Trip back in time

Have you ever wondered how Chipmunks lived 200 to 300 years go? Personally, I find it mind boggling to think about a world without TV, cell phones, internet, online ordering of supplies, and seedmarts. The Woodpile Historical Society has a new exhibit on colonial history that transports you back to 1750 AD for an hour.

I discovered (the hard way) this is not your typical boring museum exhibit. When you first arrive, the staff politely ask you to place your electronics in a locker. They explain they don’t want your phone disturbing the other visitors. I reluctantly turned over my smart phone, ipad, fitness tracker, smart watch, and wireless headphones. I felt totally helpless and disconnected without my gadgets. A staff member then asked me to follow them. Great, I’m getting a guided tour of the exhibit. This beats having to read all of those little signs explaining what the artifacts are.

I was ushered into the exhibit hall. My guide handed me a hand written piece of paper with cursive script. While I was trying to decipher this chicken scratch, I heard the door softly close and the click of the lock. I dropped the paper and rushed to the door only to find it would not open no matter how hard I tried. I gave up and grabbed the paper. It read “Welcome to the 1700s. If you want to return to the 21^st century, you must complete three tasks. (1) Spin ten paw lengths worth of wool yarn (2) shoot a paper target of a rabbit at 25 paces (3) windup the grandfather clock and set the correct time.”

An 18^th century “escape room” what a deviously brilliant idea. My cousin Vinnie must be behind this. This should be easy enough to do. I will be out of here in no time at all. Okay, I will just search for some “how-to” videos on Youtube … hmmm, I can’t seem to find my phone or ipad … oh, that’s right, I left them at the front desk. What is plan B? 

 

First order was business was to thoroughly search the room. I soon discovered some books on colonial living hidden between the logs. I had to “read” the instructions, this was a strange experience to say the least.

I better get this clock working. I remembered from the old movies that you need to windup the grandfather clock with a special key. Took care of that.

How to set the time? I know it  was 12 o’clock when I arrived at the museum and about 15 minutes have elapsed since. Well, there are no buttons to push to change the time on the front. Let me check on the backside, nope, no buttons here either. I remember watching my grandfather adjusting the clock when I was a little one. I think I am supposed to move the hands on the dial. Does the little hand point to the minutes or the hour?

I have to spin yarn with this contraption? I guess that is why it is called a “spinning” wheel.
At least look on the bright side, I don’t have to shear the sheep.

This is strange I don’t see a power cord to plug it in.

 I will have spin it by hand.

According to the book, I have put the powder and lead ball in the barrel. Which end is that?

This looks like the barrel. 

 

BOOM! I think I got the rabbit! Or maybe not. It seems I have created a 4^th task. I shot the chair and now I have to fix it with hand tools. This going to be a long afternoon.