Oven and Sorghum Press New Demonstrations at Prairie Days

The 2015 Prairie Days will feature two new demonstrations. First volunteers will be demonstrating how pioneers would have made homemade bread in the outdoor bake oven, also known as the cob oven. The oven construction was completed during the summer of 2014 and is located near the northwest corner of the log house. Volunteers will build a fire in the oven to heat it, then remove the coals and sprinkle cornmeal on the oven surface to prevent sticking. The bread dough, cookies, or any other baked goods can then be prepared before the oven cools down again. The public will have the opportunity to try samples of white bread, wheat bread, or ginger molasses cookies all prepared in the oven at Shawnee Prairie. The full loaves of bread and cookies will be available for a donation during Prairie Days in the General Store.

Also new this year are the sorghum pressing and boiling demonstrations. Journey to the top of the hill to witness stalks of sorghum grown in Darke County pressed to release their sweet juice. There will be two presses from the late 19th century in operation for the weekend. One is owned by the Park District and was restored by park volunteer Jim Poeppleman of Versailles. The other is on loan from Ted Abney, owner of The Bistro off Broadway in Greenville. After capturing the sweet liquid from pressing the stalks, volunteers will boil it down similarly to making maple syrup. The processed sorghum, also known as sorghum molasses, will be available for a donation while supplies last. The Park District is still in search of mules or horses to power the sorghum press. They will need their own harness and will need to be accustomed to work and crowds. If you are interested in using your horses or mules to help power the press, please contact Roger Van Frank, director of the Darke County Park District at (937) 548-0165 or director@darkecountyparks.org.

Come check out both of these demonstrations and all the other fun, educational, and family friendly activities at the 2015 Prairie Days festival, September 26th from 10am to 5pm and September 27th from 12pm to 5pm. The event has plenty of free parking and free admission. For questions or more information, call the Nature Center at (937) 548-0165.