Local artists gearing up for Pioneer Day Oct. 6

Noreen Hyslop Photo Putting the finishing touches on one of her many creations is Judy Duley, who is one of the artists busily preparing for the Dexter Heritage House Association's Pioneer Day slated for October 6. Duley, who resides northeast of Bloomfield, creates seasonal and decorative art using gourds, glass windows, glass ornaments and cypress knees. Duley handcrafts everything from Santas and snowmen to gourd dolls and fall pumpkin patch paintings. She and husband, Mike, have displayed their work all over the Midwest and will show several holiday items during the October 6 event at the grounds of the Heritage House.

Shades of the past will be all about on Saturday, October 6, as Dexter's Annual Pioneer Day is held on the grounds of the Heritage House, believed to be the oldest standing home in the city of Dexter. The home is located just north of the Dexter Police Department off of Cooper Street.

The Heritage House, which will be open to the public to view all of the recently completed improvements, will be the setting for a host of old-fashioned demonstrations that will include the making of kettle corn and an apple cider press in action. There will be a washerwoman on site demonstrating the pioneer method of clothes washing, a butter-churning demonstration, an arrowhead display and a corn sheller in action. Artists will also be on hand with decorative and seasonal items for sale.

"The event will be a step back in time and promises to be a fun-filled day for everyone, young and old," said Kathy Newell, who serves as president of the Dexter Heritage House Association, sponsor of the one-day event.

"We'll also be providing a van for tours of the original town of Dexter, complete with narration. The tour will be provided as no charge, but donations will be accepted to offset the driver's expense."

To accomodate youngsters on hand, local Girl Scouts will be conducting children's games and a group of war re-enactors are also scheduled to appear. In addition, there will be live music on the grounds, provided by Dexter's George Cox.

A silent auction on the grounds will be another highlight of the day's events, and will include antiques, Christmas boxes, glassware, costume jewelry, and numerous other donated items. Anyone wishing to donate items for the auction is urged to call Barbara Hill at 624-7764.

"The Heritage House Centennial Cookbooks will also be on sale during Pioneer Day," stressed Newell, "and for that day will be sold at a reduced price of $10."