Teddy Bear Picnic brings old-fashioned fun to Brocksden

Three generations attended the Brocksden Teddy Bear Picnic this past Saturday. Pictured left to right are Darryl Ehnes, Vanessa Trotter (great-niece of Darryl) and Angela Trotter (niece of Darryl). Darryl is the son of Roy and Erna Ehnes, who farmed in North Easthope. As children in the 1920s, Roy and Erna each received a store-bought, factory-made, straw-stuffed teddy bear for Christmas. In the photo, Darryl holds his father’s teddy bear, Angela holds his mother’s teddy bear and Vanessa holds her own Care Bear. Diane Danen photo

By Diane Danen

Beautiful sunny weather welcomed visitors to the second annual Teddy Bear Picnic at Brocksden Country School Museum on Saturday, June 20.

Families gathered in the historic school for a day of old-fashioned fun. Activities included bubble blowing, face painting and a scavenger hunt. One of the day’s highlights was Grandma’s Storytime with Pat Campbell.

Guests also had the opportunity to step back in time by touring the historic schoolhouse museum, meeting a costumed schoolmarm and experiencing what a classroom was like over a century ago. Children tried writing on slates and gained a glimpse into school life in the early 1900s.

Many parents who had attended Brocksden on class trips as children enjoyed reminiscing as they looked through photo albums, finding their class pictures.

Brocksden Country School Museum has a full lineup of summer programming planned.                         

On July 11, Model Train Day runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a fun-filled day of miniature railway magic for the whole family.

On Aug. 8 at 10:30 a.m., participants can create a leather pouch using simple hand-stitching techniques, followed by a 2 p.m. workshop to make a handbound leather journal. Pre-registration is required for both workshops by contacting Jessie Campbell.

On Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., a skilled blacksmith will bring history to life with a working forge demonstration, showing how raw metal is heated, hammered and shaped using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

For more information, contact Jessie Campbell at brocksdenschool@gmail.com or call 519-271-2619.