Kids take a seat at an art station during the leisure portion of Labor and Leisure Day in Woodstock.
Saturday, Sept. 1, 10 a.m.—WOODSTOCK—Billings Farm & Museum and Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park are partnering to host Labor & Leisure Day on Saturday, Sept. 1. It’s a day to experience both the daily work routines – and fun – of life on a farm, while also enjoying leisure and recreational activities at the park.
At Billings Farm & Museum, open from 10-5 p.m., visitors can build a split rail fence, do laundry the old-fashioned way – using a washboard and wringer – and crank ice cream by hand. Wagon rides, crafts, and a rousing game of historic “base ball” round out the activities. At 3:15 p.m., visitors may watch the milking of the herd as the farm staff provides commentary. Wagon rides are available from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
At Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, the public is invited to play in the same ways that the Billings and Rockefeller families might have when they lived there. Lawn games, such as bocce, croquet, (and the less traditional) giant Jenga will be available, along with putting on the Rockefeller’s green and tennis on the estate’s tennis court – with a pro from the Woodstock Inn on hand to provide pointers. Create a take-home flower arrangement from Mary Rockefeller’s cutting garden, or, for younger visitors, enjoy Animal Olympics and nature-inspired art projects. Other special programs include: service wing tours of the mansion at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; an exploration of the estate’s many gardens at 2 p.m.; plus short tours of the bowling alley, soda fountain and fallout shelter at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Between 11 a.m.-3 p.m., visitors can an enjoy a free open house of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion, with staff on hand to answer questions.
Admission to Billings Farm & Museum includes all activities and programs, plus the operating dairy farm, farm life exhibits, the restored and furnished 1890 Farm House, and an additional bonus – the 32nd annual quilt exhibition featuring a colorful selection of contemporary Vermont quilts. Admission to Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park is free of charge.
Find more information for Billings Farm & Museum at billingsfarm.org or by calling 802-457-2355; and for Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park at nps.gov/mabi or by calling 802-457-3368.
Featured photo courtesy BFM staff
A youngster works hard for some ice cream by hand-cranking, during Billings Farm and Museum’s Labor and Leisure Day.
