Fall Fun Fest

In all the years we have lived in Fowlerville, I have never ventured into the Fowlerville Fall Fun Fest at the fairgrounds. But this year was different. I'm not really sure if it was because of this blog, The Ville, or maybe it was the huge plume of smoke coming from this old-time tractor that made me turn the truck around and investigate. But I'm glad I entered the fairgrounds and wandered around for an hour. I was able to check out old, old equipment such as this, to watching miniature tractors navigate the bumpy ground, to listening to the high-pitched whistles as the operators unleashed the power in these machines. But then I was, with delight, able to walk into the buildings at the back of the fairgrounds where the historic village is housed. Earlier this year, I had taken time to photograph the outside of the buildings, which you can check out here and here and here. But now I could step into them. Following you will find some pictures . . . This is the inside of the cooper building. The schoolhouse showed various items, including an original chalkboard and the teacher's desk.Kids would sit at this long, low table for coloring exercises. The home showed off a typical bedroom and sitting room, including an "office" area in one corner. Off the kitchen of the home was a small "mud" room displaying children's wear along with these leather shoes.

The main part of the depot displayed where the operator would work as trains came and went. There's also a wealth of information regarding Charlie Gehringer's life and career on display inside the depot building.

The church was alive with music performed by a local group. The only building not open was the blacksmith shop, but even the side of the building had a hint of what may have been inside.
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As I was leaving the fairgrounds, I heard a few snippets of a conversation made by one of the participants. It was to the effect, "If we don't try to preserve and show off the past, it will be forgotten."

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And how sad that would be.

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We are who we are because of the past. We have come so far in so many ways, whether it be awareness, science, technology, medicine. But we had to start somewhere and the Fowlerville Fall Fun Fest showcased all of that.

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If I could pass along a recommendation, I would say check out the historic village the next time it is open for viewing. Take a minute to think about what had to be done a hundred years ago just to get through the day. It helps to put so much into perspective. I know it did for me.