1. Quilt (T) – Quilts were very precious to pioneer women. Often times when they traveled, quilts were used as a way to remember their old way of life. This included friends and family. Quilts were also used to create a cushion on a wagon seat and to wrap precious china. They were also used to keep dust out from windy days. Quilts were used in many ways.
2. Chalkboard (T) – Chalkboards were created by painting a smooth surface black. They were very commonly used in the classroom where students would be able to complete their assignments. 3. Cast Iron Pan (T) – Pans were made of iron. They were used to cook, not over a stove but, a fire place. Also, if a pioneer waned to create an oven like cooking area, they would take the cast iron pot and place it on hot coals. They would then add a lid to the top and place and add coals there too.
4. Pioneer Photographs – Many families sought to move westward and that’s what this photo depicts. It shows the wagon they traveled in and how they were hauled. It was a long journey for many. They did take several breaks such as stopping at noon and finding a spot to settle for the evenings.
5. Florida Map 1845 – The map of Florida shows how the state was divided in 1845 and the names of locations as well. It also shows where wetlands, rivers, bikes, forts, and towns are located.
6. Pioneer Bonnet (T) - Bonnets were worn by woman and girls to protect their face and neck from the sun and the wind when working or exploring the outdoors. Clothing including hats were made by hand and were usually repaired and passed on to family members.
7. Wooden covered wagon model (T) - As pioneers forged their way to uncharted territories; the covered wagon was the primary source of transportation for families. Several wagons would travel together in what was known as a “wagon train” to ensure traveler’s safety. Depending on distance, families would travel with supplies that would last four to six months.
8. Ragdoll (T) - During the pioneer era, toys were made by hand with supplies families had readily, or easily available, such as fabric and wood. Ragdolls were an ideal toy for pioneer children and constructed from corn husks, clothespins, and material. The dolls were stuffed with cotton and hair made from yarn.
9. Violin with pioneer music cd (T)- Fiddles and banjos were instruments commonly seen on the pioneer trail. Violins also known as a fiddle were easily transported on long trips and provided a source of entertainment and comfort to the early settlers. Irish and Scottish influence provided fiddle music with its deep harmonic tones.
10. Cast-iron flat iron (T) - Laundry was a tedious, difficult chore during frontier life. Vats of boiling, hot water were used to submerge clothing and begin the task of cleaning. Cast-iron, flat irons were needed to remove deep wrinkles in fabric and were heated over a banked fire. The metal would cool quickly and needed constant reheating.