Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum

Yesterday's adventures taught Ashley and I about agriculture in New Jersey. Our first stop was the Holcombe-Jimison Farmstead Museum in Lambertville, NJ.

I went in with low expectations. The museum is only open from 9-noon on Wednesdays (only in warmer months) and from 1-4 on Sundays all year round, plus for school groups. At first glance, we saw a lot of items we have seen at other historic places -- how to make candles, how a loom works, etc. Plus, there were a lot of cars, but hardly any people around. Hmm...

Turned out a meeting was taking place. Hank, one of the trustees, was enlisted to give us a tour. What a difference it makes when someone guides you through a place like this! Hank has a passion for agriculture. He has traveled around the world -- a couple of times -- sharing this passion with others. He donated many of the items on exhibit. Including this chicken crate Ashley is standing on in front of Mr. FAMous, the animatronic mascot for the Flemington Auction Market.

After Hank's tour, he suggested we visit the blacksmith. The blacksmith gave Ashley a "300 year old hook [he] made yesterday." Her eyes lit up when he said if she comes back on a Sunday wearing long pants and closed toe shoes he will show her how to make one herself. Not sure what was shining brighter -- his working fire or her eyes.

It is always good to learn something along the way, even something small. For Ashley it was learning about the first steel thresher made by Deats, Little and Co. -- prior to that people believed steel farm equipment would damage the nutrients in the soil. This machine proved them wrong.

I left with two thoughts: Pampered Chef has nothing on the women of the 19th century -- they were just as into their kitchen gadgets (corers, cherry pitters and asparagus gatherers) as we are in the 21st century. My other take away was learning about how women took the labels off of feedsacks to turn them into clothing. Kit Kittredge taught a new generation that feedsacks were turned into outfits, but this went a step further.

We would recommend this place. See if Hank is around and tell him the Pillsburys sent you.

http://www.holcombe-jimison.org/