Today’s festival will showcase several different styles of historical crafting native to early American traditions, featuring artisans from the Historic Cold Spring Village (HCSV) in Cape May, New Jersey. The HCSV is an early American outdoor living history museum open during the summertime. The Village is comprised of 26 restored historic buildings situated on 22 acres of land recreating life from an agricultural frame of reference during what was referred to as the “Age of Homespun” (1790-1840). Historical interpreters in period garb present the trades, crafts and lifestyles of this time period. Traditional arts practiced by artisans at the HCSV that will be showcased at the festival include spinning, woodworking, bookbinding, printing, and domestic arts.

A wonderful example of artistry dating back to “the age of homespun” is indeed, the art of spinning. Spinning is the act of processing textiles by hand rather than by machine; the process of creating spun yarn from fibers dates back thousands of years. By the end of the nineteenth century, textile processing was one of the most industrialized processes
of all formerly domesticated processes. In 1800, a housewife might have raised her own sheep, sheared them herself, washed and carded the wool, spun it into yarn, and knit or even wove it into fabric herself. Only a century later, in 1900, a housewife might have lived miles from the nearest sheep, have had no knowledge of sheep husbandry, and ordered her clothing ready-made from the Sears Catalog.

Another insight into historical crafting is bookbinding. Like many other trades, the art of bookbinding migrated to America from England by early colonists. Boston, New York and Philadelphia were the primary epicenters of printing and bookbinding in early America. As the title implies, a bookbinder was a craftsman who specialized in making covers for books and bound the pages into them. Books, as we know them today, began to assume their current form during the later years of the Roman Empire. Flat books had several advantages over the roll-type books or “scrolls” that had, up until that point, been used by the civilizations of Egypt and Greece, as well as the Roman Republic and early Empire.
This year’s festival is also pleased to feature Honorary Chairman, Pastor Edwin Achenbach, performances by Bernie’s Orchestra & Bayern Verein Newark Dance Group, Goschenhoppen Strolling Fiddlers, seminars entitled “Post World War II German Refugees in New Jersey”, “Who are the Pennsylvania Germans?”, and “The Pennsylvania German Story” as well as special feature, “Meet the Germans”, during which Sisters of the Fellowship Deaconry showcasing German crafts, including calligraphy, paper art, and crocheting.

Joe Fulginiti – Woodworking

            Joe was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and lives in Millville, New Jersey. He currently works as a historical interpreter at Historic Cold Spring Village where he continues his research of 19th century America, interprets the role of a carpenter, works with junior apprentices, creates items for use in the village, interacts with the public visiting the village, and maintains woodworking equipment. Joe has shown himself to be an enthusiastic member of the Village community and intends to work there in seasons to come. Joe’s teaching and public speaking skills make him a natural fit at HCSV. In the off season he works part time and plans to retire in the area.

 

Merrill Miller – Bookbinding

            Merrill’s long time love of printing began in junior and senior high school, where he became very interested in graphic arts classes. He graduated from Millersville State College in 1965 with a degree in industrial arts. Over a thirty-year career, Merrill has taught weaving, photography, wood, metal, bookbinding, casting, calligraphy and mechanical drawing. Merrill’s experiences teaching industrial arts translated perfectly to the Historic Cold Spring Village print shop. Not only is he able to teach the public about printing, but he also has the opportunity to work with junior apprentices who are mentored in the art.

 

Liz Miller – Domestic Arts

            Liz is a dedicated Historic Cold Spring Village volunteer. She has participated year-round in a variety of roles, including assisting with fundraisers, mailings and other preparations for the summer season. Liz has also worked on children’s programming for the summer camp and hands on weekends. She has established a dyer’s garden, herb and kitchen gardens and is now mentoring new volunteers to maintain and interpret these areas. Liz has been an enthusiastic student of the domestic arts program at HCSV, researching at home and learning from guest demonstrators who have come to the site. She has a working knowledge of bake oven baking and open hearth cooking. A board member since 2006 and an enthusiastic participant in the summer events since 2003, Liz has a long-term commitment to the Village, where so many of her interests come together.

Donn Shearer – Chair making

            Donn Shearer has lived in New Gretna, New Jersey, for fifteen years. In 1998 Donn began Wravenwrought Crafts in New Gretna, New Jersey. As owner and head blacksmith Donn designs and fabricates ironwork decorations, toll and historically accurate sword hilts for theater and movies. In 2005 Donn undertook a new endeavor, creating “Time Passengers” where he performs
and tells educational stories with historical content. Donn teaches historical swordsmanship, providing both combat training and a historical perspective relating to Renaissance swordplay. He is currently employed as an historical interpreter at Historic Cold Spring Village in Cape May, New Jersey.

Patricia Zackey – Spinning

            Trish grew up in the small South Jersey town of Sewell in Gloucester County. Following graduation from Clearview Regional High School, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics Education from Douglass College at Rutgers University. Needlework, which includes both embroidery and knitting, is Trish’s passion. She was fortunate to study in London with the Hampton Court Embroiders Guild and to Copenhagen to study with the Danish Handcraft Guild.