As homemade textiles were such an integral part of pioneer life — there were no Mark’s Work Wearhouse outlets back then — it’s not surprising that the Glengarry Pioneer Museum’s artifact collection contains numerous examples of the tools used to spin wool into yarn and weave it into cloth, including two looms, assorted spinning wheels and the like. The looms were both donated in 1962, the year the museum was founded… one by Mr. and Mrs. Legault of Alexandria and the other by Rev. and Mrs. Baxter of Dunvegan, the couple who sold us their farm. The GPM is also home to an impressive array of items the candle-lit hands of pioneer women fashioned from natural fibres. Shirts, dresses, pants, blankets, quilts and much more.
My earliest memory of a Dunvegan museum event devoted exclusively to the fibre arts was back in 1984 when, under the guidance of curator Velma Franklin, ‘Goat Day’ was changed to ‘Wool Day.’ The emphasis shifted to sheep and the museum’s collection of woollens, and it was held later in the season. In fact, from its introduction until the event faded away, Wool Day was held on Thanksgiving Sunday and marked the end of the museum’s year. In retrospect, holding an event that competed head-to-head with roast turkey and all the fixings, plus pumpkin pie, might not have been the swiftest move. But hindsight’s 20/20.
Over the past ten or twelve years, there’s been a resurgence of interest in the fibre arts. Spinning, weaving, sewing, rug hooking, embroidery and the like all have their ardent enthusiasts. Which is reflected in the museum’s programming. For example, in just ten days (Saturday, July 23rd) from 10 am to 4 pm, Dunvegan is hosting a fibre arts celebration called“A Stitch In Time.” Organizers are excited to have snared two historical textile artists as guest speakers. For starters, period fashion designer Caitlyn Wright will look at ‘Historical Patterning.’ In addition to creating bespoke fashion items for high-end clientele around the world, she also holds workshops on historic fashion. A few hours later, Lianne Van Leyen, a needlework expert and an interpreter and historic cook at Upper Canada Village, will tell the story behind samplers from the 16th to the early 20th century.
In between these two talks, you can wander the museum grounds and enjoy craft demonstrations and historical exhibits, shop the craft and textile marketplace and grab a snack at the DRA’s onsite canteen.
However, if you’re a ‘drop spindle’ aficionado, I’d suggest you enter the Drop Spindle competition where you’ll have two hours to construct your skein. If you do want to try your twist, be sure to bring a toonie for the registration fee, your own spindle, scissors, a chair or stool and a niddy noddy. Real “droppers” will know what that is.
For more details on what the day holds, visit the museum’s web site: GlengarryPioneerMuseum.ca. Admission is $10 per person or $25 per family. Museum members pay just $5 and $15 respectively. Memberships can be purchased at the gate.
Best little venue.
Ever since the Sunday School used the original log hall (then an Orange Lodge) for their Christmas concerts through to this coming Saturday’s celebration-of-life event for Mac Williamson, area residents, and others, have used the Dunvegan Recreation hall for all manner of occasions, from anniversaries and fund raisers to birthday parties, wedding receptions and concerts.
Over 100 years of service to the community, and it still gets better every year. In the last month alone, upgrades have included new blackout roller blinds and fresh coats of interior paint. With air conditioning, a full kitchen, two washrooms, access ramp, push-button entrance and a stage with an audio system and LED lighting, it’s one of the nicest medium-size venues available in many a mile. If you’d like to inquire about availability and pricing, just send an email to drahall1@outlook.com.
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