Newtown Historical Society Demonstrates 19th Century Food Preparation Tools
Newtown Historical Society hosted free guided tours of the group’s headquarters, the Matthew Curtiss House, on October 23. The public was also invited to observe a live history demonstration on the front lawn.
The forecasted rain held out as history buff Joe Mangini and friends displayed a wide variety of food preparation tools for chuck wagons from the 1870s.
Mangini created a small cook fire while Lori Ann Witte worked at the table under the “cook’s fly” tent.
The historians used some of the antique items to make beef stew, cobbler, and bread on-site.
The public was able to sample food while learning about cooking in the 1800s.
Upcoming Events
Martin Patrick Tuite of Danbury, who “Likes Ike” and thus spent the past 15 years learning about the many contributions of former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, will be guest speaker at the Sunday, November 13, Newtown Historical Society program at C.H. Booth Library.
The free program, "The Ins and Outs of Ike," will begin at 2 pm in the lower meeting room of the library, 25 Main Street.
Tuite will focus on Eisenhower’s support of NATO and the Civil Rights Movement, and his past-presidency years of involvement in the US and worldwide.
Read more here: Eisenhower Enthusiast To Present 'The Ins And Outs Of Ike'
The historical society’s next open house will feature a return by Newtown resident Darlene Kascak on Sunday, November 20, from noon to 4 pm, at The Matthew Curtis House, 44 Main Street.
Kascak, who is a member of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation, will share her thoughts on what this holiday traditionally meant as well as what it now means to indigenous cultures. She will also display and discuss examples of original tribal artifacts, furs, and documents.
(Read more here: Newtown Historical Society To Honor Thanksgiving Of The Past)
Admission for this event is also free, however, donations are accepted and welcomed in order to continue offering similar events.
Reservations are not taken for historical society events, but additional information may be found at NewtownHistory.org.
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Reporter Alissa Silber can be reached at alissa@thebee.com.