Greenfield Historical Society hosts annual History Day Oct. 2

Greenfield Historical Society hosts annual History Day Oct. 2

Submitted by

Harold Schmidt

President

Greenfield Historical Society

This 1932 Ahrens Fox fire truck will be on display during History Day on Oct. 2.  The mail buggy was built by the C.R. Patterson and Sons Company and will also be on display.

The Greenfield Historical Society will hold its fourth annual History Day on Saturday, Oct. 2, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The event will be held at the

society's complex of historical buildings on the east side of Greenfield, near the State Route 28 bridge.

Two very exciting events will be taking place during this year's event. The first being a travelling museum entitled Edison's Music Makers. This is a collection of sound recording devices put together by Randy and Charlotte Pack of the Rainsboro area. The museum includes devices ranging from the Edison phonograph to the modern day iPod.  One of the more interesting devices is a rare recording wire machine.

The museum will include a detailed timeline of sound recording media, activities for children and the Packs will be on hand to answer questions that visitors might have about a device they have at home.

The second exciting event will be a book signing by Chris Nelson. Mr. Nelson recently researched the Patterson Family and their business of manufacturing buggies, autos and buses.  He has written a book, The C.R. Patterson and Sons Company, Black Pioneers in the Vehicle Building Industry, 1865-1939. This company and family have a unique history, and a thoroughly detailed account has never been told that fully documents their story of overcoming adversity and surviving for 74 years in the white dominated business world. This book attempts to tell that story. Mr. Nelson's book will be for sale and he will be on hand to talk to visitors and sign books. 

Special displays for the event will include Jennifer Kennedy's antique doll collection, many of which belonged to Greenfield people. Tom Adams will

return to show the progress he has made on his Greenfield model train display. This year he has completed a section of the Greenfield Pad Factory. 

"Greenfield Fashions, The Way We Wore" will continue this year with more vintage fashions from the society's collections and, as usual, the Red Barn

will be open to display the society's collection of buggies, fire truck, Conestoga wagon and farm items.

A new activity last year was the pump organ recital that was unexpectedly canceled due to broken pedals on the organ. Repairs have been made and board member Susan Long is practicing on the organ for two short recitals during the day. 

Susan Winchell will on hand during the day to sing songs from America's History. She has presented several recitals of songs from the years before the Civil War to society guests at history dinners.

A skit entitled "Pantaloons and Heirlooms" will be performed by Earlene Scott. It tells about a family named Love who moved to Greenfield and made

their home. Mrs. Scott lives in one of the homes of the Love family.

Several crafters will be present demonstrating their skills including a quilter, wood carvers and a chair caner. A basket weaver will be weaving

baskets and explaining her skills.

The barnyard will be open for the annual Attic Sale. Venders will be set up selling antiques, farm produce, jewelry, baskets, note cards, homemade

kitchen products, just about anything you could imagine. The society will have a booth selling books and other souvenirs.  Anyone interested in

setting up a booth in the Attic Sales area should call 937-981-4986 for information and to reserve a space.

While enjoying the activities for the day, visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy good food. Delicious bean soup with cornbread, sandwiches, desserts and soft drinks will be available in the Grain and Hay Building.  

The annual History Day serves two purposes for the society.  First, it gets visitors to visit the society's historical complex and view the society's holdings. Secondly it is a major money maker for the society. With operating costs continuing to rise, the society needs to keep up its fundraising efforts. History Day provides a means to accomplish both purposes.

Visitors are invited to see a part of Greenfield's history, learn something new, find a bargain, enjoy good food and visit with friends while supporting

the work of the Greenfield Historical Society.

The Greenfield Historical Society will hold its fourth annual History Day on Saturday, Oct. 2, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The event will be held at the society's complex of historical buildings on the east side of Greenfield, near the State Route 28 bridge.

Two very exciting events will be taking place during this year's event. The first being a travelling museum entitled Edison's Music Makers. This is a collection of sound recording devices put together by Rodney and Charlotte Pack of the Rainsboro area. The museum includes devices ranging from the Edison phonograph to the modern day iPod. One of the more interesting devices is a rare recording wire machine.

The museum will include a detailed timeline of sound recording media, activities for children and the Packs will be on hand to answer questions that visitors might have about a device they have at home.

The second exciting event will be a book signing by Chris Nelson. Mr. Nelson recently researched the Patterson Family and their business of manufacturing buggies, autos and buses. He has written a book, The C.R. Patterson and Sons Company, Black Pioneers in the Vehicle Building Industry, 1865-1939. This company and family have a unique history, and a thoroughly detailed account has never been told that fully documents their story of overcoming adversity and surviving for 74 years in the white dominated business world. This book attempts to tell that story. Mr. Nelson's book will be for sale and he will be on hand to talk to visitors and sign books. 

Special displays for the event will include Jennifer Kennedy's antique doll collection, many of which belonged to Greenfield people. Tom Adams will return to show the progress he has made on his Greenfield model train display. This year he has completed a section of the Greenfield Pad Factory. 

"Greenfield Fashions, The Way We Wore" will continue this year with more vintage fashions from the society's collections and, as usual, the Red Barn will be open to display the society's collection of buggies, fire truck, Conestoga wagon and farm items.

A new activity last year was the pump organ recital that was unexpectedly canceled due to broken pedals on the organ. Repairs have been made and board member Susan Long is practicing on the organ for two short recitals during the day. 

Susan Winchell will on hand during the day to sing songs from America's History. She has presented several recitals of songs from the years before the Civil War to society guests at history dinners.

A skit entitled "Pantaloons and Heirlooms" will be performed by Earlene Scott. It tells about a family named Love who moved to Greenfield and made

their home. Mrs. Scott lives in one of the homes of the Love family.

Several crafters will be present demonstrating their skills including a quilter, wood carvers and a chair caner. A basket weaver will be weaving baskets and explaining her skills.

The barnyard will be open for the annual Attic Sale. Venders will be set up selling antiques, farm produce, jewelry, baskets, note cards, homemade kitchen products, just about anything you could imagine. The society will have a booth selling books and other souvenirs. Anyone interested in setting up a booth in the Attic Sales area should call 937-981-4986 for information and to reserve a space.

While enjoying the activities for the day, visitors will also have the opportunity to enjoy good food. Delicious bean soup with cornbread, sandwiches, desserts and soft drinks will be available in the Grain and Hay Building.  

The annual History Day serves two purposes for the society. First, it gets visitors to visit the society's historical complex and view the society's holdings. Secondly it is a major money maker for the society. With operating costs continuing to rise, the society needs to keep up its fundraising efforts. History Day provides a means to accomplish both purposes.

Visitors are invited to see a part of Greenfield's history, learn something new, find a bargain, enjoy good food and visit with friends while supporting the work of the Greenfield Historical Society.