We had a man from Lubbock, TX come for visit. He retired and decided to start visiting sites he had not had time to do while working. He showed a lot of interest and was there quite a while. It is always a pleasure to give a tour when we can take our time and tell them the Ferguson’s history and show them all the wonderful artifacts. He took lots of pictures.
Russel Morris brought us an antique Gardener screen door check rubber ball. While researching how it worked I found a couple on an antique auction website and the ones there were not as well taken care of as the Russel donation. It was made by a company in Chicago and manufactured in 1901, the same age as the Ferguson Home. The screen door check is a rubber ball on a metal arm that is fastened to a plate which is screwed into the wooden screen door; the ball keeps the screen from slamming as the kids run in and out. I bet my parents wished they had one with seven of us kids going in and out. I sure remember Dad hollering don’t slam the door.
While dusting the organ in the south down stairs room I found a book explaining how to care for the organ. I read it and I’m glad I did. I found out the cover on the key board should be left open so air can get to the pipes. The knobs need to be pushed in so dirt can’t get in the pipes. I’m so glad to know this so we can properly care for that one and the two organs just recently donated to us.
Clay hasn’t been able to work on the second story balcony this week because of the rain but has worked on the front porch. Of course he runs into things he has to fix before he can finish what he started to do. He’s so patient working on the museum.
The list is growing of people interested in having a spot for the Ferguson Market on June 5, July 10, and August 7. It’s from 8 AM to 12 PM. on the lot across the street north of the museum. There is a small fee for the spot and you don’t have to pay until that day. Some of the things mentioned to be brought are paintings, food, eggs, Farmasi make up, plants, and children’s clothing. So bring your items and join us or come by and see what others have brought.
Anyone interested in becoming a part of the Friends of the Ferguson Home Museum is welcome. We can use anyone one interested in volunteering. You don’t have to do everything just what you want. A couple of ladies have already volunteered to help with the next tea.