I had the opportunity to take a history tour to Nauvoo, Illinois this past week. What a wonderful experience. My parents were guides in the late 80’s in the Wilfred Woodruff home, and I often stopped to visit them on my way to New York. Dr. LeRoy Kimball was the director then, and he often shared his vision of what he wanted Nauvoo to become. After a recent two-day visit, I was amazed at all the new experiences that have been added. When you visit Nauvoo, it is an opportunity to step back into history and experience the 1840’s.
A Musical Welcome by the Nauvoo Brass Band
Monday morning the Nauvoo band greeted us with music from John Philip Sousa marches that you could hear throughout the village. Eighteen young people between the ages of 18 and 22 are called on a summer mission to go to Nauvoo. They are led by Elder David Blackinton who was the band director at Brigham Young University for over 20 years. He now spends the summer as the band director in Nauvoo, and then spends the winters working to recruit individuals to be in the Nauvoo band in the summers.
Hands-On History at the Family Living Center
We also stop by the family living center where several demonstrations were taking place to educate one on the home skills it took to live in the 1840’s. Some of the skills you could learn there were bread making, candle dipping, weaving, rug making, and barrel making.
Blacksmiths and Wagon Makers
A stop at the black smith store and the wheelwright are always a highlight. It was so interesting to see what it takes to make a wagon. Then once the wagon is constructed we could see many of the items they packed for the long trek west.
We also learn what it took to shoe an oxen. It is impossible for them to get the oxen to lift their hooves like a horse. In order to shoe the oxen, pioneers had to put them in a frame harness and then lift them up so they could get below their feet and shoe them for the journey. Oxen were used as they walked about the speed that a person walks, and most of the pioneers had to walk along side the wagon for the long journey. Dr. Kimball would be so proud to see all the visitors coming to learn about the pioneer of the 1840’s.
Blocks of wood in the different stage to make a wagon wheel. Block on the far right is ready for the spooks.
Candle light and the fire light was the only light they had at night.
Nauvoo Brass Band being pulled around the village as they entertain the visitors.
Oxen ready to take you for a ride.
Nauvoo Temple is majestic at the top of the hill. It can been seen all over the village.
