26 August 2012 - Meadowcroft

On Wednesday of this week, our young women's presidency (of which Joanne is a part), decided that their activity would be a visit to Meadowcroft.  I had heard of it before, but had never gone.  I am disappointed that we didn't know about it before, because it is a place that I think many of you would really enjoy.  When you come visit, we'll see if we can take you there.

The main draw of Meadowcroft, its reason for existence really, is an archaeological dig at what is called the Rock Shelter.  This roadside sign describes the significance of the Rock Shelter (you may need to click on it to zoom in and read it):

There is a visitor's center built over the dig site, and they have a very nice video presentation that documents the discovery and excavation of the site.  Here is Jessica at the railing surrounding the dig.

In addition to the Rock Shelter, there is a complete periodic interpretive village, with indian, frontier and colonial sections.  Here is a wigwam, where we learned about Indian living, agriculture and hunting.

We all got to try throwing an atlatl arrow at a stationary (and fake) elk.  We all tried at least three arrows.  Emily and one of the young women were the only ones who hit it, and Emily's was the only one that stuck.  Here's Madeline having a go.

Here's Joanne's try with the atlatl.

Here are the three young women (out of four active) who attended the activity.  This covered bridge took us to the colonial village.

Here are the girls at the one-room school house, with the 'teacher'.  They each had a turn reading from the McGuffey Readers.

They also have a working blacksmith shop.  The blacksmith told us he was making a strap hinge.  We watched him for a few minutes as he pounded and shaped the red-hot metal.

It was an excellent day out, and when any of you come to visit, we'll be happy to take you out to Meadowcroft.