MINDEMOYA—The summer was full of activities at the Pioneer Museum in Mindemoya, and as summer drew to a close, one more event was planned for Friday, August 29.
“The members of the Central Manitoulin Historical Society are volunteers at the Museum,” said Alison Sloss, events coordinator for Central Manitoulin Township. “They give tours and run programs all summer long. This event today is a way of saying thank you to them and to our student volunteers.” Ms. Sloss, along with Museum Curator Mnawaate Gordan-Corbiere organized the 1920s-themed tea party on the back lawn at the Pioneer Museum. There were games, refreshments, and live music was provided by George Williamson.
“We had planned to wear 1920s dresses,” said Historical Society member Sue Moggy, “But it was too cold this morning, no one wanted to put on those light summer dresses.” Hers hung on display amidst the photo albums, set out for perusal.
There were wickets set up and balls and mallets available for the enjoyment of croquet. For those unfamiliar with the game, and for those a little rusty about how the game was played, there were sets of instructions displayed intermittently at the front of the field. Once Ms. Moggy and her sister Lynn Quesnel gave it a go, others quickly joined in.
Fancy teacups and tea pots were set up on a long table, covered with a white cloth. Flowers adorned each section of the table, and each place setting was equipped with a traditional, decorative hand-held (manually operated) fan. The period details added much to the enjoyment of the guests.
Throughout July and August, for a nominal fee, crafts such as jewellery making, learning to knit, learning to crochet, embroidery for kids and even candlewick embroidery were on offer at the museum. These events were sponsored by the Central Manitoulin Historical Society (CMHS) and the Friends of the Mindemoya Old School (FOMOS). In addition to the craft programs, volunteers also lead museum tours, and this summer has been a busy one.
“Thank you to all the staff, volunteers, workshop facilitators and visitors of the museum who made this summer so successful. We appreciate your dedication and support!” was written on the Historical Society’s Facebook page. It was also written on the faces of those who attended the afternoon event – the food, the music, the games and the animated conversations made it apparent, those being thanked were thankful in return.
by Margery Frisch