Jordan Historical Museum of the Twenty facts for kids

The Lincoln Museum and Cultural Centre: Home of the Jordan Historical Museum is a cool place that teaches about history! It's a history museum that opened in 1953. This museum tells 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 Dutch Mennonites and United Empire Loyalists.

The museum sits on one acre of land, looking over the Twenty Mile Creek. There are three main buildings to explore. These include an 1815 Pennsylvania German Mennonite log farmhouse and an 1859 stone school house. There's also a main building with an art gallery. This gallery has a special collection of Fraktur folk art. The log farmhouse is on the spot where an old church used to be. It's also surrounded by a grave site for Loyalist and Mennonite families.

The Stone School House

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 school. They used local limestone for the new building.

A Modern School for Its Time

This new school was bigger and brighter than the old one. It was very modern for its time! It had huge windows and a special color scheme. These colors were chosen to help students pay attention and follow rules. The floor also sloped upwards from the teacher's platform. This way, students in the back could see over those in front.

A Community Hub

Like most schools, this one became a center for the community. It hosted meetings for the local Ladies Intellectual Club. Adults also took German language classes there. And, of course, everyone looked forward to the yearly Christmas pageant!

Challenges for Teachers

This school had a reputation for having "difficult" students. Most children came from farms. The boys, especially, were often busy with chores at home. This meant they were not always the most focused students. Many kids came to school already tired from waking up early. Also, classes often had fewer students in spring and fall.

Teachers at this school often had a tough time. They were usually young women, fresh out of teacher's college. It was rare for any teacher to stay longer than one school term.

From School to Museum

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

Restoring History

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

Today, the museum offers a special field trip program. Children come 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 House

In 1800, Jacob Fry and his family left Pennsylvania. They were one of over 30 families looking for religious freedom. They also heard about good farming land in Upper Canada. These families were German Mennonites. They were hardworking, faithful, and very focused on their community. Jacob first settled near Grimsby. But in 1815, his wife convinced him to move to Vineland. This way, they could be close to other families who had settled there.

A Home Built on Tradition

The house Jacob built had a central chimney and a double attic. Its design was based on old German architecture. This showed the strong traditions of his community. The Fry family lived in this house until 1895. At that time, they built a new brick home less than 200 yards away. This was typical of their simple lifestyle. The little log house was then used as a playhouse for the children. It even served as a chicken house for a while!

Saving the Log House

In the late 1950s, a group of volunteers saved the house. They moved it to its current spot on the museum grounds. It was restored and became a showcase. It now displays artifacts and shows what life was like for the Fry family.

Samuel Fry, one of Jacob's sons, ended up living in the house. He was a weaver. Around 1830, Samuel went to Pennsylvania to learn more about weaving. When he came back, he married Anna, who was his father's second wife's daughter! Samuel became a well-known local weaver. He made beautiful coverlets and other items. He is also famous for being one of the best-documented early weavers. His original pattern and account books still exist. Even his wedding suit is still around! The house became known for having the most complete set of original furnishings for a pioneer craftsman's home.

Special Furniture

The beautiful "schranks" (which are like large wardrobes or clothespresses) made by Jacob Fry are very interesting. These pieces, along with furniture from other local cabinetmakers, sparked 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. These beds were originally used by the Fry family. They are made up in the traditional Pennsylvania German style.

Museum Events

The museum hosts several fun events throughout the year.

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 old traditions of the area. People demonstrated crafts, skills, and activities of early settlers. This 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 happens the weekend before Halloween.

Christmas in the School House

Christmas in the School House started in 2013. Families can enjoy many activities throughout the day. These include painting ornaments and making elf hats. There are also wagon rides, face painting, and much more!