ON JUNE 18,visitor came to Hearthside to see what an old-fashioned picnic would have been like during the 19th century. The Friends of Hearthside welcomed civilian and military Civil War reenactors to its grounds on Saturday.
As historical interpreters, the reenactors welcomed interaction from spectators as they spend a summer afternoon enjoying the simple pleasures of an old fashioned picnic, with good friends, good food, and lawn games, all in late 1800s style. You may catch them at a game of croquet, or see children playing hoops in the yard, while the ladies sit in a sewing circle and the gents discuss the issues of the day under the shade of a tree. The reenactors are part of a group that will be participating in the full-scale battle reenactment and living history weekend taking place at Chase Farm Park and Hearthside on September 17-18th.
The event ran from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. with guided tours of the house taking place on the hour starting at 11:00 a.m. Docents in period costume gave tours to guests through the 10-room house, while telling of its storied past along one of the country's oldest roadways. The Hearthside Gift Shop was open for the afternoon.
Visitors had the choose to merely be spectators at the picnic or were welcome to enjoy their own picnic by bringing along a packed lunch. Cold drinks were available.
The weather, the food, the friends and good conversation made for a splendid day.
