Historical items draw visitors to museum

For the third year in a row, the Tule River Historical Society Museum opened its doors Sunday to visitors for a special Christmas Open House.

Cider and cookies were on hand to refresh guests as they wandered in and out of display rooms showcasing historical items, many donated by local residents.

More than 25 people had signed the guest book for the event only half an hour after it had begun. The open house took place during the museum’s usual Sunday hours, from 1 to 4 p.m.

“It’s a little bit of a fundraiser, but mostly to invite the community to come in and see what’s here and appreciate some history,” Betty Harding said.

Harding, a member of the Tule River Historical Society, attired herself for the day in an old-fashioned apron and bonnet.

She said each year has brought more visitors to the museum’s holiday open house.

The newest addition to the event were two Springville residents who demonstrated spinning and weaving.

Lindsay Dion spun hanks of yarn while Lucretia D’Amore wove a shawl.

“It’s not really old-fashioned looking, but the technique is old-fashioned,” Dion said, referring to her multicolored yarn.

Rachel Linton, who attended the event with her father and brother, said the spinning and weaving demonstrations were her favorite exhibits.

Fletcher Linton said he was interested in the glass telephone pole insulators lined up in the windows of the weaving and spinning room.

“It’s a neat old object, like finding a horseshoe or square nail,” he said.

In addition to the indoor exhibits, vehicles including a logging truck, tractors and a Model T Ford truck from the 1920s sat on the grass.

Tim Hauert, owner of the Model T truck, brought it to the museum to display it for the open house.

“It’s all Model T besides the rear wheels,” he said.

Haurert replaced the original wooden wheels with rubber once they began to deteriorate.

The Murphy House, another popular exhibit, situated near a small bake sale, attracted many of the visitors.

The restored home was decorated for the holiday season with a tabletop tree and garlands atop the fireplace mantel.

Harding said the old-fashioned accoutrements were popular among the many females in attendance.

“The men love the tractors and the women love the home furnishings in the old Murphy House,” Harding said.

 -- Contact Sarah de Crescenzo at 784-5000, Ext. 1045, or sdecrescenzo@portervillerecorder.com.