I’m really behind in posting so I will be doing some catching up!
A couple of weeks ago, Knucklehead was invited to attend a Children of the American Revolution meeting since I am now a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. The meeting was at Cadron Settlement Park, and we had a very good time.
What a great learning experience. If you would like to know all about the settlement, you can read about it here at the Arkansas Encyclopedia of History and Culture.
This is a blockhouse that is on the settlement. It is a replica that was built around 1930 (I think), the original having been built in the mid to late 1800’s. There were people here in period clothing and everything in the house is as it would have been for the time period when it was originally built.
As you can see, Knucklehead (far left in the photo) has spotted a bat on the ceiling and now, nothing else matters in the world.
Period.
I now have 50 photos of the bat on my camera, because right as we were about to leave he asked to see the camera and when I got home, there they were.
I’m not sure if he was waiting for this bat to turn into Batman, or Dracula, but we couldn’t hang around for the results.
Thankfully, they moved us upstairs to the second level, and then he was totally freaked out by all the dirt dobber nests, even though there were only a few flying around.
Then all the children got a lesson on what “Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite” really means. I for one, am really glad I don’t have to worry about making sure the ropes on my bed are tight each night before I go to bed. Thank you Lord for mattresses!
Then the question you always wait for a child to ask, was asked.
“Where’s the bathroom?”
Wait, what?
“You mean I would have to go to the bathroom right there in a chair?”
“What happens to it after you are done? Wait, what? I have to dump it out somewhere?”
“Oh, Man, that’s gross!!!!!!”
They had a great time though, learning why there were no closets, and why the sheet or fabric was hung to divide off the room. The ladies also cooked a meal and showed the kids how it was done way before ovens and all the modern conveniences like the microwave that Knucklehead loves so much!
Might I say once again, thank you Lord, but this time for the oven and microwave I take for granted everyday!
Then we gathered the kids together for a group picture, and let’s just say, my oldest son who was just along for the ride, was not really impressed with having to stand in with the “kids” for this photo-op. I mean, get real Mom, I am 19!!
He laughed and was a great sport about it anyway. They also showed the kids how to make ink and use them in quills. I didn’t get a photo of that, because we had to leave right before they did that.
I would like to point out that this is also along the “Trail of Tears” as the Cherokee were brought down the Arkansas River right through here. The story and history of that is on the link above that I gave you.
All in all, this was a great outing for Knucklehead. He loved the CAR, and they have invited him to another meeting, which will be aboard a submarine! How cool is that!!
If you have children and live in the area, this is a must see! Even for adults!!!
Susie
