New Emeritus Board Is Formed

Thanks to former LHF Board member, Gov. Terry Branstad, and Alice Murray, Living History Farms has started its first Emeritus Board. Gov. Branstad is Chair with Alice as Honorary Co-Chair. The Board’s purpose is to keep the passion alive with continued connection to Living History Farms by past LHF Board members.

The responsibilities of Emeritus Board members are to:

A. Serve as advocates of Living History Farms and its programs;

B. Provide feedback to the Board of Directors and staff;

C. Provide advice and technical expertise to the staff on a project specific basis;

D. Assist in targeting others, whose interest and support are important to the sustainability of Living History Farms,

and

E. Assist and advise the Board of Directors in fund-raising efforts, where appropriate.

Their 2009 Project: assisting in the planning of our 40^th Anniversary.

Current members are: Gov. Branstad, Alice Murray, Garland Carver, Bill Classen, Roger Jacobsen, Ann Jennings, Dean Kleckner, Lee Kline, Marilyn Kollmorgen, Ivan Lyddon, Barb Lykins, Barry Schaffter, and Jacque Stessman.

We look forward to this Board’s involvement.

-- written by Jan, Manager of Volunteer Services

In August I will have been with LHF for 20 years.

These days most people don’t stay at their jobs that long – why have I? Because I honestly can’t think of any place I’d rather be. Now some day, I might leave to join another organization, but it’s not in my thoughts now. Has it been perfect? No, of course not, but even when it wasn’t, it was always interesting and never boring! And, I keep learning every day. I love Living History Farms.

What do I love?

• The people –

Our volunteers:

*The skills, enthusiasm, and devotion you bring to your positions continue to amaze me.

*I’ve observed or been part of many heart-warming experiences as we have helped a volunteer find fulfillment in his or her time here. For example, watching a 13 year old grow up through the volunteer ranks as a Day Camp Jr. Counselor to a historical interpreter, and then maybe return as a college intern. I know we’ve helped develop many teens, and I couldn’t be more proud of our staff for facilitating that.

*Seeing how we have become a “home” to so many volunteers. To hear how much LHF means to our volunteers is so rewarding.

Our employee staff:

*You are some of the most unique people I’ve ever met. You’re interesting, well read, funny, creative, intelligent, and passionate about your time here.

*The satisfaction I receive working with you to create successful experiences for our volunteers, which also helps LHF be successful.

• How beautiful our property is – sometimes when walking to Walnut Hill from my office to visit a volunteer or staff I walk through the large expanse of land by the Flynn House and enjoy the serenity, smell the flowers, and fill my lungs with the fresh air. I’ll often stop and just stand there for a minute or so as I appreciate that I work at such a beautiful place.
• Watching us grow over the years into a world-class museum.
• Knowing that our mission is true and so worthy.
• How we tell the story – I’ve always been a history “nut”. I was a history major at ISU a million years ago. It’s a dream come true for me to work here.

One time after having gotten a soda at “Rosie’s” and walking back towards the office, I heard the sound of the schoolhouse bell. Then I realized no, that wasn’t what it was. So I stopped and listened. It was the steady ring of the Blacksmith hammering something on the anvil. I am reminded how far that sound travels, and it also reinforced that we really do offer visitors the sights, sounds, and smells of history. I hope you’ll understand when I say it gave me goose bumps.

• Knowing we are a positive influence in our world.

I want to thank all the volunteers and staff over the years that have made my professional life here such a joy. I’ll be forever grateful.  A special thank you to Nancy Wente, my mentor and friend.

-- written by Jan, Manager of Volunteer Services

Spencerian Art at the Farms

This past April, LHF had the privilege of hosting a master Spencerian penman, Mr. Michael Sull of Mission, Kansas. We are deeply grateful to the Atlantic Bottling Company for their generous grant making Michael’s visit to LHF possible. Michael Sull is one of the few remaining links to the grand pen masters of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Sull travels all over the world to teach Spencerian writing and hosts a venerated writing retreat in Ohio every year.

