Jordan Historical Museum of the Twenty facts for kids

The Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre: Home of the Jordan Historical Museum is a fun place to learn about history! It opened in 1953 and shares the stories of five towns and villages in Lincoln, Ontario. The museum started with help from Jordan Wines and local people. Many of these people were descendants of Pennsylvania German Mennonite families and Loyalist settlers.

The museum sits on an acre of land overlooking the Twenty Mile Creek. It has three main buildings. There's an 1815 Pennsylvania German Mennonite log farmhouse, an 1859 stone school house, and a main building. The main building has an exhibit gallery with special fraktur folk art. The log farmhouse is on the site of an old church. It's also surrounded by a grave site where Loyalist and Mennonite families are buried.

The Old Stone School House

A New School Rises from Ashes

In 1858, a red brick school house burned down. It was located just west of where the current school stands. The very next year, school leaders built a new one. This new school was made from local limestone. It was much bigger and brighter than the old one. It even had huge windows and special colors to help students focus!

The floor was sloped, rising up from the teacher's platform. This way, kids in the back could see over the heads of those in front. It was a very modern school for its time!

A Busy Community Hub

Like most schools back then, it became a busy place for the community. The local Ladies Intellectual Club met there. Adults took German language classes. And, of course, everyone looked forward to the annual Christmas pageant!

This school also had a reputation for having "difficult" students. Most children came from farms. The boys, especially, often had important chores at home. Many kids arrived at school already tired from waking up early. Sometimes, classes were much smaller in the spring and fall. This was because kids were needed to help with farm work.

Teachers often didn't stay long at this school. They were usually young women fresh out of teacher's college. It was rare for a teacher to stay for more than one term.

From School to Museum

The school was used for 89 years. Then, a bigger, more modern school was built nearby. The old stone school house was left empty. Its inside parts were removed. In 1952, Jordan Wines bought it and gave it back to the community. It was filled with old farm tools and artisan equipment. It officially opened as a museum in 1953.

In 1997, the school house was carefully restored. It was made to look exactly like it did in 1908. Old desks were found, and the ceiling was replaced. The dividing wall and separate entrances for boys and girls were also fixed. All the details of a one-room school from that time were put back.

Step Back in Time: School Field Trips

Today, the museum offers a special school field trip program. Children can visit for a day and pretend to be students from 1908. This program has been very popular! During the summer, the schoolhouse is open for everyone to visit.

The Fry Family Log House

A New Home in Upper Canada

In 1800, Jacob Fry and his family left Pennsylvania. They were one of over 30 families looking for religious freedom. They also wanted good farmland in Upper Canada (now Ontario). These German Mennonite families were hardworking and very community-minded. Jacob first settled near Grimsby. But in 1815, his wife convinced him to move to Vineland. This was so they could be close to other families who had settled there.

The house Jacob built had a central chimney and a double attic. Its design was based on old German architecture. It showed the strong traditions of his community. The Fry family lived in it until 1895. Then, they built a brick home less than 200 yards away. This was typical for these conservative families. The little log house became a playhouse for the children. It even served as a chicken coop for a while!

Rescuing a Piece of History

In the late 1950s, volunteers saved the house. They moved it to its current spot on the museum grounds. It was restored and became a showcase for the Fry family's life and belongings. This included items from Samuel Fry, Jacob's son. Samuel was the only one of Jacob's sons who ended up living in the house.

Around 1830, Samuel went to Pennsylvania to learn more about weaving. When he returned, he married Anna, his father's second wife's daughter! Samuel became a famous local weaver. He made beautiful coverlets and other items. He is also known as the best-documented early weaver. His original pattern and account books, and even his wedding suit, still exist! The house became famous for having the most complete set of original furnishings from a pioneer craftsman's home.

Unique Furniture and Tours

The beautiful schranks (clothespresses or wardrobes) made by Jacob Fry are especially interesting. Pieces made by Jacob Fry and other local cabinetmakers started the interest in antiques in the Niagara area.

The house has been fully restored. Now, summer visitors can take a tour with costumed guides. You can even peek upstairs at some of the beds originally used by the Fry family. The beds are made in the traditional Pennsylvania German style.

Fun Events at the Museum

Harvest Pioneer Day

The first Pioneer Day was held in 1967. This was part of Canada's 100th birthday celebrations. It was a festival to show off the traditions of the area's past. People demonstrated old crafts, skills, and activities of early settlers. The festival has been held every year since! It takes place on the Saturday before Canadian Thanksgiving.

Jordan Village Haunted Tour

The first Jordan Village Haunted Tour happened in 2008. Every October, for two nights, guests go on a walking tour. They visit the most haunted buildings in Jordan Village and the Jordan Historical Museum. Guides share historical and spooky stories. The tour takes place the weekend before Halloween.

Christmas in the School House

Christmas in the School House started in 2013. Throughout the day, families can join in many activities. These include painting ornaments, making elf hats, wagon rides, and face painting. It's a great way to celebrate the holidays!