Living in the Past
Frederick Grimm
October 28, 2009
Filed under Community, Features
This is a view of the church at the Living History Park.
Over the weekend, history came alive at the Living History Park in downtown North Augusta. This annual event, known as Colonial Times, allows visitors to see what life in the past was really like.
Attending Colonial Times is an experience like no other. While walking through the park, you see re-enactors portraying colonial citizens and performing various functions. You can see a skirmish between the Indians and colonists, hear the musicians playing colonial instruments, feel the many different furs caught by the local fur trapper, taste the bread baked by the baker in a stone oven, and smell the fresh aroma of candles being made from beeswax. Every aspect of colonial life is on display in the park.
Though the park is one of North Augusta’s gems, it is not known by many of the students. “I had no idea we even had the Living History Park! I was so shocked when I walked inside and saw all the people and old buildings,” said Macie Whatley, a junior. However, once students discover it, they quickly fall in love. “I had never heard of this place until I volunteered last year,” said Jen Harlan, a senior. “It’s a really beautiful place, so my prom group ended up taking our pictures here.”
The purpose of Colonial Times is to educate people about the culture of the past. The event not only far exceeds this goal, but is able to make it very fun and hands-on. The event features a wide array of townspeople performing various daily tasks, so there is always something to see and do. Comedy is part of the routine too. One re-enactor, Monsieur LeFarceur de Villeverte, plays the role of an arrogant Frenchman. Morgan Williams, a senior, recalls “listening to the Frenchman was my favorite part. He made lace, so he thought he was better than everyone else. He kept calling everyone who came up to him a peasant and insulted us. It was neat though because I was able to learn and laugh while doing it.”
Multiple events are held at the Living History Park throughout the year. The Olde Towne Artisans’ Fair, held in late April, features the work of local artists and craftsmen. Under the Crown relives the history of Augusta and North Augusta and is held in early June. For more information, visit www.colonialtimes.us.