A long time calligrapher, Michael discovered Spencerian writing when he met an elderly master penman, then in his nineties. This gentleman was one of the last living men trained at an actual Spencerian penmanship school. Michael’s work with this gentleman gave him the ability to preserve and pass on the Spencerian writing technique.

Spencerian handwriting is a beautiful cursive writing style popular in the mid-19th century. It was developed by Platt Rogers Spencer in 1848 and was the first truly American writing style. Up to the 1840s, Americans took their writing style from English Copperplate. Copperplate was used in business especially and had no tolerance for self-expression. Every penman strove to look just like every other penman. Spencer felt Americans needed to break with this formal writing. Inspired by the Great Lakes in his native area of Ohio, Spencer took his cues from the curves found in nature. He observed that nothing in nature is truly straight. Everything has curves, from ripples in water to fluttering leaves in the wind. He incorporated this concept into cursive writing. He felt handwriting should flow and be an expression of an individual, just as nature does not create two exact copies of anything, writing should not be rigid and exact. Spencer designed his handwriting style to make writing easy and elegant. His students adapted the basic principles and created elaborate art pieces by flourishing and extending the curves.

Spencer spent his life traveling and teaching his style of handwriting. His sons published the Spencerian Key to Practical Penmanship in 1866. The Coca-Cola logo is written in this style of script. The Spencerian style was popular into the early twentieth century. At that time, Austin Palmer, one of Spencer’s students, made changes to the Spencerian style and published his own book. This “Palmer Method” became the standard for handwriting education in elementary schools.

Mr. Sull’s visit provided LHF staff an opportunity to learn about this vanishing art form. Michael began with a presentation about the history of Spencerian writing to 24 of LHF's staff and volunteers. Through slides and actual artifacts, Mr. Sull shared the story of how Spencerian writing came to be, flourished, changed, and survived.

Sull was willing to share his truly amazing collection of period writing examples, including many given to him by families of the venerated penmen—even some pieces done by Spencer himself. Following the evening presentation, Sull taught a two-day workshop attended by 19 members of LHF's staff.

We learned the basics of Spencerian philosophy, each of the letters, and how to do flourishes—an ornamental drawing form based on the Spencerian technique. We definitely came to respect the practice needed to create this beautiful handwriting. The first day was spent on how to properly hold the pen, angle the paper, dip in the ink, the basic curves, and the lower case letters. Day two was then spent on the upper case letters (many of which have more than one possible way to write them) and flourishes.

By the end of the workshop each staff member felt a sense of accomplishment and also had a very nice example of their name written by Mr. Sull for them. In the 19th century, master penmen would leave a sample for their student, typically their name, to look at and practice. Mr. Sull left each of us our name in fine script to marvel at and practice. It was fascinating to watch Michael write.

He didn’t seem to have any preplanning in his designs and effortlessly we watched our names, birds, quill pens, wheat shafts and flowers appear on the page like magic. Only at LHF can you watch a man write a Spencerian flourished letter “M” on a board and hear an entire room of people gasp in amazement.

We felt so fortunate to learn the real style from a real master. Many sites are planning on incorporating the Spencerian practices into their site activity, especially at the School house, Flynn Home and 1900 Farm. The letters and writing of the past has been missed at our historic sites and we are very excited about adding it back in.

As much as we appreciated him, Michael Sull actually wrote a thank you letter to LHF, in Spencerian of course, expressing his appreciation for the opportunity to come and work with us. He feels that "Living History Farms is a marvelous, magical place- it seems that the past comes alive because the past never left- time has stood still and 'the past' is still the present." He also says, "Please continue your daily (yes! - daily) practice."

--- Written by Janet & Melinda

Education Department

About four years ago, Living History Farms dropped the term “field trip” from its education brochure, and replaced it with “Learning Excursions.” This was done at the request of the LHF Education Advisory Committee. The teachers and educators on the committee felt that “field trip” carried a negative connotation in the minds of school administrators and school boards. They felt that “field trip” equated “a day off from learning” in the minds of the decision-makers at schools. We know that this is not the case when students visit LHF.

