam Huber reads reads “The Night Before Christmas” in the farmhouse entry–a good fit for this volunteer who in the 21st century works in the Stockbridge Capital Area District Library. Photo credit James Clark-Swalla, DigitalCrumbs PhotographyJim Johnson selects tasty baked goods with Linda Risner manning checkout at the Realy farmhouse. Photo credit Patrice JohnsonThe gift house is fully stocked with treasures to take home. Photo credit James Clark-Swalla, DigitalCrumbs PhotographyPhoto credit James Clark-SwallaPhoto credit James Clark-SwallaPhoto credit James Clark-SwallaPhoto credit James Clark-SwallaPhoto credit James Clark-SwallaPhoto credit James Clark-SwallaPhoto credit James Clark-SwallaPhoto credit James Clark-SwallaPhoto credit James Clark-SwallaPhoto credit James Clark-SwallaPhoto credit James Clark-SwallaPhoto credit James Clark-SwallaPhoto credit James Clark-SwallaPhoto credit James Clark-SwallaYoung volunteer Emma tells about the children’s room. Photo credit Jenny SmithPhoto credit James Clark-SwallaPhoto credit James Clark-SwallaVeronica Zick takes a seat at the pump organ. Photo credit Jenny Smith.Music fills the room as Veronica plays the pump organ. Photo credit Jenny Smith.Ron Kaiser prepares lanterns, in order to keep the lights on for arriving guests. Photo credit Jenny Smith.Aviva Nobel greets guests, Photo credit Jenny Smith.A volunteer weaves a rag rug. Photo credit Jenny Smith.Santa prepares for Christmas. Photo credit Jenny Smith.Bloodsworth and Kerr toymakers display their wares in the wreath-adorned cabin. Photo credit Jenny Smith.A beginner’s lace tatting demonstration. Photo credit Jenny Smith.Paper decorations adorn windows. Photo credit Jenny Smith.Ornaments add to the magic of the gift shop, Photo credit Jenny Smith.
Snow dusts the bakehouse. Photo credit Jenny SmithLace bobbins in neat rows. Photo credit Jenny Smith.
Managing Editor, Newsprint Designer and Reporter for theStockbridge Community News. Board Member of the Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation. Public Relations Director of the Ann Arbor Electrical JATC and Union 4 Life charity.
