Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Write a Travelogue (11/06/14)
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TITLE: Rebuilding the Past | Previous Challenge Entry
By alan kane
11/12/14 -
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Welcome to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum with 170 acres of 19th and early 20th Century buildings, painstakingly transplanted from original locations all help to illustrate this period's way of life.
This place may be depicting bygone times, but the warm welcome in various buildings seemed genuine and heartfelt. I even felt I could stay for a cuppa and chin wag.
Although a map was supplied, I found just exploring turned up real nuggets. You could spend a few days here following your nose as well as eyes and ears.
I follow a delicious aroma of soda bread baking on a griddle over an open fire up the Old Rectory path. It was enveloped by beds of snow drops and sleeping fauna, waiting for first signs of spring to bloom into multitudes of colours. As I approach the solidly built, spacious dwelling I'm beckoned to sit down and join the elderly minister's wife, who is cross-stitching in her warm pantry. A ginger tabby cat jumps up and nestles on my lap. Stroking the cat, I am informed that cats are also members of staff. They get paid in cat food and their vet bills covered. After some exquisite soda bread and a look around, the lady tells me to visit the Church of Ireland church.
I enter to singers preparing for an 1850s style carol service the next night. The candle lights flicker, illuminating the old family boxes and pews. A gorgeous old crib scene is at the front. No tacky, glitsy modern Christmas ornaments here.
The town forge sees the blacksmith tapping a beautiful, complex star. As he pumps the bellows, sparks rain down like fireflies only to be extinguished with a complaining hiss on the water barrel below.
Leaving the heat of the forge, I really feel the winter chill; I am so grateful to find a hot punch and cloves drink on offer at Mc Cusker's pub down a cobbled lane. Now to explore the delights of the rural area.
Up the lane, past the Catholic church, you find fully working corn and flax mills. Both well worth a study, when you have more time. The grinding is very dusty and deafening. People today complain about having to work 40 hour weeks. Back then, 12-14 or more hours per day was normal with only Sunday off and that was for children as young as eight as well.
Coshkib Hill Farm is a must-visit, not just because it's an actual working chicken farm but the insides are very authentic. From rock hard straw beds, sleeping 4 children, to nightwear hanging out and hot coal irons ready to press their Sunday best. Simmering away on the fire was an Irish stew to die for. A crucifix hangs above the hearth in pride of place. In the corner is the 2nd most important item for the family; a large square box for salt. It was this box's contents that could be the difference between eating and starving in the winter for many families. Salt preservation has been used for thousands of years.
Not all rural farmers were poor, some of the farms were gorgeous homesteads with real luxuries, such as running water, silver tableware, linen, extra entertaining rooms and no need for the children to share. Richer families generally had lower infant mortality rates, because of better living conditions and being able to afford healthcare.
Unfortunately, it is now after 5pm and the place is locking up for the night. As the humans leave the feline members of staff take over. They patrol their territories and warn the vermin that they are in charge.
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God bless~
Really good imagery, all my senses used.
God bless~
God Bless!