Families stepped back in time at The Grove nature conservancy Saturday, as the Glenview Park District hosted the annual Pioneer Day.
The annual event offered visitors a glimpse into what life was like for the Kennicott Family when they first arrived at The Grove in 1836, complete with handson learning activities and interactive historic demonstrations.
Diane J. Michalski, The Grove recreation supervisor, says historically speaking, 183 years is not such a long time ago. And while our basic human needs for food, water, shelter and clothing have not changed much, she said, the means in which we get them has.
“Pioneer Day gives families an opportunity to submerse themselves into that time period and to learn through hands on activity. Visitors get the experience – not a lecture – and go home with great memories and so much to talk about,” Michalski said.
Historic house tours and cooking demonstrations led by costumed interpreters, Civil War drills with an artifact exhibit, old-fashioned lawn games, candle dipping, carding and spinning wool, and a spelling bee at the old school house, were among the day’s activities.
Carissa Guzman attended, and said as a kid living in Mt. Prospect, she became enchanted with The Grove during a school field trip, so much so that she has made Pioneer Day an annual tradition with her own family.
“It’s an important opportunity for the kids to experience how it used to be, what life was like, and all they take for granted,” Guzman said.
More Top Picks Best Heated Blankets
Michalski says that Pioneer Day was created as a way to share with families, historic content and programming that was previously available to school groups visiting The Grove.
“Families can now experience together, the way of life, work and play, of the early settlers, and learn about where we come from,” Michalski said.
Members of the DuPage Valley Settlers also took part in Saturday’s program.
Luke Wachlin is a member of the DuPage Valley Settlers who brought to life the role of tinker’s apprentice.
“We travel around to reenactments and park district events to share our love and knowledge of history, and to put the practical skills and trades into a historic context,” Wachlin said.
“People often take for granted the quick availability of common goods,” Wachlin said, “the hours for example that it takes stitch the leather to make a wallet by hand versus buying one for $5 at Walmart.”
This journey to the past was free on Pioneer Day at The Grove, and according to Michalski, this experience often makes kids more cognizant of what they have now.
Gina Grillo is a freelancer.