Other Educational Tidbits
• The LHF Education Advisory Committee is meeting on Saturday, April 18th, from 9:30 - 12:00 at the Conference Center. Welcome to the newest member of the group, Marilyn Jungman, the Title I teacher for 5th grade and the “Reading is Fundamental” coordinator for Saydel Schools.

• Students from Evergreen Park High School, a suburb of Chicago, will be here for three days of programming on American history from April 18-20.

• The summer interns will be arriving on Monday, May 18, to begin their training. Look for details about a welcoming picnic and intern seminars in the next edition of the Plough Share.

• Space is still available in the following adult education classes! Sign up is through the Des Moines Schools’ Community Education at 515.242.8521, or visit the LHF web site and register on-line! http://www.lhf.org/adulted.html
Sat., April 18: Advanced Hearth Cooking
Sat., April 18: Norwegian Smorgasbord
Sun., April 19: Advanced Cooking and Baking with a Wood-burning Stove

--- written by Dan, Education Manager

Period Clothing Hours Expand in April

Jenny and I have spent March getting clothing ready for the coming season. We look forward to seeing returning interpreters pick up their clothing. If you call ahead, we can A: let you know if you can drive up to the Red Barn and B: have your clothes ready to hand over. Just call 278-5286 ext.162. If you will not be returning as an interpreter but still have your period clothing, PLEASE bring it back so others can use it—there is a lot of time and money tied up in each set of clothing we issue, and we need to keep it in use.

Monday, April 13 will begin Monday-Friday hours in Period Clothing. We will also be open Saturdays when the season starts in May, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm as always.

--- written by Laura, Period Clothing Supervisor

Behind the Barn

Living History Farms
Behind the Barn
Band, Barbeque and Beverages
May through September 2009
Select Thursdays 6:00 – 9:00 pm

In keeping with our season theme "Art at the Farms," Living History Farms is pleased to announce a NEW outdoor music series – Behind the Barn. This evening adult series is sponsored by Fitness Sports and features local performance artists, barbeque from Shane’s Rib Shack, and a cash bar. Each month is themed and will host local visual arts displays or demonstrations, along with casual lawn activities. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy twilight Behind the Barn! In case of inclement weather the event will be held inside the barn.

Admission is $10 which includes one complimentary beverage of your choice.
EXCEPTION: July 16th we are hosting Metro Arts Jazz in July. This event is FREE and Family Friendly. See below for details.

Thursday, May 21 - Woolstock
Featuring: The Flying Silos
This fun six piece band plays a mix of classic rock, country, and blues music. May is sheep shearing month at the Farms, so enjoy meeting wool fiber arts demonstrators such as spinners and weavers.

Thursday, June 18 - Batter Up!
Featuring: The Roxi Copland Band
Performing throughout the Midwest, Roxi entertains with an engaging combination of original tunes and well-known jazz, soul and blues standards. The sound is jazz/pop with a shot of soul. Are you a “striker?” Find out as you chat with members of our historic baseball team and learn about “legging it,” “daisy cutters,” “cigar boxes.”

Thursday, July 16 – Metro Arts Jazz in July
* FREE and Family Friendly*
Enjoy two great concerts on our large outdoor stage. First, Old School presents Giants of Jazz: The Music of Wes Montgomery. Next up is Tina Hasse Findlay. Tina has been a fixture of the Des Moines music scene for over 25 years and makes her musical mark in the fields of jazz, blues, rock, soul, and gospel. Family friendly concessions are available with grilled burgers and hot dogs, watermelon, ice cream and other snacks. Lawn games for all and kid’s crafts jazz up the evening.

Thursday, August 20 – BLT’s
Featuring – The Roxi Copland Band
Roxi returns with a combination of jazz and pop with a dollop of soul. Our most popular BLT Day has gone twilight! Sample heirloom tomato varieties, Iowa made bacon, and slop some mayo on your South Union Bakery garlic foccacia and enjoy a custom sandwich at our BLT bar.

