Spring was a busy time on the farm 140 years ago. It meant rolling up your sleeves for the many tasks at hand, including the shearing of sheep. Visitors can learn about many of these tasks when they visit Upper Canada Village during its “Spring on the Farm” days, happening now until this Monday, June 2.
Loucks Farm will be the focus of the Spring on the Farm event, with its sheep shearing demonstrations being the highlight over the next few days. Visitors will be able to test their ability at hand shearing some of the Village’s own Leicester sheep, a popular breed during the 1860s. Mr. Loucks will be in the main barn to demonstrate sheep shearing from Friday, May 30 to Monday, June 2, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The fleece will be delivered to the water-powered Woollen Mill on site, where it will undergo a series of processing steps that include washing, picking, spinning and weaving. Visitors can also see domestic spinning back at Loucks Farm, and learn the secrets of dyeing wool using natural ingredients at McDiarmid House. Authentic wool batts and yarn from Upper Canada Village, as well as quality blankets woven at the Woollen Mill, will be for sale at the Village Store.
With spring also comes the attention to gardening and planting crops in the fields. Visitors will witness everything from the cutting and preparation of potatoes in the barn at Loucks Farm to the horse-drawn harrowing of fields and planting of wheat, oats and corn.
With so many different types of fences throughout the Village, there are always some in need of repair after the harsh winter months. Visitors who stop to witness this activity may discover that behind each fence is an interesting story about its purpose and role in the community.
Also ahead at Upper Canada Village on June 14 is a dedicated “Spring Garden Day,” which will include guided tours of the gardens. This is the first of our three gardening Saturdays. Summer Garden Day is July 26 and Fall Garden Day is September 13.
Sheep shearing at the Village
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