Imagine waking up each morning shortly after sunrise. In the winter, there might be a thin layer of ice on the water in the pitcher you would use for washing up. In the summer, you sweated while the mosquitoes bit and the flies buzzed in your bedroom. Life in colonial days was vastly different than life in the 21st century.

In each family children were expected to do chores. Boys worked with their father to plant, water, and harvest crops. They helped raise livestock and hunt wild animals to feed the family. They chopped wood, built fences, and some even went to school. However, many children did not attend school because there was no free public school like we have today. The girls helped their mother do all the cooking, cleaning, washing, gardening, child care, and sewing to make clothes for their large families.

Children of long ago had fun despite their many chores. They always found time to play. Most of the toys were simple and a good imagination made playtime the most enjoyable time of each day. Boys played with spinning tops, jacks, or clay marbles. They made whistles out of blades of grass and made boats out of sticks and leaves. Girls played with corn husk, handkerchief, or wooden dolls. They made bracelets and necklaces out of dandelions and daisies. Both boys and girls had fun running while spinning a large wooden hoop with a stick. Some of the most popular toys were ball in a cup, Jacob’s ladder, spinners, quoits (ring toss), and draughts (checkers).

On Sunday, June 5th between 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., come visit the Osborn Cannonball House Museum, located at 1840 Front Street, Scotch Plains, NJ. Step back in time to experience the simple joys of childhood. Costumed docents will provide hands-on activities, including crafts, and stories for your fun and participation in our Colonial Children’s Day celebration!

For more information email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908-322-6700 Extension 230.

The Osborn Cannonball House Museum will be open to the public for tours on Sunday, May 1st from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The current exhibits feature mannequins dressed in clothing from the late 19th century to the early 20th century.  House tours will be provided by costumed docents. The Museum is located at 1840 Front Street, Scotch Plains, NJ  07076. Admission to the museum is free but donations are always welcome.

For more information email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908-322-6700 Extension 230.

110 years ago, the world was shook as the largest and grandest ocean liner of its day sank on its maiden voyage after colliding with an iceberg. Capturing the imagination of millions for over a century, get an inside look at R.M.S. Titanic as never seen before. Painstakingly recreated in a digital format by the “Titanic Honor and Glory” group, you will get to see the opulent and lavishly appointed rooms and spaces of First and Second class, as well as a look into 3rd class and crew accommodations. Reconstructed down to the screws and light switches, walk the decks of the doomed liner, just as she was in 1912.

Tyler Strzałkowski, a forth generation resident of Scotch Plains will present this insightful program. Tyler is a graduate of the local High School and has carried an interest of history with him since he was young, his particular area of interest being Oceanic and Maritime history. An active member of the Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood, he is often involved with local activities, and is always working to further his knowledge of all things bygone and antiquated. Going on to further his education, he has taken to studying welding at the Lincoln Tech Trade School.

The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 26th at the Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Road (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains. This upcoming meeting is free and all are welcome. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the presentation.