String band performing at the 2019 Gathering.
PIONEER VILLAGE continued from 17
and magically reassembled on the Pioneer Village grounds. A wooden lock fashioned by Jim Kelp has fascinated visitors who study it up close.
The immense double-wide“ dog-trot” log museum is the anchor of the Pioneer Village. With hand-hewn logs more than 60 feet long, the loft is over two rooms with a center passthrough, or dog-trot. This magnificent log structure was discovered in Jackson County by James Voland while rabbit hunting. It was reassembled in its present location as a Works Progress Administration( WPA) project in 1935. Used as a community building in its rebirth, it was handed to the county and then to the Historical Society in 1962. Today one room is the“ Loom Room” with an impressive display of early textile production tools. Demonstrations are provided by members of the Pioneer Women. Master spinners and weavers, Barbara Livesey and Sarah Noggle, are often in the Loom Room on Sundays.( Hint to visitors: ask Barbara to tell you about dyeing with indigo). Items made by the Pioneer Women are available for sale in the gift shop of the History Center. The other room houses the“ Tool Shop,” with many of the exhibited wood working and farm tools coming directly from Brown County pioneer families.
20 Our Brown County Sept./ Oct. 2021
Postcard of the Old Log Jail postmarked 1910. courtesy Indiana Album
The old log jail, star of postcards since the time of photography, was restored several years ago. Bird Snider and his crew replaced the logs that were deteriorating and put on a new roof. Visitors will be impressed with the hand-craftsmanship used in these repairs.
The annual Gathering at the Pioneer Village, closed last summer by the COVID pandemic, is scheduled to take place September 18 from 11 a. m. to 3 p. m. Additional activities on the grounds will include rope making, candle dipping, and a kettle of ham and beans cooking over the bonfire, cornbread on the side. The old cider press will be pulled out and put into service. A string band will provide a homegrown soundtrack to this much appreciated special event. •