The Union County Museum hosted its first Pioneer Day on Saturday, September 8, 2012. Activities included Dutch-oven cooking demonstrations and samples, blacksmith and woodworking demonstrations, including a popular woodworking activity for kids. A collection of trapper era clothing and equipment was shown. Bob Bull, a noted local historian, gave a digital presentation of the history of Union County. Volunteers told stories about the early days of farming and ranching in northeast Oregon. A temporary vintage clothing exhibit was beautifully displayed at the Little White Church across Main Street from the museum. The clothing exhibit provided a rare opportunity to view the extensive museum collection.
About 150 people attended on the sunny fall day, many discovering the museum for the first time. The Museum Society was pleased with the number of new members who joined during Pioneer Day.
Gary Kohler discusses his black-powder gun and gear.
David Schmidt helped young visitors make wooden mallets using early American woodworking tools. He also demonstrated how to make cedar shakes.
Bob GiIlmore and Peter Clark demonstrated early blacksmith techniques.