Sheckler students learn about history
History came to life for third-grade students from Sheckler Elementary School May 26. Divided into small groups, they experienced both the George Taylor House and the Biery House properties.
Students at the Biery House Museum were welcomed by period-appropriate historic reenactors who asked the children to “close their eyes and imagine only trees and wooded areas around the museum — no cars, no sounds of traffic and only the local wildlife, maybe a horse whinnying in the distance.”
They continued their presentation focusing on daily life in the early settlement of Catasauqua.
The Lenape tribe were the first known settlers in the Catasauqua and surrounding area. In 1683, European colonists settled in Catasauqua. The students were shown various homesteading tasks and survival skills that were part of daily life through the centuries.
Historic reenactors, all members of the Historic Catasauqua Preservation Association, provided hands-on presentations and oral history. The entire program was created and staffed by members of HCPA. Bill Nothstein, HCPA member, is credited with the clear programming objectives.
“There is so much information and so little time, we’re trying to make as much impact (on the students) as we can,” it was mentioned.
Students eagerly participated in butter-making, candle-making and rug-braiding demonstrations. Children acknowledged a new appreciation for “doing laundry” as the demonstration by Betsy Hillenbrand showed the laborious task of washing, rinsing, wringing, drying on a line, ironing and folding clothing.
Students were also exposed to historically significant periods with a focus on the development of industry in Catasauqua. This included Dave Thomas and the Crane Iron Works, the canal, the Bryden Horseshoe Works and the Dery Silk Mill. Children were captivated with explanations of how the IronPigs baseball team is a direct reference to “Pig Iron” regarding the iron industry in the Lehigh Valley.
The George Taylor House offered the students a peek into an 18th-century home of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Children were encouraged to see the differences throughout the centuries and the progress our country has experienced in such a short time.