Old Sturbridge Village

It was a special weekend at Old Sturbridge Village this month when horseless carriages, old cars and bikes were invited to share the town common.

All cars had to be older than 1940, and with a 1924 Model T Ford we fit the bill. Husband Bill was quite excited about this "Willy" running in it's original condition.

We were a group of 4 couples from the Central MA Model T Club. Some of us came in costume. I declined as I have been recovering from foot surgery and did not wish to call any more attention to my big sneaker and hobble.

Here is a view from the upstairs of one of the old homes that surround the town common. 70 old cars participated in the weekend event and were there for the looking!

Other modes of transportation were carts and several very cool bikes. Why did they make the wheels so big on these old cycles? So they could go faster. Each pedal push went a long way!

There was SOOOO much to see at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. I thought I might be bored but I barely saw everything I wanted to in two days!

We watched the tinsmiths make lanterns through out the day, the blacksmiths make iron hooks and the potter throwing pot after pot that will be kiln fired in the fall.

We visited the working farm, watched the cows being milked and saw the meals being cooked for the day.

One thing that really fascinated me were the ladies that wove straw for hats.  They took a piece of straw, split it into FOUR pieces, soaked the pieces and wove long bands of straw that they wrapped around a card that would go to the hat makers. There another long process began to make the men and ladies hats and bonnets. Bill is wearing an antique hat. I have NEW respect for the craftsmanship.

The country store has stood in the same place since it was constructed. The man who owned the building locked the doors and abandoned it with all it's contents 100 years ago. Lots of work to restore. Lots of original stuff inside. We also watched the cobblers create shoes whos soles attached to the leather uppers with tiny pegs of wood instead of nails.

A miniature horse club was also visiting. So there were many little buggies with the cutest little animals pulling them and their owners.

Three mills run on water power. Like the saw mill pictured. During the day you can see each one work.

Quite a few handmade antique quilts along with furniture etc. were in an air conditioned museum.


We had such a great time. Trust me if you like history, you won't be bored!