There was a time when the internet did not exist, when people met face to face to chat and they did not mind getting their hands dirty.
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Peek into the Past at Tocal Homestead is a day devoted to the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone era on Sunday, July 26.
This was a time when horses worked the fields, blacksmiths fired a forge and scones were baked in a wood-fired oven.
The old-fashioned family day is a chance for grandparents to reminisce, parents to be nostalgic and children to discover the unknown.
The ancient art of water divining, traditional bush games and straw broom making are on the program, along with a heritage clothing parade, machinery demonstrations, farm animals, cart rides with Harry the Clydesdale, heritage tractors at work and homemade treats including campfire damper with cocky’s joy (golden syrup).
A scarecrow competition will be held for the first time.
Innovative and traditional scarecrows are welcome. The scarecrow with the most votes wins.
Tocal College celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, established at the bequest of Charles Alexander, the last owner of Tocal.
A series of history talks will tell visitors how the college started.
“Peek into the Past is an old-fashioned day out,” Tocal Homestead co-ordinator Sandy Earle said. “The idea is for visitors to see traditional skills in action and for them to get involved.
“Nothing you see on the internet can beat coming to a farm, feeling and smelling and taking in the atmosphere.
“This is an event for people to gather, chat and experience the old ways of doing things – connecting with real people.
“Visitors can take a cart ride, pat a donkey, try croquet, learn to knit, watch the antique engines in action, see the blacksmith, taste a scone fresh out of an old wood stove, see the knitted fruit and vegetable display, watch a bodger and his pole lathe, see how a rope is made and watch the whip cracking display.”
Handmade craft items will be on display and for sale. Bring your own picnic and sit on the lawn.
Entry details for the scarecrow competition are on the website: www.tocal.com/tocal-homestead.
Peek into the Past is open from 10am until 3pm. Entry is $10 for adults, $8 concession and free entry for children.
