Step into the past this summer, when the Ashcroft Museum holds its annual open house. Two tours start at 9:00 am on Friday Aug. 23, both of them highlighting the rich history of the town and the area.
Kathy Paulos will be leading an outdoor walking tour, which begins at the Museum and takes in some of the many historic buildings in Ashcroft, including the Museum itself, the Opera House, the Journal office, the Community Hall (did you know it was originally a schoolhouse?), and the town’s churches. The tour will continue down Railway to the sites of Ashcroft’s Chinatown and its various bridges, then back to the Museum past some of the historic houses on Brink Street.
For those who want to beat the heat, and who would prefer to stay inside in air-conditioned comfort, there will also be an indoor tour of the Museum. It starts at 9:00 am, and is conducted by Aneka Battel, who will escort guests around the Museum and discuss some of its many displays, photographs, and artifacts about the history of Ashcroft and the surrounding area. Visitors are encouraged to test their knowledge by playing the always popular “What on earth is that?” game, which involves trying to puzzle out what some of the Museum’s more odd and offbeat items are.
When the two tours converge there will be an indoor presentation about the historic Bryson House on Brink St., one of the oldest homes in the town. Built in 1900 by blacksmith J.D. Bryson, the building was purchased and first lived in by Dennis Murphy, a lawyer. The house, which retains many of its original features, is now owned by Dolly Lowe. Also planned is a presentation on the Ashcroft Hospital Ladies Auxiliary. It was founded on Aug. 14 1913, less than two weeks after the opening of Ashcroft’s hospital, and is still going strong as it enters its second century.
Coffee and refreshments will be served, and there is no charge for the event. If you have visitors who’d like to learn something about Ashcroft, or you’re a resident who would like to find out more about a specific place or event, mark Aug. 23 in your calendar and come down to the Ashcroft Museum. History is all around; and it’s always more interesting with a knowledgeable guide to lead the way!
Barbara Roden