The Swiss Community Historical Society of Bluffton and Pandora will host "Second Saturdays" events this summer at the Schumacher Homestead, 8350 Bixel Rd. Docents in period costume will provide tours of the air-conditioned farmhouse, as well as the summer kitchen, garden, workshop and barn.

Visitors will also get a first-hand view of progress on the Heritage Center, where the inside view reveals timbers and framework from the Dan and Cindy Basinger barn, built in 1855. (See SwissHistorical.org for more details.)

Second Saturdays in June, July and August from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

CONTINUES WITH ACTIVITIES SCHEDULE

On June 8, Van Risser will demonstrate and share some examples of hearth cooking. During the early years Swiss Settlement cooks used a back fire and pulled hot coals forward under a cast iron pot. They learned to control their fire and plan what kind of heat was needed for different tasks—roasting, boiling, frying, stewing, heating water for washing, etc. A steady supply of firewood was essential and was probably logged, cut up, and carried into the house by the men and boys.

On July 13, Beth Boehr will demonstrate and teach guests scherenschnitte (paper cutting). There will be an alternate activity for small children.

August 10 will feature a garden tour led by Becki Ahmed and others. Stay tuned from more details.

Individuals, families and groups may also schedule tours in advance. Preferred days are Monday through Saturday.

For all tours the admission fee of $5.00 for adult guests (age 17+). Admission for members is free. A membership is $30.00/year per household.

Those interested in scheduling a tour should contact Susie Gratz through email at [email protected] or by phone 419-358-4822; please leave a message.