Pioneer Day Shows Primitive Lifestyle

There was plenty of fiddle-playing, dye-soaking and rope-making going on Saturday.

The Chinsegut Nature Center hosted its annual Pioneer Day, which has drawn more than 1,000 people in past years.

Saturday was no different. The sunny skies, mild weather and hands-on lessons made the event attractive for families with children.

Dozens of volunteers were decked out in 19th century costumes. They were cooking, teaching and talking like they were well-accustomed to life without luxury.

"We're just making some rope," said Chad Allison. "We're using the twine, you know?"

He donned a hat and wool coat and watched as a young girl sat on top of the rope-weaving machine. Another volunteer twisted the pieces of twine into one long section of rope.

"This is a really good example of how they used to do it," Allison said. "It was a necessity back then."

A few hundred paces down the trail was Karen Michalak, who was showing onlookers who to make dyes from berries, moss, bark and other natural products.

To color clothes in the 1900s, all that was needed was the dye, a pot and a crackling fire.

She also used the fire to cook a few cinnamon rolls for her and her husband.

For the couple, cooking with primitive appliances is the norm. They are regular campers.

"We do it every other weekend," said Ronald Michalak.

He was sitting in the shade sporting denim overalls and a throw-back hat - a throw back to about 150 years ago.

"It's the (outfit) of the time," he said.

Fifty feet down the trail was where Scott and Lorrie Arnhold were making pumpkin fry bread. Like the Michalaks, they don't cook old style once a year. They do it often.

Pumpkin fry bread is one of Scott Arnhold's favorites.

"When he has a sweet tooth, he will request it at home," Lorrie Arnhold said as she buried her hands into the flour.

Kurt Serama was attending Pioneer Day for the first time. He was accompanied by his wife and kids. After 30 minutes of watching the broom-making and listening to the folk singing, he still felt as if he had only seen a small portion of what was offered during the day.

"This is all pretty neat," he said as he walked toward the demonstrations along the walking trail. "It makes you think, 'What would you do without power?' Well, this is it."