We're just back from a trip to
Amherstburg, Ontario, my hometown, which involved a visit to
Fort Malden.
Growing up we were frequent visitors to the Fort, it was a great place for bored small-town kids to go kicking around.
As a child I loved visiting the historic buildings which were filled with accessories particular to the 19th century, all of the tools of domesticity used in days past fascinated me. I loved the look of scrubbed surfaces and rudimentary military organization, the lack of plastic and modern appliances. It seemed like a simpler, more beautiful world to me.
 |
| Need some new socks? Target didn't exist, you'll have to knit your own. |
Of course I still see the beauty in it but now that I run a household of my own I see the hardship in it as well.
 |
| Imagine ironing with this thing! |
 |
Gardening wasn't a past-time, it was necessary for survival.
I'd be in trouble! |
 |
| It looks like the loo but in fact it's a smokehouse. |
 |
How about this outfit?
I liked the linen apron very much but the student wearing it said it was hot as anything. |
 |
| Blue and white. |
 |
| A teapot? A water jug? |
 |
| Neatly rolled bedding, flannel and ticking-stripes. |
 |
| The bathroom area. |
 |
| Pegs for organizing clothes and bags. |
Even though I wouldn't trade in my Miele dishwasher and vacuum cleaner I still find these images so inspirational and soothing. Everything seems useful and clean, there is a lack of excess and ornamentation which I find calming.
 |
The cookhouse smelled terrific but it was boiling hot.
I would definitely end up crying in this kitchen. |
This week will involve some serious Mop Philosophy: I've set it aside as a week of de-cluttering and cleaning. After engaging in normal household routines for the last few months I find the mess creeping back in from the edges of the house: the storage areas, the donate bins and the closets all need an emptying followed by a good scrub.
 |
| Simple pottery and wooden surfaces: so attractive. |
I'll be clearing out and scrubbing and maybe I'll be inspired by these images of simpler times which caused so much daydreaming when I was young.
 |
| I have a scrub brush just like this one! |
If you are ever in the Amherstburg area I encourage you to visit Fort Malden. Parks Canada does an excellent job maintaining the site and they hire students to re-enact the chores and military routines particular to the time. You can visit the site which lists special events
right here.
What are you up to this week? Are you heading off to holiday or are you at home? Anyone engaging in a little de-clutter like I am?
Are you equally fascinated by old-time household tools and routines?
Hope all is well in your world no matter what you're up to.
xoxDani
