Dan Antion

Good Job Old Sturbridge!

This was a wonderful way to escape the isolation.

For reasons that are well understood, we haven’t had much of a social life these past four months. When the weather caused us to punt on an outdoor get-together for Father’s Day, I mentioned to our daughter Faith, that Old Sturbridge Village was planning to reopen in July, and maybe we could plan a short get-together at home, and a trip to OSV.

We began watching the weather for a break in the heat. OSV was opening, but attendance would be limited, buildings would be closed, masks and distancing would be required. The thought of walking around in 95°f (35°c) heat wasn’t all that appealing. Finally, when it seemed the heat wave wasn’t going to end, we picked a day with a forecasted high of 85°f (29°c) albeit with a chance of rain and thunderstorms.

OSV requires tickets, and you buy tickets for particular entrance time slots. We wanted to enter between 10:00 am and 11:30, but I thought we might have a problem. My wife and I are members, and Faith is a member, but they are separate memberships. I emailed OSV to ask if we would be able to get tickets together. That’s when I started to be impressed.

I received an email reply in less than 45 minutes. The OSV staff member answered my question, told me it would be no problem to enter both sets of information and thanked us for wanting to visit, and she gave me a phone number to use if I needed more help!

When we arrived at OSV, I continued to be impressed. The entrance path was clearly marked with arrows on the sidewalks and with signs. The people at the entrance instantly made us feel welcome. The woman who took our tickets gave us the information sheet of the day’s events, explained how things were going to be different and reminded us of some of the village’s attractions like nature walks along a few short trails. We are a family that loves to walk, so that was a welcome reminder.

The houses in the village were closed, but the historic interpretation by period dressed artisans and instructors were conducted outside. We had a wonderful discussion about “what it was like to become and be a lawyer in 1830.” We had a demonstration by and a nice discussion with a tinsmith who was making lanterns, a cooper who was making milk buckets and we watched and learned from two blacksmiths – blacksmiths, in period costumes, wearing masks, working at a forge in 85-degree heat – these people are truly dedicated.

We hiked through the woods, around the mill pond, along the river and we crossed both covered bridges on the property. We even had lunch.

We don’t normally eat while at OSV. I’ve explained in previous posts that Faith and I normally stop at The Thai Place for dinner. The Thai Place is the GPS target we used for years when my GPS couldn’t find the entrance to OSV. As we walked around the corner of Bullard Tavern, we could smell the French fries. The outdoor dining area wasn’t crowded so we decided to have lunch. Again, arrows and signs clearly indicated the circuitous path through the cafeteria that would keep entering folks from brushing near exiting folks and lines and dots on the ground helped us to remain at a safe distance. Servers and cashiers filled our orders and accepted payment from behind protective shielding, but you could feel their smiles behind their masks. Again, we made to feel welcome.

Some people complain about wearing masks, staying six feet apart, and having servers and cashiers behind plexiglass. It’s important to understand a few things about all that, and our experience at Old Sturbridge village is a great example to support that explanation.

First, it’s the law. OSV opened under the requirements of the State of Massachusetts for historical and cultural sites and must comply with those regulations.

Second, OSV wants to keep their staff, members, and guests safe. That makes total sense to me. I mean how many blacksmiths, tinsmiths and coopers are there? Also, if guests start getting sick, the State will surely shut the village (or your local restaurant) down. No one fully understands the way(s) this virus is transmitted, but most experts agree that wearing masks and staying six feet apart impedes that transmission.

Third, and perhaps the hardest to understand, people are different. While we could have removed our masks when we were clearly six feet away from other people, some people might still be afraid. Wearing a mask is no great hardship and if it keeps others safe and makes them more comfortable, I’m happy to wear one.

I applaud the way in which Old Sturbridge Village planned their reopening and the steps they took to make it possible for us enjoy our visit. I applaud the communication we have received as members and – I need a synonym for applaud that is even better – I applaud the talented, dedicated, and friendly staff.

I look forward to the future when our visits will be unencumbered by requirements due to this virus. I will certainly still be a member at that time.

Signs and arrows explaining how we were to proceed.
That’s the Small House – we like to stop there when we visit.
This was a wonderful way to escape the isolation.
That’s the lawyers office on the right. If you look more to the center, you’ll see the tent under which the interpreter explained the law and becoming a lawyer in the period.
I like that they took the time to make the signs fit the venue. I’d like to see a chicken sneeze into its elbow.
The lanterns are a popular souvenir. The tinsmith was explaining how they are made and what it would be like to learn this craft and work in the 1830s.
We couldn’t enter most buildings but some were open for viewing, This is the interior of the tinsmith’s shop.
It’s a beautiful place for a walk.
The animals are a significant part of the attraction at OSV.
The cooper, making a small bucket. This will be part of a future post focusing on some lessons I learned here.
This guy was scarfing down all the ferns just outside the fence. It was fun watching him.
There were many opportunities to take some interesting photos.
This is a dedicated artisan. He and his partner explained the items they were making and the way they were making them. I found it fascinating, and I appreciate their time.
Taken for Rivergirl.
I don’t know what this flower is, but it’s beautiful. (I think the Editor knew, but I forgot what she told me).
It’s hard to keep Faith away from the water.
One covered bridge crosses the river’s flow into the mill pond. This one crosses the river as it turns away from the pond.

