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Oven and
Sorghum Press New Demonstrations at Prairie Days
The 2015 Prairie Days will feature two new demonstrations. First
volunteers will be demonstrating how pioneers would have made homemade
bread in the outdoor bake oven, also known as the cob oven. The oven
construction was completed during the summer of 2014 and is located
near the northwest corner of the log house. Volunteers will build a
fire in the oven to heat it, then remove the coals and sprinkle
cornmeal on the oven surface to prevent sticking. The bread dough,
cookies, or any other baked goods can then be prepared before the oven
cools down again. The public will have the opportunity to try samples
of white bread, wheat bread, or ginger molasses cookies all prepared in
the oven at Shawnee Prairie. The full loaves of bread and cookies will
be available for a donation during Prairie Days in the General Store.
Also new this year are the sorghum pressing and boiling demonstrations.
Journey to the top of the hill to witness stalks of sorghum grown in
Darke County pressed to release their sweet juice. There will be two
presses from the late 19th century in operation for the weekend. One is
owned by the Park District and was restored by park volunteer Jim
Poeppleman of Versailles. The other is on loan from Ted Abney, owner of
The Bistro off Broadway in Greenville. After capturing the sweet liquid
from pressing the stalks, volunteers will boil it down similarly to
making maple syrup. The processed sorghum, also known as sorghum
molasses, will be available for a donation while supplies last. The
Park District is still in search of mules or horses to power the
sorghum press. They will need their own harness and will need to be
accustomed to work and crowds. If you are interested in using your
horses or mules to help power the press, please contact Roger Van
Frank, director of the Darke County Park District at (937) 548-0165 or
director@darkecountyparks.org.
Come check out both of these demonstrations and all the other fun,
educational, and family friendly activities at the 2015 Prairie Days
festival, September 26th from 10am to 5pm and September 27th from 12pm
to 5pm. The event has plenty of free parking and free admission. For
questions or more information, call the Nature Center at (937)
548-0165.
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