Broomsquire And Hand Weaver To Demonstrate At Museum  Open House

In Colonial America, farmers sheared their sheep in spring. Women in the families washed, then carded the wool into “slivers” by dragging it between paddles studded with wire hooks. The rest of the year was spent spinning the slivers into yarn by twisting it together on a big wheel.

Many country families in the north owned a loom, and women used the spun yarns to weave a variety of necessities including woolen blankets and outerwear.

A demonstration of hand weaving will take place Sunday, April 9, from 1 to 4 pm, during an open house at the historic Matthew Curtiss House-Museum, at 44 Main Street in Newtown. Additionally, a broomsquire, in costume, will produce various broom products that would have been used in pre-1800 settlements. Both crafters have extensive experience demonstrating across New England and encourage families to come, observe and ask questions.

Sharon MacRae has been pursuing the craft of hand weaving and spinning for 20 years. She and her husband raise a variety of animals that produce the raw materials she uses during her demonstrations. Mrs MacRae will explain techniques, show projects in progress, and display finished examples including a selection of items for sale.

Broomsquire Robert Aborn became interested in broommaking after observing a demonstration as a teenager in the 1950s. Twenty years later he planted a 50-foot row of broom corn, crafting six brooms from the resulting crop.

After a great deal of research and honing of his skills, his hobby became a small business. Today he fashions brooms from corn, peeled yellow birch and witch hazel, among other materials. Mr Aborn will have a variety of authentically crafted sweeping and scrubbing devices for sale.

Costumed guides will also be on hand to escort guests through the Matthew Curtiss House, sharing stories of Newtown and information about rural life in the 18th Century.

The Sunday afternoon event is open to the public free of charge. Call Newtown Historical Society at 426-5937 for more information.