Provo Colonial Days

Revolutionary War Dude explaining how they loaded a gun back then.  A good marksman could get 3 shots in one minute.
Revolutionary War Dude explaining how they loaded a gun back then. A good marksman could get 3 shots in one minute.

Last year I heard about this free event that Provo holds called “Colonial Days” as part of their Freedom Festival. (One of the largest festivals celebrating our Freedom – aside from Washington DC of course.)  So I loaded up the boys and took them.

It was at the Crandall Printing Museum and surrounding buildings in historic Provo.  I didn’t know that the Crandall Printing Museum has the only fully-functional Gutenberg Press replica.  We learned about where “upper-case” and “lower case” comes from.  Also saw a replica of the Golden Plates, taken from a description that Joseph Smith recorded, including the ‘sealed’ portion.  Because it was nearing lunch time Samuel was getting crabby so we didn’t get to stay very long in that part of the museum.  So we ventured outside where we saw some Revolutionary War army items.  Also heard a rousing rendition of the speech, “Give me liberty, or give me death”.   James and I were the only brave ones in our family to say “Hear! Hear!” when the actor/orator was giving the speech.

We moved along and happened to run into a man who was telling about the Indian Chief Crazy Horse and why General Custer didn’t have a chance against him.  Very interesting history!

Bully for him! A 98 year old registered scout! Look at his shirt!
Bully for him! A 98 year old registered scout! Look at his shirt!

We also saw a 98 year old man who is the oldest registered Scout in the Boy Scouts of America!  I wanted to get all my boys around him for a picture.  But Samuel was having a fit about his shoes, and Benjamin was not feeling well (left over from the dentist visit the day before).  So I just quickly took a picture of him.  Impressive with all his awards on his shirt!!!

We left before being to see everything.  But I’m sure that we’ll do it again next year.  And bring dad along to help.