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| Moon doggie (I didn't name him) |
One of our favorite places to spend has always been Pioneer Farms near Austin, Texas. Every day volunteering offered something new—from historic cabins and friendly farm animals to demonstrations of pioneer life that helped bring Texas history to life. Even during one of the hottest summers on record, it was easy to imagine what daily life must have been like for the families who settled this part of Texas without modern conveniences.
What Makes Pioneer Farms Special?
Living history museums offer a unique opportunity to experience history beyond books and photographs. Visitors can walk through historic homes, meet heritage farm animals, watch demonstrations of traditional skills, and gain a greater appreciation for how early Texans lived, worked, and survived.
During our years volunteering at Pioneer Farms, we learned everything from blacksmithing and gardening to pioneer cooking, farming, and old-fashioned household skills. It remains one of the most rewarding educational experiences our family has enjoyed.
Surviving a Texas Summer
This visit took place during one of Central Texas' long stretches of triple-digit temperatures. Even the gardens showed signs of drought, reminding us just how challenging summer could be for both modern gardeners and Texas pioneers. Looking around the farm made us appreciate the hard work and resilience of those who lived without air conditioning, refrigeration, or running water.
It's been a few weeks since I'd been to the farm. Pamela's been sick and we'd been swamped with activities. Even though I expected drought conditions, I was surprised to see how DRY everything was. With this triple digit weather, it's no wonder our gardens were barren.
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| Heritage cotton growing on the farm |
Fortunately, the cotton survived and is ready to pick!
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The old red barn
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| chickens at the homestead |
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| Bailey the horse |
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| One of the surviving melons despite the drought. |
A surviving melon.
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Building the new Tonkawa site.
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Tonkawa site and dolls
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| Historic clothing worn by volunteers. |
Volunteering at Pioneer Farms for more than a decade gave our family a deep appreciation for the skills, hard work, and resourcefulness that early Texans relied upon every day. Many of the preparedness and homesteading lessons I write about today were inspired by experiences like these.
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| Ancient Texas oak tree. |
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| A glimpse inside one of the pioneer buildings. |
Taking a break in the Homestead.
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| Farm animals at Pioneer Farms. |
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| fishing pond at Pioneer Farms |
This picture's for Mike and Alan -- Water is low. Check out the pier.
Imagine riding in a wagon in the 1800's in this heat?
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| Pioneer Dress with hoop scoop |
Janet, was earlier showing off her way-too-cool pantaloons and hoop skirt!
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Texas cactus thriving in the summer heat.
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At the Pioneer Store
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| old pioneer boots |
Pam, looking through the glass.
2 comments:
Democrats? LOL
I enjoyed touring the farm. I bet it IS hot out there.. it is here too. Almost too hot to swim.
I look forward to seeing the farm when we are down for the wedding. We have something like it in Waco, Homestead Heritage which is neat to go to when they have open house.
Traveling overseas is pretty expensive and thank goodness for teaching summer school which has supported our travel bug. We do get insurance just in case as it is less than $200 for our 12 day trip. I book through hotwire which has some pretty good deals and has been reliable in the past.
We are watching Travel Chanel right now about China, can't wait to go there!
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