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Ministry of Home Agriculture Economics and Food Branch Ontario Kenneth Llntz Hon. Lorne C Hundarson Daputy Minlslar Mlnllllf Farming as a family business has always demanded active participation by farm women. The Ontario Agri- cultural Museum has recognized this fact. and during the 1980 season a number of new buildings have opened with the female visitor in mind. The Weaver’s Cottage, a restored log cabin has :ontinued its tradition as a main demonstration area at the Museum. Costumed interpreters draw visitors into the atmosphere of the pioneer days as they work with .ieecesâ€"washing, dyeing, carding. spinning and finally weaving the wool into shawls and blankets to be used in he Museum’s other historic houses. The backyard of he house supports a primitive garden and provides pace for the occasional sheep shearing. The aroma of -ndian meal pancakes on the griddle or whole wheat tread coming from the bake pot adds credence to the ilOTICCI' lifestyle the house portrays. The rude conditions of the first settlers fades as :sitors approach the Douglass-Lucas house, an 1860 :rmhouse which opened at the Museum the middle of me. This sophisticated house boasts both a formal .ll'IOlll' and dining parlour. in addition to the kitchen id summer kitchen. The fine furniture and many lichen gadgets represent a prosperous period on Onâ€" trio farms. lira: Farmstead, 1860's. Octagonal Bani. 1880's in Jrkground. Ontario Agricultural Museum. The Mayne Corners Church is also a new addition to :6 Museum. Built in 1876. this Perth County church presents the many small rural churches which once ‘rved farm families throughout the province. Within to weeks of its opening at the Museum. the Church .is the scene of a wedding. the first since its closing in 1069. Although open to visitors now. a Harvest Home crvice scheduled for mid-September will “officially” "lien and sanctify the Church. Agricultural Museum The Women's Institute Hall remains a favourite stop for visiting W.l. groups. The Museum has hosted fiftyâ€"tom Institutes this season. many of whom have returned for the second time. and all have taken the opportunity to reflect upon the history of their organiza- tion which is so well displayed in the Hall. The Institute Hall also provides meeting and kitchen facilities for those who wish to mix business with pleasure while at the Museum. The Museum is pleased that their gift shop now offers souvenir spoons. plates and hasti-notes featuring the Women‘s Institute Hall. Members on their wrer to I‘f.\'fi' the Women's Institute Half. Throughout its development, the Ontario Agricultural Museum has I'CCL'IVCLI tremendous support from On- tario's farming population in the form of artifact donation. While searching out items for the two houses now open and a third planned to open next spring, the Museum finds itself lacking certain items which Insti- tute members may be able to help locate. In order to furnish the houses in a realistic fashion and have guides dressed in authentically constructed costume. the Muse- um is looking for clothes. prc-I‘JUO; for men and women of all ages. This includes huts. shoes, and accessories. Many of your Century Homes might well have a trunk of old clothes tucked away in the corner of the attic. Early musical instruments are also in short supply at the Museum. An curly violin. auto harp or harmonica for instance. would add character to our historic farm- houses. Should any Institute member wish to inquire about specific artifacts required by the Museum. or wishes information concerning donation procedures. please con- tact: Ontario Agricultural Museum. PO. Box 38. MILTON. Ontario. L9T 2Y3 (416) 878-8I51 I9