McHenry County Conservation District event steps back in time

Step back in time to the 1850s during the McHenry County Conservation District’s Harvest Gathering of 1858.

The event will be from noon to
4 p.m. Nov. 4 at the Powers-Walker House in Glacial Park, Route 31 and Harts Road, Ringwood.

Join costumed re-enactors as they share how early settlers harvested, processed and used corn and other natural fibers in their everyday lives. See examples of heritage vegetables in all sizes and colors. Try your hand at shelling corn off the cob and grinding it into flour with a hand crank, or make your own corn husk or yarn doll to take home. There also will be a weapons demonstration by a mounted U.S. Cavalry sergeant.

Follow the smells of bread baking in the wood-burning oven inside, and take an opportunity to tour the historic farmhouse, which is open to the public during select times throughout the year.

“There are always changes to the house with the ongoing restoration,” said Gail Brown, a volunteer restoration coordinator. “If you haven’t seen the interior of this special historic home lately, now is your chance to see what ‘new’ old artifacts are around and what changes we have made.”

The program is free, and registration is not required. For information, call 815-479-5779 or visit www.MCCDistrict.org.