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Georgia Benjamin-Smith of Mothers Against Crime tells stories of the past to eager listeners in the old classroom at the Old School History Museum. -
Charlie Mock is throwing a ball trying to make is land in a cup and win a prize of cookies and candy. -
A group of girls compete in a sack race.
The Old School History Museum (OSHM) gathered Eatonton residents of all ages at The Plaza Arts Center Aug. 12 for its annual August Adventure, featuring an Ice Cream Social this year. A record 200-plus visitors came to enjoy cold, sweet ice cream on a hot summer day and play old-timey games.
'I am thrilled that our 2023 August Adventure was such a huge success. Kudos to Mary Air, OSHM director of education, whose stellar leadership made it all happen,' OSHM Director Sandra Rosseter said.
“We dreamed of a community event that would take people back in time and help them to remember what it was like when they were children, and for their children to do things that they would never experience otherwise,” Rosseter continued. “To play games that their parents and grandparents used to play, to learn what it was like to turn the crank to eat ice cream. It wasn’t the same kind as you buy in the grocery store today.”
Rosseter said preparations for the OSHM August Adventure took several months. OSHM docent Will Deller, who was networking with local businesses for support, agreed the event represented a huge team effort.
Among supporters were Ingles of Eatonton, which donated bottled water, Costco of Athens donated $100 to buy hot dogs and corresponding supplies, The Plaza Arts Center provided lemonade, and OSHM docents made cookies and cupcakes for the prize giveaways.
Visitors also enjoyed hearing Georgia Benjamin-Smith of The Uncle Remus Museum and Mothers Against Crime telling stories of the past while The Barbershop Quartet performed songs, and members of the Arts Barn engaged guests with a cupcake walk and other games.
“It's so exciting; we had a great turnout,” Air said. She explained the ice cream social concept occurred to her several months ago while the OSHM committee was brainstorming in front of ice cream posters on the walls of the museum. “We hope it is something we can build on and do it again,” she added.
The Old School History Museum is open for docent-guided tours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and for self-guided tours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. For more information visit online at oldschoolhistorymuseum.org.