At Niles Heritage Day, history will repeat itself

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What looks like two ladies who have stepped out of the past are really members of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry Co. D. They found a little shade to sit in as they displayed the clothing style of early American Women. The volunteers, part of a “Living History Family,” will explain the roles of early families and other interesting facts for Niles Historical Society’s “Heritage Day,” which will be Sunday.

NILES

Niles Historical Society prepares to celebrate the past at its annual Heritage Day, which will take place from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Ward-Thomas Museum, 503 Brown St.

The 14-room Victorian home, built in 1862, will be open for tours. Gowns from the first-ladies collection are on display, along with several bridal gowns. The home is filed with thousands of treasures donated to the society throughout the years.

A quilting demonstration will be given by June Karovic in the kitchen, where samples of her exquisite needlework can be viewed. Knitting and crocheting demonstrations will go on throughout the day. On the back porch will be a sale of homemade baked goods. Several books the society has published will also be for sale.

Barbara James will show her button display, along with some of the prizes she has won. She has been collecting special buttons for years and has studied the history of buttons. She also will have some buttons for sale.

Rich Muccio, caricature artist, will be in the Westenfield Room demonstrating the creative work he is famous for. “Little Joe” will provide musical entertainment, encouraging visitors to sing along.

“A Living History Family” will portray the early American family, detailing the duties of family members and the clothes they wore. The actors are from Ohio Volunteer Infantry Co. D.

Many visitors may find interest in the old tools in the barn and the extensive wood display of George John. He has samples of wood from all over the world. Some of the wood is no longer available.

Ray O’Neil from the Girard Historical Society will show his pictures of the Conestoga wagon and special tools for the wagon. A heavy broad-wheeled covered wagon was used in the late 1700s and could transport up to 8 tons. O’Neil will share the interesting history of the Conestoga wagon.

An 1860 kitchen, new this year, is set up in a room in the barn. With no running water, a pump and basin served the early American housewife. A Hoosier cabinet, made in New Castle, Ind., was donated to the museum recently and is displayed in the room with an old wooden clothes washer with a wooden agitator.

Old cars will line the winding driveway leading to the museum. More than 60 perennial and annual flowers are planted in the restored flower gardens.

Food and lemon shakes will be available at the event, which offers many new displays. The museum is one block east of state Route 46, at the corner of Third Street and Route 46 on the south side of Niles.

The donation for admission is $5; children under 12 are admitted free. For more information call 330-544-2143.