Thursday, September 17 – Moonshine
Featuring – Brother Trucker
Roots rockers Brother Trucker are unique in their art of telling the story of everyday people through their original lyrics. Also known to do a few select cover songs, the group has an alternative country sound. The makers of Iowa based Templeton Rye whiskey will be serving samples and have a display showing the history of their product.
Horse drawn wagon rides round out the fun!

SERIES SPONSOR: Fitness Sports



----written by Linda, Event Specialist

On Corn

I finished a book, this winter, from the Living History Farms Information Resource Center called "The Story of Corn" by Betty Fussel. This book thoroughly covers most aspect of corn except the taste and smell. Our author starts with flying to a family reunion in Nebraska and the passengers would not leave the plane until they heard the Cornhuskers final score. Then, an aunt showed her a cookbook that had corn in every recipe. She started an investigation on “Corn Madness” and she caught the disease herself. Dr. Fussel wrote stories about how people connect to corn; the myths and history of corn; the science in and around corn; how they grow corn in other climates and in ancient ways; the evolvement of machinery in raising corn; how we grind and prepare corn for eating without getting pellagra; how to make Piki (cornflakes); how people made fortunes in corn; making the drinks Chicha and Moonshine; the culture of corn whiskey; commodities of corn; genetics of corn; ancient ceremonies from corn dances to human sacrifices; carnivals and palaces; corn husking. She finally draws us around the blessing of corn.

This is not a dry textbook. It is a journey meeting “corn mad” people of strange cultures and mountains of knowledge to gain. There are fascinating pictures and quotations. One of my favorite quotes of Betty Fussel is: “What is corn? The floor, earth, grass, leaves, the bluebird on top of the stalk, the evening and morning star, the man who tends it with his blood and the woman who grinds it with her swear into meal, the lost time of the blue tortilla…. Rain comes down, corn grows up, the way up is the way down, when the circle is complete.”

Have I gone “Corn Mad”? Oh yes! I entreat you to join me by reading this book. You can buy your own copy by purchasing it at a local bookstore or online for reference. I plan to read the journey again.

Barnyard Readers

Do you know a 3, 4, or 5 year-old that cannot get enough of farm animals? Our new 90-minute reading program is perfect for them! It will start at the Visitors Center where we will read a story about that week’s featured animal followed by an activity or craft. Then we will catch a tractor cart to one of our period farms where we will spend some time with the animal.

It is important to pre-register due to a limited amount of space, so please call 515-278-5286 to reserve your spot. There is a fee of $5.00 for a child/adult pair. We will be featuring one animal every other Thursday morning from 9:30 to 11:00 this season.

June 4th --- Pigs
June 18th --- Horses
July 2nd --- Chickens
July 16th --- Sheep
July 30th --- Cows
Aug. 13th --- Oxen

We hope to see your favorite 3,4, or 5 year-old there!

Did You Say Panic?

The economic news is grim. Open any newspaper. Watch any TV newscast. You can be sure your unease will climb, if not quite to nauseous panic, at least to unsettling concern. I’ve heard people say it’s the worst financial panic ever. I’ve heard others say it’s not quite the “Great Depression” but getting closer. I’ve heard the stimulus packages called “socialism.” I’ve heard others say the stimulus is not enough and government should do more. For a cultural historian who does well to remember how to log in to her on-line bill pay, all the commentary is a bit nerve wracking. How panicked should I really be? Surely this is not the first time all this has happened?

From a historic standpoint, it really isn’t the first time. A quick look into history will provide plenty of other panics for comparison. A short list will bring up the panics of 1807, 1819, 1837, 1857, 1873, 1893, and 1901—and that’s with a fairly narrow definition of panic. And more interestingly, even a cursory read of these past panics brings out some pretty darn familiar buzzwords and situations. In 1837, for instance, land speculation was one of the culprits. Banks printed banknotes to assist in buying real estate—can you say unsound credit? In 1836, President Jackson attempted to contract this paper money supply, tying it more specifically to gold and silver. By 1837, deflation ensued, along with a chain reaction of economic crisis. President Martin Van Buren who inherited the mess, was grilled by constituents for not involving the government more in recovery.

