Ag museum ties past to present

By John Turner / Special to The Citizen

Monday, September 10, 2007 11:53 AM EDT

OWASCO - Not long ago, a beautiful antique dress was discovered gathering dust in a closet at Moravia Central School. After being donated to Scipioville Presbyterian Church, the dress has been given a new life, as it is now modeled by church members at various community functions.
On Sunday, the dress was adorned by Union Springs resident Jeanne Herst as part of the Ward W. O'Hara Agricultural Museum's annual Ole Threads Day, a yearly affair that showcases the talents of local artisans.

Held at the museum, the afternoon event included basket making, sewing, spinning wheel demonstrations and a unique presentation on making “rugs” out of canvas.

“We hold this event to bring in people who don't have a direct relation to agriculture, per se, but who might be interested in threads and fabrics,” museum director George Komer said during Sunday's affair. “We (at the museum) are expanding into that area rapidly to try and bring in what I refer to as ‘city people,'” he said with a grin, “so they can see we're not just a bunch of old tractors,” he added.

In addition to Ole Threads Day, which Komer said is organized annually by Auburn resident Martha Shaw, the museum is currently planning to refurbish the herb gardens located at the rear of the building.

“The new gardens will probably be a two-year project, and we plan to really make them nice. They'll also be handicapped-accessible,” Komer explained.

On Sunday, Scipioville Presbyterian Church members floated throughout the museum wearing antique clothing while various craftspeople gave demonstrations on basket-weaving, using a loom and various sewing-machine techniques.

One interesting exhibit was presented by Dana Lyan of Union Springs, who demonstrated how to make floor coverings out of painted canvas.

“I use fabric called 'nautical canvas' (a heavy fabric used mainly on sailboats) to make these,” Lyan explained as she brandished a covering painted to resemble an American flag.

After the fabric is cut and painted, she continued, several layers of varnish are added to give the covering more durability.

“My mother has had one in her kitchen for years, and it's taken quite a beating, but it's held up really well,” she added.

The Citizens' Say

Post your comment - click here

There are No comments posted.

REGISTRATION IS FREE.
Registered users sign in here:
*Member ID:
*Password:
Remember login?
(requires cookies)
 
Unregistered users can register here:

Do not use usernames or passwords from your financial accounts!

Note: Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required!

*Create a Member ID:
*Choose a password:
*Re-enter password:
*E-mail Address:
*Year of Birth:
 

(children under 13 cannot register)

First Name:
Last Name:
Company:
Home Phone:
Business Phone:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
 
E-Citizen
E-Edition
Wheels Etc.
Find a vehicle
Hot Jobs
Find a Job
Homes Etc.
Find a Home
TV Week
Find a program
Search Classifieds
Find, Buy
Place a Classified Ad
Sell
Skaneateles Journal
The Journal
New! Best Bridal
Here comes the bride. . .
Liven Up the Holidays
Fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-laaaaaa
Logo HereNew! Off the Menu
Good Eatin'!
Newspaper Ads
See it again
CNY Boats Etc.
Achors aweigh!
New! School Project
A breakdown of the new school project.
Sections
Special Sections

Top Jobs

The Citizen Copyright ©2009
A division of Lee Publications, Inc.
25 Dill Street
Auburn, NY 13021

Contact Us

Add to My Yahoo!