SCHS hosting antiques market at open house
The Mishler Mill in Smithville is part of a group of historical buildings folks can tour at various open houses throughout the year.
Two centuries ago the Mishler family emigrated from Switzerland to Dalton before moving a short time later to Smithville, where they started a weaving business.
That business still stands, though a block or two away from its original Smithville location. The Mishler Weaving Mill is now a tourist attraction, though the barn-beam loom still works and churns out some things once a week.
In one of a series of open houses, the Smithville Community Historical Society will hold its antiques market on Aug. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the mill at 381 Main St.
As part of the festivities, all buildings of the Pioneer Village will be open to tour from 1:30-4 p.m. The day will include refreshments and a vintage base ball game between the Smithville Stars and the Canal Fulton Mules.
“We have open houses all through the year,” said Heidi Breudigam, one of the volunteers who works at the mill. “The one coming up to me is my favorite. We have vendors come in from all over the place, and they have their antiques, the wares they bring that they want to sell. People come in who want to buy them, and we hope they come to our gift shop.”
There’s plenty to be had in the gift shop. From hand-made rugs to bobbins dating to 1887, folks can purchase a piece of history.
“Everything you see in here is pretty much hand-made,” Breudigam said. “The pottery is from the village. We have a tin shop, so all the tin items are from the tin shop. It’s living history. We make stuff here.”
The Pioneer Village is a group of historic buildings that were mostly brought to Smithville. Even the mill didn’t always stand in its current location. Daniel Mishler once had the mill moved a couple of blocks.
“They say Dan didn’t like to walk so far to work,” Breudigam said.
The antique event is far from the last taking place in Smithville this year. Other events include the Model T Day and Antique Car Display on Sept. 18 and Harvest Day on Oct. 15, both from 1:30-4 p.m.
Further down the line are the Pioneer Village Trick or Treat on Oct. 29, the Thanksgiving Hymn Sing on Nov. 20 from 2:30-4 p.m. and Christmas in the Village on Dec. 3 from 5-8 p.m. and Dec. 4 from 1:30-4 p.m.
“It depends on the open house, but for some the village is just really fantastic,” Breudigam said. “Christmas in the Village, they get a tractor and go back and forth between the places. We have three log cabins and a barn and the church of God, a restored church. It’s a mini-village. Each one has its unique thing.”
For more information visit https://sohchs.org.