An Adventure Back In Time

By Larissa Lytwyn

Modern-day stresses may consist of forgetting to pick up a much-needed carton of milk on the way home from work. Two hundred years ago, such a task was not so easy to overlook when milking a cow was not just a daily chore, but also an integral part of day-to-day survival.

Now, children grades 3–5 can experience the adventure of stepping back in time with local resident Jonathon Coe, an elementary school certified Farmington High School history instructor. The Newtown Historical Society Adventure Camp will run at the Curtiss House, 44 Main Street, July 14–18.

“Students will learn quill-writing, butter churning, journal making, candlemaking and more,” said Mr Coe, who has directed history camps at Woodbury’s Glebe House for the last eight years. “The idea is to give kids a taste of what it was like to live [in colonial times],” he said. “In addition to the various crafts activities, kids will have the chance to play [colonial era] games, too.”

Mr Coe said he enjoyed teaching younger grades because of their pronounced love of learning. “They have a lot of enthusiasm,” he said. Children should wear comfortable clothing and sneakers that can get dirty. Cost is $180 per student, which includes materials. Campers will be responsible for their own water, snacks, and lunch.

At least eight students must sign up for the class to run, but space within the Curtiss House prohibits class size to be more than ten students.

Registration forms can be picked up at C.H. Booth Library. For more information, contact Mr Coe at 426-5937.