Living History: Event portrays 19th-century life for refuge visitors

Visitors got a glimpse of history at Muscatatuck National Widlife Refuge’s annual Log Cabin Day on Saturday.

At the refuge’s Myers Cabin and barn, volunteers exhibited a bit of living history with displays of candle making, corn husk dolls, metal working and quilt making.

The event also featured music and storytelling on the porch of the cabin while corn bread, beans and hot cider were served.

Pam Winegarden, a member of Muscatatuck Wildlife Society, said the cabin will go through the process of repairs soon, and any money raised by the annual event will benefit the refuge as well as the cabin.

Winegarden said Log Cabin Day not only provides the opportunity to learn about history but also an opportunity to get outdoors. She said for many visitors, the event was the first time they visited the refuge, which covers more than 7,800 acres in Jackson and Jennings counties.

“You would be surprised how many young people say this is their only opportunity to get outdoors,” Winegarden said.

She said the goal of the refuge society is to educate youth — whether it’s on history or nature.

Lori Kendrick, a teacher at Hayden Elementary School and sponsor for the school’s Refuge Rangers group, said sometimes the two elements go hand in hand.

“It’s important to remember that people lived on the land at the refuge,” she said.

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