78 comments

  1. One of my great memories of visiting with Dan and his wife,from here in the UK, was my stopover at OSV on my way to Windsor Locks. What a wonderful resource for the US to guard its heritage. I stayed overnight at Waltham and ate at a Thai restaurant. I bet it wasn’t the same one as mentioned here, though.

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    • I remember that visit. I’m so glad you can relate to these posts. OSV has become one of our favorite places to visit. There always seems to be more to discover.

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  2. I grew up not far from OSV (Worcester) and visites a couple of times (didn’t need reservations, they were happy to get customers). Haven’t been in years, wait, decades, and the place has grown in buildings and popularity. Thanks for a very nice story. And, I agree, while masks are an interference in social norms, , it’s no problem wearing them n

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    • One of the interpreters was describing the early years. In the first year, he said they only had 81 visitors for the season! It has grown, even from my first visit, and they are planning to add a new wood shop. It will be built on site using period techniques.

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  3. Proof positive it is possible to live within the boundaries of our new reality. Glad you were able to get out and about. OSV is a place I’ve always meant to visit and haven’t. I love the mere idea of it…. in cooler temps of course.

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  5. What a beautiful place, Dan! I believe I’ve only seen this place from your trips around Christmas, so it was nice to see the green landscape, bridge, Faith near the river, the tinsmith’s lair, etc. in the throes of summer. I’m only wondering why there wasn’t a photo of the french fries…

    I will also applaud OSV and their dedicated efforts to keep its visitors safe. I applaud every business that has done this during the pandemic. If only everyone would wear a mask and stay apart without complaining, we would be in a much better state.

    Enjoy your Monday, stay cool!

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    • Thanks Mary. We gobbled they fries before there was a chance to get a picture. I think there’s a lesson in how they managed this opening. Also, they automatically extended out memberships for the time they were closed. These guys just do things right. I know they would like more people, but it was fun being there with a small crowd. Introverts, what can I say…

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        • It’s peaceful, even when it’s crowded. There’s a lot of room to move around. I worry that Christmas by Candlelight will be hard for them to stage this year. It’s very important to their fundraising, so I hope they can make it work. If they have it, we will go,.

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  6. What a great tradition to spend Father’s Day at OSV. I’m glad it was open and you felt so welcome to be there and they kept everyone or tried to keep everyone free from germs and the dreaded Wuhan Corona Virus. I’m so ready for a vaccine and I hope it has better efficacy than our current Flu shots do!

    I don’t imagine there were so many laws and regulations in 1830 as there are now so passing the bar if there was one then was probably a whole lot easier.

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    • We were so happy to hear that they were opening. We knew it would be easy to keep our distance, but we didn’t know it would be so much fun.

      I thought the same thing about the laws, but the guy explained that the well established lawyers would have started knowing British law and the had to keep up as Massachusetts developed new laws. They also had to know the growing body of US Federal law. He explained that lawyers (just out of school) would be apprenticed to an established lawyer and that they did a lot of that reading and research. It was expensive snd very time consuming.

      I’m looking forward to a vaccine, but I don’t be first in line (when available to the general public) for a rush-job.

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  9. How wonderful that you were able to get together with Faith and tour OSV! The staff at OSV certainly did their homework and created a safe haven for their staff and guests alike. Hats off to all those who have OSV up and running.

    Beautiful area in the summer and you got some great shots. I tried to pick a favorite, but I like them all.

    We live with lots of inconveniences in our daily lives. Wearing masks and staying at least 6′ apart is hardly a blip on the radar. People need to wake up and smell the coffee while they still can……before they end up on a ventilator!

    Nice post to start the week off Dan. Thanks for the tour.
    🐾Ginger 🐾

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    • Thanks Ginger. It has been interesting to see how different places approached reopening. Some seem to have tried to spend as little money as possible. Some don’t seem to care about the people (staff or customers). These guys really got it right.

      I’m glad you enjoyed the post. I worry that my OSV posts might get old. I try to mix them up, and I think I shared pictures I haven’t shared before (at least some). I figure there’s always someone new here and this is a story I love to tell.

      I hope you have a great week!
      Stay safe.

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  12. Wonderful posting, Dan. It is good to see such compelling evidence that it is possible to venture outside of the house safely and see some really cool things. I seem to recall visiting Old Sturbridge Village on school trips during the mid-1960’s when I was growing up outside of Boston. I don’t remember too many specifics, but I do recall being enthralled by the artisans at work, especially the blacksmiths. I smiled when I saw your photo of Faith at the edge of the water–that is probably where I would have been too.

