Go back in time at Ferndale's Pioneer Park

ROBERT MITTENDORF

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As the summer was winding down, the girls realized that there was only one thing they really hadn't crossed off their "to-do" list this summer, and that was the annual trip to Pioneer Park in Ferndale.

Fortunately, the park and its historic buildings are always there to see, but you can only go inside and learn about the structures for a couple more weeks (tours end Sept. 15, but start again next May 15). Even with the pressures of a new school year, a visit is well worth your while.

The city of Ferndale has placed 12 buildings from the 1800s - including log cabins, a church, a general store, a granary and a schoolhouse - to resemble a pioneer village with a grassy square in the center, suitable for a picnic. The buildings were moved to the location along the Nooksack River from various places around the county.

For a fee of $3 for adults and $2 for kids 6-12, an interpreter dressed in pioneer clothing will show you around the grounds, open the buildings and explain the history of the building and something about the daily lives of the settlers who lived in or used the building. Most buildings are packed with historical artifacts such as furniture, clothing, household knickknacks, equipment and tools.

Both Leah and Emma truly love the old schoolhouse. They like to write on the slate boards that students once used and just spend time imagining what it must have been like to attend such a one-room school.

Emma also loved the 1879 Parker House, a general store that doubles as a gift shop. She was impressed by the Abe Lincoln hat they had for sale. I was unable to go with Rebecca and the girls this year, but I like the 1877 Rogers House, which contains the city's Veterans Museum. It's a treat to see if you appreciate military artifacts, and the sheer intimacy of the displays is touching.

For more information on the park, contact: 384-6461. Online, check www.ci.ferndale.wa.us or search for Pioneer Park at www.kulshan.com.

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Thursday, Sep. 04, 2008

Go back in time at Ferndale's Pioneer Park

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