Fall leaves crunched underfoot as I approached the Little Red Schoolhouse of Larsmont on October 20. Outside, two preteen girls wearing 1800s-era historical costuming visited while other children played in the surrounding yard and adjacent woods.
The event was again organized by Amy Poe, who hosted last year’s event after her daughter Grâce’s interest in Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series led to a Little House-themed birthday party. Amy Poe has memories of participating in events at the Little Red Schoolhouse as a child, and so it was special to use the same location for an event in which her daughter was interested.
Lunch was served to attendees, featuring fall and farm-themed dishes, including homemade tortillas and homemade butter, which the attendees got to participate in making. Pioneer-era crafts were demonstrated, and participants had the opportunity to make tin lanterns, beeswax candles, butter, homemade tortillas, rag dolls, and try their hand at wool felting.
Live music was provided by local musicians on tin whistle, bouzouki, bodhrán, and fiddle. Two Harbors mom Jillian Schneider taught some simple cèilidh dances, which was a big hit with the children. Schneider commented on the event by saying, “It was a great event made even better this year by live folk music and dancing! The weather was perfect and I look forward to next year!”
Youth attendees commented on their favorite parts of the event. For brothers Benji and Jonny S., it was climbing a tree, while their sister Sarah said, “Well, I had fun dancing”. Grâce P. said, “It’s really, really fun. I love the crafts: candle making was my favorite. Homemade tortillas with jelly was my favorite food. Dancing to the Irish music and tin whistle was fun.”
To rent the schoolhouse for your event, contact Marlys at mwisch@lakeconnections.net.
