Demonstrating at Living History Events

 One of the things we do as Merry Cranks is demonstrate the pennyfarthing bicycle and hand  crank sewing machines at living history events. We particularly enjoy demonstrating at events like Topeka's Apple Fest and the Cottonwood Falls' Flint Hills Folk Life Festival. When we are at events like this we get to have one on one visits with the festival goers and we let them try out our machines.


Kids really enjoy the pennyfarthing. They are far braver about getting on it to have their pictures taken than their parents are. We began demonstrating with the big penny. The one in the photos has a 48" wheel. Later we acquired a 38" pennyfarthing that fits the back of the car easier. It is also less intimidating for beginners.

While Leon is showing off the high-wheeled bicycle, Iris demonstrates the sewing machine. Each person gets a rectangle of fabric and is taught to sew it into a Treasure Pocket. We have children who visit us every year to report that they have still got their Pockets.  The hand cranks are so easy to use, that many children tell their parents, "If I had one like this, I'd learn to sew!" 

Parents and grandparents also enjoy using the hand cranks. They often tell us about using a treadle that belonged to an older family member. Iris was amazed to hear about the home ec. class in the 1960s that was fully stocked with only treadle machines! Those girls must have felt like they were in a time warp.

Other exhibitors sometimes come by to play and we learn from them. Because we don't need electricity we can set up almost anywhere. One place was on a hill and that was really tricky though.

She is enjoying making a treasure pouch.