In 1857, a combination of changing world markets, a bank failure due to embezzlement, and lack of confidence in money supply brought about bank closings and unemployment. Historian Miriam Medina claims that 1857 “is notable for the role that telecommunications plays. When a branch of the Ohio Life Insurance and Trust Company fails, news that would formerly have taken weeks to crisscross the nation, its impact diminishing with time, is known within hours, thanks to the telegraph. The news induces one of the first waves of panic selling in the stock market.” Sounds a little bit like the news tickers/commentators and their often panic inducing comments.

In 1873, a major American investment firm, Jay Cooke and Company, became over extended in railroad speculation. The company closed its doors, triggering panic amongst other investors. Combined with the other usual economic issues of deflation and over-production, the country slid into a general panic. One or two large companies made bad decisions, closed their doors and, inadvertently, sent the little companies into panic. Familiar ring to it, isn’t it?

Just knowing others have really lived through similar economic down turns can have a certain comforting effect in these modern times. The fact that many of these previous panics were resolved thanks to wars, famines and riots is perhaps not so comforting. But, if you are tired of talk about the present crisis or just want to throw some new examples into your own economic editorials, check out this on-line article at www.thehistorybox.com, “Panics, Depressions and Economic Crisis Prior to 1930”. The article has excellent primary sources—period quotes from people in the past who have also been through that proverbial economic wringer!

http://thehistorybox.com/ny_city/panics/panics_article1a.htm

Flynn Barn hosts "Ticket Out" Filming

One out-of-the-ordinary assignment for interpreters, collections staff and our maintenance crews has been working with a movie crew for the past week. LHF was able to provide the perfect set for a Hollywood film crew. Shooting took place at the Flynn Barn and 1900 Farmhouse. LHF staff monitored the filming and provided support to the carpenters and art directors setting the movie scene. Volunteer/Employee, Mark sent this report from his days working as a crew monitor in the historic Flynn Barn.

"While the Flynn Barn is not one of my sites, I do open and close it on those days I blacksmith. In the past week it has gone through a phenomenal transition, internally not externally. A Hollywood film crew is using the barn for some scenes in an upcoming Ray Liotta movie [Ticket Out]. To accomplish what the movie calls for, local carpenters were called in to add three hay lofts, a camera position, stairs and a large box that will hold "hay" for stunt men to fall through the floor in one of the lofts. These lofts occupy the eastern third of the barn. Maintenance manager, Dean, was very involved with the project and oversaw their construction.

The carpenters grew up on farms and realized the historical significance of the Flynn Barn. They were very careful and did not damage the huge beams in their construction and used mainly screws to secure the new lumber to the existing timbers. After filming, the lofts will be deconstructed by the same carpenters and brought back to 1875.

Rental Coordinator, Debby, called me and asked if I could be the LHF liaison for a day of the filming shoot. I arrived at 6 pm on Monday and stayed with the 40+ member film crew until 2:30 am on Tuesday. Over those 8+ hours there were rehearsals and filming. Two stunt doubles provided most of the action. Ray Liotta was in the barn for some early scenes, but did not stay the entire time.

What I found most memorable was the catered food for the crew. That evening the crew was offered fried chicken, sushi, oriental noodles, salad and various cookies and candies. Hot coffee/chocolate and various fruit/vegetable juices were also provided, but some of them froze by midnight. My most vivid sight was seeing crew members in coveralls eating sushi and noodles off of plastic plates using chopsticks in the Flynn Barn.

The entire crew was polite and several of the management staff thanked LHF and me for our time and efforts."

While several days of the shooting felt like a barely controlled chaos for our not-from-Hollywood staff, the film shoot was a fun learning experience and a good influx of funds and work for winter weary LHFers.