Current Issue: Summer 2010

selected articles from Summer 2010 Newsletter

Living History Saturdays, Join Us for Summer Fun

July 24 - Aurora Colony Handspinners’ Guild Dye Day
The Aurora Colony Handspinners’ will be on hand in the museum courtyard demonstrating spinning, knitting and fiber dying techniques. Christine Flitcroft will present a demonstration on natural dyes at 2:00PM.

July 31 - Family Fun
Participate in pioneer games and crafts; walk with stilts, grind grain, wash clothes, carry water with a yoke and buckets, play cat’s cradle and other games. Dip a candle and make a candlestick to hold it, use the schnitzelbank and see a blacksmith at work.

August 7 - Native American Flute Program
Husband-and-wife duo Nancy and Rob Downie, who as “Heartstrings” have provided music for many events at the Old Aurora Colony Museum, will present a program on the Native American-style flute. The program will be offered at 11:00 AM and again at 2:00 PM. Nancy and Rob will explain the history and significance of the flute in Native American culture, discuss how the flute is constructed and played, demonstrate a variety of different flutes and styles of music playable on them. Don’t miss this opportunity to get “up close and personal” with this intriguing instrument. You can visit the “Heartstrings” website (heartstringsduo.com) to learn more about Rob and Nancy and listen to samples of their music.

August 14 - Aurora Colony Days
Enjoy Free Admission to the museum complex including the Aurora Village, participate in hands-on activities and view demonstrations. Browse our annual yardsale for that special bargain, and join us from 5-8 PM in the Aurora park for an evening of music and great food. Proceeds will benefit ACHS programs. Menu will include pulled pork sandwiches, oyster po’boys, bratwurst, potato salad, with onions and sauerkraut for all sandwiches, corn dogs and watermelon. Beverages served include beer, wine, and lemonade. All will be priced “family friendly”.

Festival, Fellowship and Frolic

by Elizabeth Corley
Save the date of September 25, 2010 and plan to enjoy a FUNdraising evening at Charbonneau Country Club. This major fundraising event, with a goal of $40,000 will support museum operations; allowing us to enhance our educational programs, continue to produce quality exhibits throughout the year, and interpret the story of the Aurora Colony through our collections and documents.
Many generous donations that will be up for bid have been received already, including: a one week stay in a condo at Salishan, dinner for six at the Kennemer’s house on the Willamette River (including a river tour), an outdoor garden bench, the always favorite Dessert-A-Month by Roberta Hutton, two quilts handquilted by the Old Aurora Colony Quilters, and antique furniture.
Don’t miss this chance for fellowship, good food, and entertainment while you support your Aurora Colony Historical Society. Watch the website for updates.
Tickets are on sale now at the museum.
$40 each or table for 8 - $280

Strawberry Social Highlights

Along with the ever popular Old Time Fiddlers, attendees at the 40th Annual Strawberry Social were treated to music played on recently restored colony instruments. Colony descendents Hadley Yoder on violin, Lindy Yoder on keyboard, Brian Holmes on guitar and cittern, and Grace Holmes on violin and guitar along with their friends Tiffany Chen on cello, and Christine Chen on flute, played selections of time appropriate music.
We are fortunate to have such talented young musicians enjoy playing our over 150 year old instruments and hope to have the opportunity to hear them played again in the near future.