By Haley Mitchell Godwin

Over 400 fourth grade students from Brantley School, Luverne School and Highland Home School, as well as fifth graders from Crenshaw Christian Academy, attended the annual Pioneer Day at the Crenshaw County Historical Society Museum Nov. 5. Hosted by the Crenshaw County Historical Society (CCHS), the event aimed to bring Crenshaw County’s rich history to life, offering students a hands-on glimpse into the past.

“Fourth graders are studying Alabama history and Pioneer Day enhances their ability to learn by seeing and touching history,” said Pam Campbell, CCHS recording secretary and treasurer. “We talk about what life was like, what people did to survive, how they grew and preserved their food and about how they made their own clothes.”

Dewitt Cowles, portraying Creek Indian Chief William Weatherford/Chief Red Eagle and dressed in traditional regalia, talked and shared knowledge with the students about the museum’s collection of Native American artifacts, which was donated by the Howell Bozeman family. Cowles also answered questions asked by what Cowles said were very inquisitive students. 

Patsy Owens, a retired teacher and Pioneer Day’s founder, shared vivid descriptions of the “dogtrot” house style and life during the pioneer era. Owens initiated Pioneer Day in 1990 after attending an Alabama history workshop.

“The workshop was very hands-on and I came back fired-up with the idea to bring Alabama history to life for our students,” Owens said.

“Pioneer Day allowed students to see how life wasn’t always as advanced as it is now,” said Highland Home fourth grade teacher Kristen Threatt. “The people who came before us led a more complex yet simpler life, one that required more hard work than we’re used to today. I hope students realize that the luxuries we have are a blessing.”

Judy Mitchell, a retired teacher who enjoyed teaching Alabama history, hosted a stop on the tour, where she guided students through a tour of late 19th and early 20th-century Southern history, highlighting the simplicity and creativity of daily life. Students gathered around a homemade checkerboard with bottle caps as pieces. Mitchell explained how buying toys was a rare luxury or often not an option at all, sparking students’ imaginations of life long ago. 

On the back porch, brothers Brian and David Winfiele led a demonstration on drawing water from an open well, allowing students to try this early household chore. 

The museum was originally built in Rutledge in 1865 by farmer and early county superintendent James Hurt Howard and his wife Amanda Mahone Howard. The home was later moved to its current location after being donated by Howard’s great-great-grandson, Dr. Donald H. Morgan.

Inside the historic home, CCHS President Oleta Owens, explained 19th-century cooking methods, drawing comparisons between then and now.

After the living history tour inside of the historical home students were ushered outside where they could try their hand at a few old time chores including shucking and shelling corn and cutting wood with a crosscut saw. 

Volunteer Eddie Russell led the students to view the antique farm equipment where he shared his expertise, explaining the tools’ unique histories and how they were once essential in farming operations.

Throughout the day, students viewed historical artifacts such as chamber pots, wood stoves, pedal sewing machines and farm tools, learning about the resilience and ingenuity of past generations. Before departing, they enjoyed homemade teacakes, adding a sweet conclusion to the day’s lessons.

Other society members volunteering at Pioneer Day included Bobby Brightwell, Martha Brightwell, Barbara Frazier, Debbie McGough, Jeff Mobley, Debbie Sorensen and Eddie Russell.

The society, dedicated to preserving local history while engaging the community, actively seeks local historical materials and oral histories for preservation. The society warmly invites new members, volunteers and donations to support its efforts. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to Crenshaw County Historical Society, 39 East Grove Avenue, Brantley, AL 36009. 

The CCHS will host an open house on Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., inviting the public to explore the museum and Crenshaw County’s rich history.