On Saturday, May 3, welcome Mr. Jerome Ford as he rides onto the Mendocino Headlands behind the Ford House in a reenactment of his 1851 journey up the wild coastline from Bodega Bay. It was on this journey that Mr. Ford first took note of the area's vast groves of Redwood. He returned the following year with men and equipment to build the first mill, around which the town of Mendocino grew. There will be 1850's lifestyle demonstrations on the lawn at the Ford House: Butter churning, Spinning, Weaving, Quilting, Knitting, Laundry, 19th century games, flint knapping, and Native American games and storytelling. The Mendocino Volunteer Fire Department will be demonstrating their antique hand pumped fire engine. Mr.Ford will be arriving on horseback to share tales of his harrowing journey.
The Lost Coast branch of the Traditional Small Craft Association (a nation wide organization) will hold a showing of members boats on the Kelley House lawn located on Main St. in Mendocino. There are currently 23 members of the club, and most have row boats ranging from 12' to 18' which we use on the coast rivers and inland lakes of this general area. Several of the boats have been built by club members and are true works of art.
As part of our living history day we will be joined by Keith White Wolf James, Native American Educator for the Grace Hudson Museum. White Wolf will be delighting audiences of all ages with Native American storytelling, as well as demonstrations of traditional Native American games such as stick dice and walnut shell dice. Bring the whole family for a truly fun learning experience.
This event is free of charge, but donations are always welcome!