So today we went to three historical house museums, which includes Old Fort Johnson, Johnson Hall, and Mabee Farm. The pictures that I posted are not in order, though I'm not exactly sure. First today we went to Old Fort Johnson, in Fort Johnson, New York. This house is something that I have never seen before. The main building was a house, turned military fort for the French and Indian War, turned back to home. During the restoration process, some of the back holes used to protect the building with guns was reopened so we could look through them. We got to go all the way up to the attic which I thought was pretty cool. In the attic there was an old car; I'm not exactly sure what the year and make and model of it was, however it looked pretty cool. The tour guide we got today was much better than that on Friday. He was easy going and he connected with us where the other lady did not.
YaYa the Lamb
Old Dutch Barn on the Mabee Farm
The most accurate depiction of Sir William Johnson at Johnson Hall
A rare site of the tenant book open
Winter Kitchen at Johnson Hall
When we left Old Fort Johnson, we ventured on to Johnson Hall. This upgraded version of Johnson's house was built during his later years. I learned that as William Johnson was a very sick man as he got older; Johnson Hall was built to be more access-able to William Johnson. Rather than the family sleeping quarters to be on the second floor, they were on the first floor. We got to take a peek at the children's room, however, Sir William's room was in the process of restoration. Throughout the tours, to both Old Fort Johnson and Johnson Hall, we learned that William Johnson was very good with the local Mohawk Indians. In the parlor of Johnson Hall, William Johnson displayed his Indian treasures such as: a few head-dresses, some clothes, and some tools. I found it interesting that at one point he was appointed chief of the local Indian tribe.
Mabee House that was built around 1705
Fire Buckets at Johnson Hall
I thought it was quite interesting that these fire buckets shown in the picture above were filled with sand to put out any fires. They did this because the house could not be kept warm enough to keep the water from freezing.
Animal Pelts on the wall at Johnson Hall
Courtyard at Johnson Hall
Old Fort Johnson
Back of Old Fort Johnson
China at Old Fort Johnson
A cool design on the door frame at Old Fort Johnson
I'm not exactly sure what this design is, I just thought it looked nice.
Sir William Johnson's dresser
The last piece of original wallpaper at Johnson Hall
Fulton Sled in the attic of Old Fort Johnson
After leaving Johnson Hall, we ventured to Mabee farm. It was very interesting to learn that this farm was in the Mabee family until 1906-ish and it had people living in it until 2003. When we took a tour through the house, we saw that it was very old fashioned, no indoor plumbing, no running water. This made me think about what the family that lived there ten years ago. I wonder what they did for bathrooms, and sinks. Modern technology allows families to take advantage of this every day privilege, but these families had to make it work. We also got to me YaYa (I'm not sure if that's how you spell it) and Gogirl. This was their lamb and goat. Gogirl was a biter. After the tour of the Mabee house and barn, we walked down to the Mohawk River Front, where we learned about the cargo boat that sailed the river. There were only two of us that didn't go on the boat and learn to row, me , because of my ankle brace, and Kristi, because she doesn't like the sun, which is understandable. Today was an overall great day, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.
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