ALHFAM Texas: Log Cabins, Blacksmithing and Hay Rides

As you might have realized, I am now at a conference and having the best learning time ever! I know I say that about the Association of Living History and Farming Museums Conferences every time I go, but honestly, nothing beats the quality of learning that I experience from the staff, volunteers and presenters that work with this organization.

Today, I was signed up for a log cabin building workshop. I arrived at Farmers Branch in borrowed clothes and borrowed shoes, ready for action. However, Bill Marquis decided to break us in gently as he reveled in telling us the stories of the area as they pertained to history found within log cabins. Did you know that many people actually built houses around the original log cabins? I didn't. Did you know that sometimes people built vertical log cabins? I didn't. I know that they have stick and mud chimneys that were leaning away from the house on purpose so that they can be kicked away when the chimney catches on fire. There is nothing like listening to the expert in the field tell stories.

Then, we went over to the wheel barrow. Red clay was mixed with water and straw and we were handed palettes and chinking tools. To work we went. we almost finished a side of a building today with that mudding mixture. He told us about the links to the old nursury rhymes as we worked. Like Jack Jumping Over A Candle Stick. He showed us the candle stick.

Sadly, we ran out of materials but since I was there to learn. I incorporated myself into the blacksmithing school lesson being taught. Fred and Kelly were fabulous. Fred explained how to make nails and work the fire. As he was the one who built the "smithie" with Kelly, they knew about getting the fire to draw, "having too many irons in the fire" and how to functionally make useful items the old fashioned way. I was fascinated but then the heat....that Texas sun....started to be felt.

Bill Marquis

Chinking the log cabin

Cutting the straw

Mixing the mud

Pulling the bellows

Too many irons in the fire

Strike while the iron is hot

The Candle Stick that would be hung between two chairs

Baseball!

Back to the hotel I went and was able to make myself useful setting up for the conference sessions. Once done that, I enjoyed a hay ride to the park for the opening reception. There, we wandered the buildings, ate great food, and watched the baseball rilvary continue to blossom. They played until dark and then the wagon returned. All in all, a busy and successful day.

Texas: ALHFAM

After leaving at midnight, shuffled into a window seat, the plane took off and landed in Toronto. Honestly, I was so sleepy on landing but didn't sleep thanks to the 'I'm not deaf" ear bud music from two rows behind me. Bon Jovi, Metallica, Aerosmith were all audible, but not sleep worthy at 3:00 am. Customs was a breeze though, and I was able to settle into my comfortable Tim Horton's while I awaited the next plane to Dallas Fort Worth.

Now, I admit that I was tired. But, that is a tremendously large airport. Not to mention that Dallas seems to be suffering from the "Construction Season" blues. I actually saw a construction worker wandering away with a road sign that was rather important. Nevertheless, I have my silver Hyundai Genesis that is rather fun to drive. I got lost twice and finally made it to the Night hotel for the conference.

I was early.

So, I hopped back in the car after snagging keys to my lovely residence for the week from the hostess with the mostest (shoes!!)(GRIN). Once unpacked and showered, I wended my way to the other airport at Love Field and found me my other travelling partner. Off we went. Dropped one off to the board meeting and I decided to walk.

Farmers Branch is a lovely haven of lush greenery, birds chirping and beautiful buildings. The air is scented with flowers and blossoms. I walked the Rawhide Creek and found bridges, a turtle and lots of birds. Further along is a rose garden that is scented with all the magnificent blossoms they could grow.

It was really hot though so off I went to the grocery store: Tom Thumb. Starbucks was yummy but the customers seemed a bit cranky. I guess they are not used to Fort McMurray line ups.  I put the groceries away and took time out to sit on the stoop and eat my salad while listening to the hum of cricket like animals in the trees.

turtle

Back to the hotel for registration we went and then onto a walking tour. The walking tour retraced the steps I had walked earlier but at a much cooler temperature. We also added in the cemetary where the first pioneers of the area were buried. There were civil war markers and infant markers, an Irish family and an unsual hispanic family. It was interesting and a great way to wind down an evening. The ALFAMily likes to socialize so we had to play a bit before finally settling in to sleep. And so good night, off to build log cabins in what will feel like dawn after being up for 37 hours straight.

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