18th Centurey Crafts and Trades

One of the great aspects of the Mercer Museum Folk Fest is the authenticity of the event. Period clothing is required as are all tools and equipment.

A cooper is making barrels using a shaving bench.

Another shows a tinsmith-complete with a period hair style.

The baker was really interesting-she had a genuine bee hive oven in which she had heated with a wood fire. She then scraped out the coals and baked for five hours. Just hauling and setting up this display was a mammoth task.

The real purpose of the Fest is to educate. In the one picture, My friend Cork is "holding court" with a group of young folks. Cork is good with the kids-demonstrating carving techniques while throwing in tall tales and humor.