County Pioneer Days offers old time entertainment for children By: Erika E. Durham, Courier staffJune 07, 2003 Area children are encouraged to give the PlayStation a break this summer vacation and enjoy some old-time entertainment. The Montgomery County Heritage Museum's ninth annual Pioneer Days is just a month away and plenty of space is still available. The weeklong day camp, open to children 9-12 years old, offers a hands-on look at what pioneer life was like. "In addition to the old favorites of churning butter, dipping candles and washing with a rub board, we have added some new activities," Museum Director Gertie Spencer said. These include grinding corn to make corn bread, piecing quilts and an up-close look at cotton plants and covered wagons. "We have fun with this," Museum Assistant Director Angie Walker said. "Not only do the kids get to learn about many of these activities, but they also do them." Walker said children walk away from the program with a newfound appreciation for modern-day conveniences. This year's camp will feature a Sam Houston look-alike in full costume, who will visit with the children while they enjoy refreshments. Other camp activities include cutting logs, spinning and weaving, printing on a 100-year-old printing press and the experience of writing with a quill pen in a one-room school. Space is still available for the afternoon class of the first session and both classes during the second session. The first available session will be from 1-4 p.m July 7-11. The second session will take place July 14-18. Approximately 20 students will be admitted for each class. All classes will be conducted at the Heritage Museum, located at 1506 Interstate 45 N. in Conroe; cost is $25 per student, which covers refreshments for the week. For more information about the program, call (936) 539-6873 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. ©The Courier 2003