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    • OSV is a common school field trip, Mike. I could watch the artisans all day. Last year, I watched the cabinet maker slice a wide board in half (lengthwise) with a handsaw. I though of the mess I would make if I tried that. The blacksmith was explaining how hard it is to make a 90-degree bend without cracking the piece or ending up with a weak angle that will surly break. It was fascinating.

      Faith is always drawn to the water’s edge :)

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  13. You went on an adventure, and you took us with you – thank you! I know I would love visiting there in person, but this was great. Wearing a mask is not something any of us would choose to do, but if we are ever going to move beyond this virus it has to be done, heat or no heat. Stay well, and I hope you’re getting some time in your shop although I’m guessing it’s pretty darn hot in there if I base it on the temperature in my garage and barn.

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    • I’m glad you enjoyed this, Judy. We have some cooler days in the forecast this week. I’m hoping I might be able to stain and finish my bookcase. I’m also getting ready to start siding the shed. If it cools down at night, the shop stays cool until about 1:00 pm. If it doesn’t cool down overnight, it’s yuck :(

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  14. ‘you could feel their smiles behind their masks’–that was so wonderful to read, Dan. OSV really knew what they were doing when they opened up. I’m glad you had a good time. The sign with the chicken and pig social distancing—a good, fun way to get their point across. Have a great day.

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    • It’s funny, Lois, but I swear you could tell they were smiling. They were so nice. I worked on a steam line, and it’s hard to be pleasant, especially when it’s hot out. The sign with the chicken and the pig just made me smile.

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    • We were able to stay pretty cool, especially on the hikes. There quite a history to their covered bridges. I believe one of them was washed off its foundation during a bad storm many years ago.

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  17. The photos are great, Dan. It looks like a wonderful day enjoyed with family. I wish more people shared your outlook on masks and containing the virus. I have never understood those who have a total disregard for the well-being of others. Hope to see more photos as you venture out and about.

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  18. Thanks for your support as a member, for visiting during these unique times, and for writing this blog post. We’ve shared it with the rest of our staff. :)

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    • Hahaha – you know me well, Teagan. Our discussion with the tinsmith did include a few minutes on the tools he uses. On the other hand, there’s also the cooper. Maybe the Editor needs a milk bucket ;-) I have pictures of the other covered bridge and other pictures of this one. I’ll be sharing more photos later this week.

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  21. What a great place to visit and encouraging to read how well it was run. Kudos to all of you for your good attitudes. I have such a problem with people complaining about masks and distancing. Of course now they’re complaining about things closing up again, but if people had behaved responsibly when the re-openings happened, things might still be open. It’s so frustrating and also dangerous. Thanks for letting us walk along on this delightful trip.

    janet

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    • I’m glad you could come along. It was a very good day. Outside, having fun like big people :)

      The precautions were easy to work into our day. I really don’t know what the fuss is all about.

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  22. Thank you for this virtual field trip through your eyes. There’s something about a field of sheep that makes me want to spread a blanket on the grass. And I understand Faith’s love for the water, too!

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  23. What a wonderful tribute to OSV at their opening. I hope you sent your blog post to them. Really! I’m planning a visit to the Bennington Museum, and hoping the Eric Carle Museum opens soon. Looking forward your post on the Cooper. Our last trip to Williamsburg had us stopped (forever) at the Cooper because our son is Mr. Hands, like you, but with all hand tools. Great post, Dan!

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    • I always announce my posts on Twitter. I tagged @oldsturbridge and they responded to that and they commented here. I’m glad they liked this post, too. I hope to be able to visit some other museums, maybe in the fall. I’m sure we’ll be back to OSV. Working with hand tools is a special feeling. You can feel the wood. I choose hand tools over power tools often, just for that feeling.

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    • When I was trying to get a picture of the chicken, it seemed to want me to be more than six feet away. And, you’re right, I kept saying “I just want to get your picture” but it didn’t seem to be listening.

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  28. I remember going to OSV with my aunt when I was a kid. It was magical then, and probably more so now that we’ve all been cooped up for so long. Thanks for the photos and story. Made me smile and hungry. French fires…?

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  29. Hi Dan – well I’m glad I eventually got to your part 1 … what an amazing place – and how very sensible of them. They do sound like they need to be highly applauded and I’m glad you had lunch there … supporting them a bit more. Isn’t it a delight to be ‘well served’ … stay safe – Hilary

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    • I am glad you got to this post, Hilary, as I forgot to include a link to it in the doors post. It is nice to be well served and to be around passionate people.

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  30. Well that’s nice! I’m so glad they made accommodations easy and welcomed you so pleasantly. I love places like that. I’m especially missing places like that because the state fair is canceled.
    Thanks for sharing so much of your outing :)

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