Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Stepping back

April is the month that I head back to work as a living historian. Cross the little bridge with me and we'll be transported to a farm in Chester County in the 1790's. Today's task will be candlemaking. In about an hour, a hundred and five second-graders will be joining us, so we best get to work. Here's a few pictures from my work day.

I'm spoiled to work in such a peaceful setting.

Time to cut the wick.

Important rule in candlemaking: don't let the fire go out...

I love my job!

23 comments:

alexis nicole said...

Jodi,
You have one of the most interesting blogs EVER!

Unknown said...

YOU'RE A LIVING HISTORIAN?
You kill me. You really really kill me. I am over here, dying.
When I read your blog, I sometimes feel transported to a simpler, cozier place and sometimes it seems like a different planet. A planet of peace and hand churned butter. NOW I realize it's not a different planet, it's a different TIME PERIOD!
And now, you are officially, my hero. Your job is awesome. I wanted to be a Goofy character in Disneyland, and then later I wanted to be a muppeteer, but if I had any taste or good breeding I WOULD have wanted to be a living historian. You rock my socks off.

Jodi said...

JoAnn, living historians - eccentric, yes. Good breeding, not so much. Taste? meh - have you ever been to a renaissance fair? But I must say that your comment made my day. xo

Jodi said...

Alexis, thank you. <3

monix said...

How I wish I could visit!

Val said...

Me too...:0) (please!)

Lanier said...

Alright. I am coming for a visit. And I am coming to work with you. And then I'm coming back to your house for tea and fairy cakes.

...i wish i could...

Niamh said...

"Important rule in candlemaking: don't let the fire go out..." - How prophetic!

Stephanie Ann said...

I like your yellow jacket. I hardly ever get to see you out, so I don't even remember what you look like in colonials.

Jodi said...

Monix, Val, and Lanier - when are you coming?

Jodi said...

Niamh - prophetic, no - stupid, yes. I wasn't paying attention, and my fire went out twice this week, right in the middle of the tutorial.
Massive groups of 7-year olds can be distracting.

Jodi said...

Steph, you don't remember what I look like in colonials? Well, cute as a button in an old Mother Hubbard sort of way. BTW, I mentioned to D. that you might be work available. She was happy.

Thickethouse.wordpress said...

So fascinating! Thank you for posting this...Some of my ancestors went back to Chester County during the American Revolution after having been in Huntington/Bedford County, to which they later returned. You've given me an idea of what it might have looked like........I hadn't thought of stone barns........

Quotidian Life said...

What in interesting job you have, Jodi! I love the picture of you crossing the bridge. Do you demonstrate things other than candlemaking?

Jodi said...

Kristi, old stone buildings are particular to Chester County. The small stone house that you see in the picture is actually where weaving and spinning are done on the top floor; the bottom floor is the potter's shed.

Jodi said...

Melissa, thank you, and yes--I demonstrate hearth cooking, using 18th century methods and recipes. And we do acutally eat the food we cook there.

Toni said...

I love your blue, yellow & pink costume !!
Yes, U have been 'blessed' to have such a wonderful job......thanks 4 the pics.

Jodi said...

Hi Tony, I'm wearing the real mccoy - clothing made by a talented person trained in historical garb design and stitch. I love period clothing, so to have a job that requires me to wear it is a real blessing.

Carol said...

Wow! This was really interesting. You have a great job.

Jodi said...

Thanks, Carol!

Jodi said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Joy said...

Your fire went out twice?!?! Way to go Abbey hee hee hee just kidding but all I can think of to say is, it's time to cut the wick...baby hee hee hee

Jodi said...

Joy-Joy hahah oxoxox

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