(Lewis, Iowa) – If you have ever wondered how the pioneers made their own rope or dipped their own candles, and/or thought about trying your hand at spinning wool, then you should come to the Hitchcock Pioneer Skills Festival, going on this Saturday, May 7th, from 1-until 4-p.m., at the Hitchcock House, rain or shine! The house, which was used as a stop on the underground railroad for people escaping from slavery, is located six-miles south of Atlantic and 1.5-miles west of Lewis.

George B. Hitchcock House (2018 photo)

Sharon Guffey-Lewis, a retired Congregational minister, is Chairman of the Hitchcock House Board of Directors. She says the festivities will begin at 1:00 p.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. You will have an opportunity to visit the historic Hitchcock House and see many of the skills and crafts that people of the late 1800’s used in daily living.

She says they were excited to open their season for tours on May 1st.

The National Historic Landmark Hitchcock House, is a two-story home built in 1856. It features thick sandstone walls, window seats, native hard wood trim and a secret room that hid runaway slaves. The secret room is located in the basement where there is also a stone fireplace where the slaves could cook food and keep warm. It’s believed the famous John Brown preached around the fireplace.

Families are encouraged to come and share the day together as they might have in the 1800’s. There is a $5 fee/adult for a tour of the Hitchcock House. There are many other activities, special guests and musical attractions scheduled through this summer at the Hitchcock House. All those other activities, including those in the barn, are free of charge, with donations gladly accepted.

For more information, call 712-769-2323, or find them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GeorgeBHitchcockHouse