It was all about nostalgia when we visited the Pioneer Village in Stratford. Set in 10 acres of grounds, there are streets of relocated buildings, cottages, a forge, printing works, library, post office, dentist, doctor, and maybe even a candle-maker was tucked in there somewhere. Various shops of all kinds and a church. It certainly was interesting seeing how people lived in earlier years. I loved looking through the cute little cottages, seeing the old textiles, the rag rugs, the kitchen utensils, and how they tackled the laundry. Pretty little Goodwin Cottage was built about 1890.
Lovely old cottage
I trekked up the rise to see some more buildings and was thrilled to discover “Madame de Launay”. Selling gowns, gloves, and all sorts of interesting haberdashery, it was such a delight to gaze at all those lovely items.
Treasures galore inside Madame de Launay’s shop
.
More old buildings
Most of us are big kids when it comes to train rides, and we personally are no exception. Climbing aboard the dinky little train we squeezed into those rather hard seats, and were taken twice around the circuit. This gave us a good overview of the village, all 10 acres of it.
We enjoyed our train ride
We drove down to Stratford along the aptly named Opunake-Stratford Road, one we hadn’t traveled along before. It was certainly a little narrow in places, and those pesky wind gusts were a challenge at times. This road took us up close and personal alongside by Mt Taranaki, also known as Mt Egmont to those of us with long memories. No snow cap at this time of the year, this is a symmetrical brooding bare volcanic mountain looking down on us, majestic and strong.
Mt Taranaki
Our stay here in Stratford is at the Wharehuia Community Centre, formerly the Stanley Street School, which closed in 2004. It is great to see these buildings and grounds put to good use, and bring in some cash to keep it funded. There are magnificent trees in the grounds, native rimu and totara, as well as exotics such as oak and magnolia. We have the use of the buildings to meet in during the evenings, or as required, if the days turn wet and cold.
Staying at the old school
9 comments:
Wet and cold would be so welcome now, the thermometer tells me 32.7C, in the porch, the outside one in the verandah says 34C, and indoors 31.6C. Love the mountain view, enjoy the stay.
The village sounds wonderful, a great place to visit. Your campgrounds sounds very nice too. Happy stitching!
I love touring through these old places - the old towns in the old mountain west here in the states are so rustic - always interesting to see and sometimes see old utensils in the kitchens or stores never seen before and wonder what they are
Love the little cottage. Oh, but it needs a swing on the front porch :) I spied the white gloves in the case. When I was a little girl every Easter we would get a new Easter bonnet and a pair of white gloves to wear to church :)
I'm tell my age, right :)
Have a sweet weekend, dear friend.
Lots of lovely things to visit and see on your trip.
Always great to stay in a nice park.
You always seem to find the most interesting places to visit. Pioneer Village is so quaint! Besides feeling like a kid with the train, I would’ve felt like a lady from “back in the day” strolling about the village. What fun!
Just caught up on your posts, Jenny. My mother actually made black pudding and we would have it sliced with potato salad and we enjoyed it. I too always had a new hat and gloves for church at Easter time. Ah those days are far behind us.
You have lovely knitting and stitching along with you. Thanks for sharing your journeys Jenny. I enjoy them so much. Travel safe you two.
How cool is that!!! That village looks amazing!!!
Fun travels, it seems! How fabulous to wander around the village and explore the cute cottages. Love the gorgeous hexie quilt on the bed.
Post a Comment