Sunday travelers passing by The Matthew Curtiss House on Main Street last weekend may have been surprised at the sight of a fully equipped covered wagon parked on the front lawn as Newtown Historical Society hosted an open house and colonial gaming in the rear yard.

Guests were invited to receive a tour of the building and learn how to play colonial-era games.

Though not part of the main event on June 11, a series of demonstrations out front were conducted by volunteers including Joe Mangini, who prepped and cooked a colonial era meal using a reflector oven, which was popular in the late 1700s.

The oven and pot of coffee were situated over a burning pile of coals, where pieces of pork roast simmered with a selection of native grown vegetables.

Visitors who wandered into the Curtiss House back yard following their docent-led tours through the house witnessed some familiar and other lesser known games. Some, such as the sack race, were recognizable, but, for the most part, instruction was needed.

That’s where Town Historian Ben Cruson came in. Cruson educated Historical Society guests on myriad colonial era games while also warning that some, cup-and-ball in particular, could be quite difficult.

Of course, right after hearing this, town resident Jackson Chiappetta easily landed the ball in the cup and on the peg, which many, himself included, would consider a tremendous accomplishment.

The most popular activity, however, was the game of Graces. That two-person game involved throwing and catching a wooden ring using two sticks.

Popularized in France during the 1800s, as “le jeu des graces,” numerous sources indicated the game was more popular among women and was credited for making them more graceful.

Overall, this event was welcoming to people of all ages.

Cruson said typically such demonstrations are hosted annually for Middle Gate Elementary students at The Little Red Schoolhouse. During those activities, students learn what school was like during the colonial era while also playing games.

This year, the historical society successfully lured visitors of all ages to get involved. There were children, teens, and adults all trying to learn these challenging games.

The Historical Society is planning many more events to come including its annual History Camp, July 17-21. Registration for that week-long offering is open for a few more days this week.

For information about future events, or to become a member or volunteer, visit newtownhistory.org.