>>>You are just a wealth of knowledge.<<<
LOL - some would question the need for some of the knowledge...
How to do things (particularly the old way) has always intrigued me. My favorite place in the whole world would have to be New Ross Village/Farm in Nova Scotia... Everything from sawmill to cooper to ox frame making to stone sledges to butter making, and on and on... I could be perfectly happy setting up my shelter there and living by growing/preserving/cooking/doing/making whatever you needed.
Sturbridge and Williamsburg take too many shortcuts and are too commercialized. Last time I was up there at New Ross Farm, there was absolutely no commercialization push other than the shop near the entrance. You actually got to use a treadle lathe or a treadle jig saw, blacksmithing, etc. they let you get right in and work with the artisans. Fantastic! (Somewhere there is a yoke for a team of oxen that I did some work on.)
How to do things (particularly the old way)>>>>
I truly believe those of us that feel this way will be the ones helping others if and when tshtf. Hubby and I both really enjoy “the old ways.” Our woodshed is full, we are working on wood for 2010 - 2011 now, the hand pump is workable in our deep well, generator will run on propane long enough to keep food frozen til I can can it, pantry is full to overflowing, plenty of ammo for the guns-so I feel fairly confident. Meanwhile, the people around me are blissfully unconcened. Scary!!!
“How to do things (particularly the old way) has always intrigued me. “
I’ve had an interest in some of those things too. We raised sheep for awhile here and for many years thought I’d like to do a “sheep to shawl” before I died. Well, not sure if that will happen or not. There was a store quite a few years ago (not sure if they are still around) that had classes on spinning and weaving. I also thought I’d like to make soap like they do at the historical places. One of my favorite books I purchased many years ago is:
Gene Logsdon’s Practical Skills: A Revival of Forgotten Crafts, Techniques, and Traditions by Gene Logsdon (Hardcover - Sep 1985)
I’ve been meaning to dig it out and have it available for reference again.