Features Editor

Nov. 4, 2000 10 PM

Turn back the clock! Saturday is Pioneer Day at Pike Pioneer Museum.

Pioneer Day is one of the most fun and exciting days at the museum and this year will be even more so. Scheer’s Lumberjacks will be back by popular demand and will present three shows which will amaze all ages.

"We had such great response to the Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows last year that we made a commitment to bring them back again," said Charlotte Gibson, museum director. "Their shows demonstrate the skills used by the lumberjacks when timber was cut by hand. It’s amazing to watch them saw, chop, climb and roll logs. Their show is educational and entertaining. Those who saw them last year will want to see them again and those who missed them, will certainly want to take advantage of this opportunity."

Scheer’s Lumberjack Shows are scheduled at 11 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m.

However, the lumberjack shows are just one of the many activities planned for Pioneer Day.

Pioneer Day will feature demonstrations of old-time crafts and museum volunteers will be "at work" in the village from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

"There will be something to see and do at every turn," Gibson said.

The grist mill will be up and grinding corn meal and grits from 9 until 11 a.m. and there will be sausage and ham a-smokin’ in the smokehouse.

The clanging of the blacksmith will attract visitors as Art McNatt takes the hammer to the anvil.

The encampment areas are always a favorite attraction. The pioneer settler encampment and the trader camp are open for "company," so don’t let the sound of shot from a black powder rifle scare you away. And, it you ask kindly, the pioneers will oblige you and show you how to load the "ol’ trusty."

The Native American encampment and demonstrations features the women’s camp, flintknapping and pottery and it’s a don’t miss attraction.

Boy Scout Troop 41 of Troy settles back in the way of

the 1800s and the scouts will gladly show you around. They also have their monkey bridge set up and those who dare may cross.

All of the outdoor activities are enhanced by the background traditional music of Calvin Bodiford and the Southern Strings and the Celtic Band.

The school marm will be in the one-room schoolhouse teaching lessons in reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic and the Adams Store will be open to take you back to yesterday.

The Horse and wagon and miniature train will take visitors on a riding tour of the museum grounds – over the bridge and passed the little log church.

Visitors will want to visit the museum building where they can view demonstrations of basket weaving, quilting, spinning and weaving.

John Sowell will have Native American artifacts on display and poet Doug Messick will be available for book signing at 10 a.m.

"We have thousands of interesting artifacts in the museum and we hope visitors to Pioneer Day will take time to enjoy the museum displays and then stop by our gift shop," Gibson said. "We have something for everyone in the gift shop, including meal and grits ground at our mill and our delicious smoked sausage and bacon."

The Pioneer Herb Society will have "goodies" and lemonade and the museum will have barbecue sandwiches available.

"And we encourage visitors to Pioneer Day to bring a picnic and enjoy our picnic area with your family and

friends," Gibson said."You don’t have to be in a hurry to leave. We invited you to come and spend the day with us. We’ll be glad you’re here."

Admission price for Pioneer Day is $8 for adults and $2 for students through the 12th grade. Admission includes the Lumberjack Shows.

The best ticket for a family, however, is a membership to Pike Pioneer Museum which is $35. The membership will include admission to Pioneer Day and the Lumberjack shows and all of the other museum sponsored events for a year. Gibson said memberships vouchers will be available at the gate on Pioneer Day for the convenience of patrons, just ask about them. Or, call the museum at 566-3597 for more information.