This is The Place Park

I am happy to report that in the last few weeks, I have done a little more than surviving at home! Mark is always so good to take us out on little "adventures". Sometimes, I need a little extra push. We drove the short distance to Salt Lake City to visit the This Is The Place historic park. Both he and I had been to the large monument that is right off the parking lot, but neither of us had seen the pioneer village. So, visit it we did! And of course, my history heart loved every plaque, story, and original stone they had.

 I tried to go on a day when the park would have actors posing as pioneer's living in the village. I can't say that it was what I expected, but it was neat to get a few stories here and there by the few who were there that day. We didn't get a chance to go down the little house lane, which I think would have been the most interesting; so I suppose that guarantees us another visit

I was fascinated at a few of the chores that they had us try out. Today, they would be known as hobbies! We cleaned the wool and watched it go on the spindle. Then saw the ladies work the loom into glorious quilts. Such a craft. I also learned another quilt technique with a hook and yarn. I was fascinated at how young this boy was whipping that ax down on that wood. He seemed to know exactly what he was doing! It was awesome.  And of course, my little teacher heart leaped with joy at the site of my boy in the school house desks. 

 I think my favorite parts would be the school house and the Brigham Young farmhouse. The schools then were from 8-5 and the teachers were usually 15-18 years old. They would teach writing, some science, agriculture, manners, and light math. The Brigham Young farmhouse was being refurbished when I was there last time so it was neat to go inside and see what they had done. It was built in Sugar City as a experimental farm. Being the first settlers to the valley, the Saints didn't know what kind of crops the land would support. This farm's purpose was to see what would grow from the seeds they had brought with them.

 Cameron LOVED the train. It is so fun to watch his excitement at everything. We went through the splash pad for some relief from the heat, another cute moment with the lad. And finished off the day with some Ice Cream and candy from the first ZCMI building ever! Loved our little trip out. Happy that my hubs got us going for a fun family outing.