Surveying her brothers and cousin scrubbing an apron on a washboard, rinsing it in a bucket of water, cranking it through a wringer and pinning it to a clothesline, Samantha Neddo reflected on chores before the advent of washers and dryers.
"It would be harder,” said the 11 year old from Maple City, who enjoyed with her family the Samels Farm Harvest Gathering Sunday afternoon in Williamsburg.
In addition trying their hand at laundry, attendees at the fourth annual Harvest Gathering at the 84-acre farm on Skegemog Point could press cider, sample homemade ice cream and roasted chestnuts, bob for apples, play drop the pumpkin and explore the barns, outbuildings and farmhouse.
"I liked the blacksmith,” said Elijah Cobb, 8, where he, his sister and grandparents spent at least 15 minutes watching Chuck Sieting of Fife Lake forge iron into a hinge.
Inside the farmhouse, society volunteer Ann Hoopfer baked homemade biscuits and served them with butter and jam while visitors explored rooms from cellar to second floor. Each room featured the furniture, tools and accessories used by the three Samels brothers, Dennis, Ben and Rob, who farmed into the 1990s the land that their father purchased in 1889.
Organizers of the event were delighted with this year's attendance, giving estimates ranging between 250-400 people — a jump over last year's figure of 100 attendees. Society board president Mary Anne Rivers said organizers were overwhelmed but thrilled.
"The only bad thing was that we ran out of stuff, like ice cream,” she said, noting that more than three dozen volunteers pitched in during the day. "I think people did a little of everything. It was the most we've ever had of young kids.”
Given the Harvest Gathering's resounding success, Rivers said the board would consider expanding hours or days for next year. To do so, they may tap a resource of trained interpreters for help: eighth grade students at Elk Rapids Middle School.
For the past two years, society volunteers have taught these students about all aspects of farm life before automation and modern conveniences. The students in turn create a script, costumes and presentation documenting farm life in the 1920s and then perform it for fourth grade students in the Elk Rapids School District.
"We don't say anything, we are their mentors all winter and are just there in the background,” noted Rivers.
The annual Harvest Gathering as well as the work with schools is part of the vision for the land.
"It is in the trust from the brothers that the farm and all the equipment be used for educational purposes, that's why every year we try to add more things,” Rivers added. "Next year, the Buckley [Old Engine Show] guys are going to help us get our machinery going.”
The bachelor Samels brothers were self-sufficient general farmers, making or growing most of their needs in a testament to a lifetime hard work and resiliency. Instead of cashing in their prime property with lake frontage, which had developers drooling, the family made arrangements before their deaths to preserve the farm.
The Archeological Conservancy, a non-profit organization based in New Mexico, owns it. The Samels Family Heritage Society leases the land for a nominal fee and carries out the educational mission.
"I knew the boys and their dad,” recalled Clare Ray of Williamsburg, who used to visit the farm with his father when he was a kid. "I think it's great that people are seeing a lot of things here and a lot of older people are remembering the way something used to be done.”
For more information about the Samels Family Heritage Society or to volunteer at future events, write them at P. O. Box 111, Williamsburg, MI, 49690