Relishing relics and hyacinths, too

I swiped these hyacinths (with a camera) yesterday afternoon from the neighbor next door --- the first real live color in the neighborhood since last fall. Tulip and daffodil foliage has sprouted on this side of the alley, but so far nothing is in bloom.

I've watched these bulbs bloom for several years, but reached out and touched one any way --- to make doubly sure it was real.

This is one effect of the fake flower heresy. It used to be, I'd go into Ben Franklin, look at the wire and fabric flowers and say, "golly, they look real." Now I go next door, look at the real thing and say to myself, "golly they look just like silk."

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The Lucas County Genealogical Society will sponsor a free seminar on Saturday entitled "Relishing Relics," designed to help people care more effectively for family heirlooms and other "relics" they may have around the house.

The presenter will be Jay De Young, historian and genealogist, who among other tasks does a good deal of display judging at county fairs and other events.

The event begins at 10:30 a.m. in the lower-level meeting room of the Chariton Free Public Library. Preserving documents, photographs and other paper artifacts will be the topic from 10:30 a.m. until noon. After an on-your-own lunch break, De Young will talk about conserving textile and metal artifacts from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Anyone who attends is invited to bring along one artifact for consultation about its preservation. 

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We had an eventful historical society board meeting Tuesday, approving bids for three projects that we hope will be completed before the official season opens during late May.

One involves the last phase of the Puckerbrush School project. Last summer, we evacuated the school, more than a century old, lifted the floor and replaced its sagging support structure. But warm weather ended abruptly before the relaid floor could be patched (there was a little spoilage when the floorboards were lifted) and refinished --- and the walls washed and repainted. 

We've got to get this all done and the school's furniture and fixtures moved back in before late May, when Chariton School District fourth-graders arrive for their annual visit to the museum.

This also will be the year we replace the drainage system for the upper roofs of the Stephens House as well as repair and repaint wood trim on the masonry building. The drainage system had become so compromised that during heavy rain, water just cascaded down the side of the building here and there --- not a good thing.

Finally, we're going to extend a water line to the barn and then, from there, down the long hill to the heirloom garden --- which has to be watered now and then if it's going to flourish. Hopefully, this will eliminate at least partially the need for volunteers to haul hundreds of feet of hose around the grounds to keep all of the plantings in good health.

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In the process of running from task to task Thursday, I totally forgot the volunteer appreciation luncheon, "Thanks with Franks," sponsored by Chariton Area Chamber Main Street at Carpenters Hall. The franks had nothing to do with me --- but referred to the hot dogs that were served. There was a concert by the Chariton High School band, too. And I am deeply ashamed.