Spring 2010


selected articles from Spring 2010 Newsletter

An Open Invitation to Invest in the Heritage of the Aurora Colony

by Gail Robinson
  Did you know that more than 45,000 fourth graders from over 50 schools all over Oregon and SW Washington have experienced the Stauffer-Will Farm Program over the past twenty-three years?
  As we approach the 25th anniversary of the start of this cherished program, the main attraction of the field trip—and one remembered most by students and teachers—is in need of some tender, loving, care itself.  The barn is amazing in all that it has withstood over the years, but to keep the barn safe, secure, and a landmark for this historic site and for future students and visitors, we need to address some important safety and preservation issues.
  The total budget for the needed work is $250,000. Among the serious issues that must be addressed are:

  • the roof must be completely replaced;
  • significant sections of the timber frame are severely deteriorated and must either be repaired or replaced;
  • the dairy end of the barn must be rebuilt; and
  • we have to place the structure on a stem-wall foundation.

  We are extremely excited that the Will Family donated and pledged $40,000 toward this project with the communal spirited challenge to have others match and exceed this amount.  We invite you to accept this challenge with us and donate to the barn project to protect not just a part of the heritage of the Aurora Colony but the heritage of the living history experience for students for generations to come.
  Please give generously to this extremely important project that will protect a very special part of Oregon history.  There will be various opportunities to volunteer as well.
  More details will soon be available on our website and at the museum.

Stauffer Will Farm Program is off to another great start!

by Elizabeth Corley
  2010 promises to be another successful year for the Stauffer Will Farm Program.  Fourth grade students come to learn about Aurora Colony history and what it would have been like to live in Oregon over 150 years ago by participating in 5 activities designed to teach some of the aspects of farm life.
  In the barn they are taught about the importance of firewood and try their hands at using a crosscut saw.  Using the bucksaw they cut a piece of wood (filbert branches), which will eventually become a candlestick.  What was the barn used for? How was it constructed?  These are some of the lessons also learned in the barn.  Using a froe and mallet the students split a shake from a cedar bolt and also the piece of filbert wood for the candlestick.  They use a wood auger to drill a hole in their wood to hold the candle.  Be sure to take your piece of firewood as you go to the house.  Your bread won’t cook if the stove isn’t hot.
  Just how was this house made, and what ingredients go into a loaf of bread?  In the house the students learn about the Stauffer family who lived in the house.  They also learn about the importance of wool and how it was used to make clothing and blankets, and about the crafts of spinning, weaving, and quilt making.  They get to design their own quilt block by gluing bits of fabric on to a paper pattern.
  In the chicken coop they will dip a candle and learn about farm life and its relationship to village life in Aurora.  WOW!...what a day, and then they have to wait until they get home to tell their families all about their experience.
  The work begins long before the students arrive.  Planning begins in early February with an organizational meeting of volunteers and staff to address the needs for the coming season.  Work party days for cleaning and setting up the stations and training days for volunteers are set.  Many volunteers contribute to the success of this program, before, during and after it’s operating season.  Thank you to Bill Wettstein for finding a source of the filbert branches to make all those candlesticks and to Roger Young, Jon Harris, Sam Beyer, Bryce Hammond and Bob Corley for getting it out of the orchard and to the farm. Thank you to Mr. Eddie Kahut of Woodburn for donating the wood. Thank you to Norm Bauer, Jennie Brown, Cheryl Burks, Bob Corley, Allen Daly, Bryce Hammond, Roberta Hutton, Claire Legault, Jane Richardson, Gail Robinson, Lois Roby, Ron Walker, Beth Wright, Ginger Swift, Mary Ann Moore, Chris Flitcroft, Brian Asher for all their help getting the stations and buildings ready to go, and to the Aurora Volunteer Fire Dept for moving the picnic tables in and out of the barn. Thank you to the many volunteers who work with the students and keep this premiere program going.  We will celebrate on June 14 with our picnic at the farm.

Summer Fun

Living History Weekends
July 24 - Aurora Colony Handspinners’ Guild Dye Day
The Aurora Colony Handspinners’ will be on hand in the museum courtyard demonstrating spinning techniques and dying of fibers.

July 31 - Family Fun
Participate in pioneer games and crafts; walk with stilts, grind grain, wash clothes, carry water with a yoke and buckets, play cat’s cradle and other games.

August 7 - Native American Flute Program
Enjoy the music of Rob and Nancy Downie of Heartstrings playing “Native American style” flutes.