Fourth Annual Pioneer Day

WAITSBURG - Pam Conover may have retired her role as elementary school teacher several years back, but she hasn't retired her passion for engaging young people. Conover has recently been busy organizing a Bicycle Rodeo and "Knock Out Boredom!" Summer Fun program through the Waitsburg Resource Center. On Monday, elementary school students enjoyed taking a step back in time at the Bruce Museum during the 4th Annual Pioneer Day - another of Conover's brainstorms.

Conover said that Anita Baker had asked her to join the Bruce Museum board many years back and Conover had told her that she would once she retired. "I'll be if she didn't remember that and hold me to it!" said Conover. "Everyone on the board has something to offer and my heart was for kids, so with the support of the board, community members and friends we invited the Waitsburg Elementary School to a day of handson experiences at the Bruce Museum."

Grades 4-6 toured the house and grounds in the morning, with K-3 taking their turn in the afternoon. Students were split into groups and took turns visiting five different stations. Over the years, students have practiced Dutch Oven Cooking, rope making, sewing on buttons, and making ice cream, butter and potato candy. They enjoy listening to music in the Bruce House parlor and hearing Gary Lentz tell stories of the Native Americans and traders complete with teepee, fire and dress of the era. A favorite stop has been the old school house where students must obey the rules of pupils in the 1800's. Students have also played games with hoops, old clothes pins and enjoyed a washtub relay.

The event features different hands-on activities each year, all led by local volunteers. This year Ronda Bell shared her loom and demonstrated carding and weaving. Community volunteers helped students use cardboard looms to weave on their own cloth. Gary Lentz will told of the frontier, Kate Hockersmith and her students provided music inside the house and Heather Baker led Pioneer games. "When the students leave they receive a peppermint because Mrs. Bruce gave peppermint candies to her kids and those who visited," said Conover.

"We have so many talented adults in our community and I am always thankful that they so willingly share their talents with our youth," said Conover. "That definitely makes Waitsburg 'One of a Kind'."