Prarie dogs, pancakes, and even pig bladders were up for discussion at the Glenvar Library last night for around 20 pre-registered kids and their parents.

Children’s librarians from various Roanoke County locations helped to put together the program, which included a reading from Little House Book “Prarie Day” and three stations with activities that helped them learn what life was like for kids back in the 19th century.

Corn pancakes, an old fashioned pitting machine, and real beef jerkey were explained by Dawn Cheyney, a librarian at Glenvar. Kimberly Burnette-Dean, who used to work at Explore Park, played the dulcimer and explained old fashioned musical instruments, and Amy Holley explained prarie life with items like a jar of buttons, old-fashioned toys, and games. Holley also explained how kids used pig bladders as balloons before rubber balloons were available.

Check out the Roanoke County library website for upcoming activities, storytime and summer reading programs at the Glenvar Library and other county branches.

For upcoming events at the Salem Public Library, click here.

Top left: The Mattox family listens intently as Amy Holley explained how the typical 19th century American girl would collect buttons to keep for when she cared for her own family as a mother.
Bottom left: Kimberly Burnette-Dean plays the dulcimer after she explains its origins and how it is made.

At left: Dawn Cheney teaches Andrew Phillips how to use an old-fashioned cherry pitter while Mom, Jacquelyn, looks on.

At left: The social was complete with a covered wagon replica, made by Dawn’s husband, plus goodies and dulcimer music.