When neighbours came for a visit, the adults enjoyed a game of cards, checkers or horseshoes.

Going to church and taking a trip to town was an opportunity to socialize. Other occasions that brought people together were weddings, square dances, box socials, picnics and school concerts.

Everyone looked forward to a community picnic. It was a day filled with fun. Families would arrive in the morning with their baskets of food. During the day there were races, ball games, tug-of-war and other contests. Lunch was a time to share food with others. Picnic baskets were filled with plenty of sandwiches, ham, chicken, salads, cakes, pies and cookies. Then there was singing and maybe even dancing. At the end of the day everyone got back on their wagons and went home.

ENTERTAINMENT (music, instruments, dancing)

Work parties called Bees were organized for building homes, schools, churches or barnraisings. There were also quiltmaking and sewing bees for the women. Bees provided a chance to get together with neighbours. After the work was completed, there was a meal followed by singing or dancing.

Winter fun included sledding, ice skating on frozen ponds and games of fox-and-geese in the snow. Favourite summer activities included baseball, football, kites, hide-and-go-seek, horseshoes and marbles for boys. Girls enjoyed hopscotch, skipping rope, and tag.

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J. Giannetta
2004 (updated May 2017