How our ancestors lived in the mid 1800s

I just realized that I have been doing this from a somewhat slanted viewpoint and I am sorry! Though many of us are from a background that mixes Native American and European peoples, my upbringing has been focused on the "White" side of my heritage. So, at this stage in my understanding, I can only present that side. One must understand that the side I am presenting in many cases sprang from the influence of Native American neighbors or relatives. Perhaps as I learn more about my Indian forbears, I will be able to provide views from that angle as well. African Americans wielded similar influence and lived much as depicted on these pages.

This page will have a different phase of Florida everyday life each month. (If I can get a new one done on time.) Also more information on the State Park program upcoming as soon as I receive it from the horse's mouth. I am afraid I neglected to get the exact description when I was in Florida.

I must tell you how this project was conceived. I went south from my home in Wales, NY and "parent-napped" my mother for a month-long session of genealogy research in southeast Alabama, southwest Georgia and northwest Florida. She agreed to go if I would take her to Marianna, Florida so she could take part in a cooking demonstration with my sister. "OK, we'll need a break by then," I thought. I never knew what I was in for!

The Florida Park Service has added a new dimension to it's already wonderful mission of providing places where one may find solace in a busy world - they are keeping heritage alive as well. They have taken their interpretive programs one step further in a two day festival at Florida Caverns State Park at Marianna, Florida.Park personnel (active and retired) set up various exhibits so the public may experience how our ancestor lived their daily lives. My sister, manager of St. Joe Peninsular State Park at Port St. Joe and my mother were demonstrating jam making. They were in period costume and conned me into wearing one as well.

Friday we served samples of the sweets on beaten biscuits and brown bread to hundreds of 4th graders who had been invited to come see what life was like in the 1800s. When the groups were small enough, the children were able to hear, see and touch their heritage. Each exhibitor was versed in his or her craft and made one feel that they were actually talking to someone from that era. The youngsters asked about utensils, wanted to know how things were done and generally were eager to learn what each volunteer had to show them. I was so caught up in their enthusiasm that I thought I should try to share what was happening that day with folks who visit this website. Those of us searching for our ancestors may benefit from a closer look at their daily lives. It will make them more real and bring us closer to them.

These hardy pioneers did not seem to have much in the way of technology, but you may be surprised. They were hard working, simple folks, rich in more ways than we with all our money and leisure. Their lives were difficult but they had time for some of the things we now pay to enjoy. Living closer to nature, they were able to revel in its beauty. While picking wild berries, they might see a fawn ambling after its mother, or watch fox kits at play.

My mind did not fully formulate this project during the time I enjoyed being a part of this event, but the seed had been planted and I made some hasty preparations. I mentioned it to a couple of folks and hopefully some of the children will get involved. These dioramas will be rotated monthly as I have limited storage space and it will take time to put each one together. Hopefully others who are interested in keeping our heritage alive, will contribute, making this an interesting and informative experience. I am waiting for a group that does shingle making to send in their essay and I have written Okaloosa county schools asking for their help.

I am proud to present my mother and sister in their roles as pioneer women of the Florida Panhandle.

This article appeared in The Star, Newspaper of Port St. Joe, Florida, January 18, 2001, page B 1. They have graciously allowed me to use it and the accompanying photos (I removed children's faces for this usage). It describes an event in the ongoing commitment by the Florida State Park Service to Florida's Heritage. Anne Harvey, Park Manager of St. Joseph Peninsula State Park, has been selected as the Department of Environmental Protection's "Resource Manager of the Year." Anne was presented with this prestigious award by the Governor and Cabinet on March 29th. Florida's parks have also recently been named the best in the United States.

Area Students Experience Living History