What's It Wednesday: Answer for August 26

 

Did you see our “What’s it Wednesday” post on Facebook? We asked what this artifact could be.

As a reminder the artifact is a metal object with a basket at the end opens and closes with joints on its far end an is kept closed with a small metal ring that slides over the small tab on one side of the basket. The handle is made so that a hand fits comfortably around it.

This object is actually a soap saver. It is used to hold pieces of soap when they get to small to use in your hand. All the little soap pieces collect inside the basket to save for laundry day. When clothes needed to be washed in a wringer washer or by hand, you could swirl the soap saver in the water, using up every last bit of the soap.

The Pioneer Days In Aldborough

If you are interested in the history of Aldborough this book is a very good read. Inside it details settler lists, trials and tribulations of the settlement, local businesses and schools, the daily life of settlers and many events the township has experienced. This book is $13.00 in our giftshop at Backs-Page House Museum or call 519-762-3072 to arrange shipping. 

History Meme Tuesday #7

Backus-Page House Hours of Operation

 

What's It Wednesday: Answer for August 19th

Did you see our “What’s it Wednesday” post on Facebook? We asked what this artifact could be.

As a reminder this is a composite object made of both iron and wood for its handle. This object is made to be held in one hand and pivots at the central joint, opening the metal jaws as you squeeze the wooden handle.

The object is actually a hair curler. 

Similar to the curling irons of today, you wrap your hair around the round half of the jaws and close the concave half around that, leaving it for a few seconds and then removing your hair to get a ringlet. The only difference between this curling iron and modern ones is that you heat this one up by placing in on top of your wood or coal stove. The wooden handles on this device helps avoid finger burns as you curl your hair.

The following photo features a whole bunch of other types of irons, some for hair, clothes and even for bonnet brims and ribbons!

Foodie Friday - Carrot Pudding

From a Tyrconnell Heritage Society book called 
12 Days of Christmas

CARROT PUDDING

Recipe by Jeanette (Bobier) Patterson, Mother of Marion Page

1 cup grated carrots

1 cup grated potatoes

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup suet

½ cup mixed peal

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup seeded raisins

1 cup seedless raisins

½ cup currants

½ cup figs

1 teaspoon molasses

2 cups flour

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Mix. Steam 3 hours covered with foil

Sauce:

2 cups brown sugar

1 cup butter

Add 6 level tablespoons of cornstarch

6 cups boiling water

Dash of salt, vanilla or a little brandy

Mix sugar and butter to liquid on stove. Add the remaining ingredients. 

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You may not know that all our events, admission and programming income goes into maintaining our heritage buildings, daily operating expenses like utilities, and funding future events.  If you are able to contribute financially by purchasing a Tyrconnell Heritage Society Membership or making a donation in any amount your support would be greatly appreciated.  Memberships - Individual $30; Couple $35; Family $40; Organization $45; Business $75; Individual Lifetime $250  Here is the link to our page at CanadaHelps http://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/tyrconnell-heritage-society/

History Meme Tuesday #6

What's It Wednesday: Answer for August 12th

Did you see our “What’s it Wednesday” post on Facebook? We asked what this wooden and iron object could be.

As a reminder the object is a wooden box with cast iron mechanisms on top. The mechanism is connected to a handle seen on top and turns 360° both to the left and right. The wooden box is joined by finger joints and has a small drawer that pulls in and out.

This object is a coffee bean grinder!

The top of the grinder opens up as seen in the image below to where you pour in your coffee beans. After closing the mechanism at the top, you turn the handle and your coffee grinds will fall into the drawer beneath which you can pull out to reveal your freshly ground coffee!