Many people enjoy using interesting, unique writing tools. Try your hand at writing with a steel-nib pen and experience an aspect of life from the Swiss settlement from 1:00-5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 2 at the Schumacher Homestead, 8350 Bixel Road.

Leading the steel-nib activity will be Rachel Friesen, who provides the following information:

"Reading, writing, arithmetic. The three R's were basic to the education of children in the 19th century. Being able to write a clear handwritten message with pen and ink was essential to communication, for all ages. Pioneer families kept in touch with their loved ones in the "old country" or "back East" through letters. Documents, business notes, and minutes of meetings all had to be written out by hand.

"In earlier centuries, quill pens made from the feathers of large birds were used as pens. But when steel-nib pens were invented in the 19th century, they were readily adopted because they lasted longer than quills."

Visits are $5 for adults, with no charge for those 16 and under. Free for Swiss Community Historical Society members; you can join for $30 when you visit.

Visitors may tour the mid-19th century house, summer kitchen, workshop, garden and bank barn.

For more information, visit the Swiss Community Historical Society at www.swisshistorical.org