Silk Reeling, Broom Making and Printing Classes at Old Economy Village

Old Economy Village in Ambridge will conduct several classes in April. Silk reeling will be featured on Saturday, April 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sandy Smailer has over 50 years of experience with textiles and fiber arts. She will discuss and demonstrate to participants how silk fiber is extracted from the silkworm cocoon and turned into thread. Participants will gain hands-on experience in learning the art of the 19^th century silk reeling trade, by working with the cocoons and learning to operate the silk reeling machine. Cost is $20 for non-members and $16 for Friends of Old Economy Village members. The manufacturing of silk was an important industry to the Harmony Society in their town of Economy until the 1850s. Please register by April 11^th.

On April 21^s, Terry Rowland will be teaching a broom making class from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Terry has over 20 years of broom making experience. Participants will learn how to make (and keep) an original style stick handle broom using antique broom making equipment. Cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members, which includes instruction, materials for your broom, and will include a lunch. Please register by April 14^th.

On April 28, Frank Vogrin will be conducting a printing press class from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Frank worked in a print shop for over 25 years and has been demonstrating the antique printing presses at Old Economy Village for many years. The class will focus on the arrangement of hand type; cutting of stock, making the press ready, the printing process and clean up. Participants will gain hands-on experience in learning the art of the 19^th century printing trade, by working with antique printing presses. Cost is $20 for non-members and $16 for Friends of Old Economy Village members. Please register by April 21.

To register for these classes or if you have any questions please contact David Miller at davmiller@pa.gov or (724) 266-4500 x 110.