Mansfield set to revisit 1800s at Founders Day

By Amanda Rogers

Mansfield Record

Mansfield steps back in time to the 1800s on Saturday for Founders Day at the Man House Museum.

The fifth annual Founders Day is set for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the home of one of Mansfield’s founders, the Man House Museum, 604 W. Broad St. Admission and all activities are free.

“People like to go back and visit a simpler time,” said Tom Leach, president of the Mansfield Historical Society. “The kids like it because there’s so much hands-on stuff. They can use a quill pin, use the spinning wheel. The parents like it because it provides family moments.”

Historical artisans will be on hand, showing off their crafts and skills, including a potter, blacksmith, soap maker, candle dipper, bee keeper and quilters, Leach said. Visitors can try their hand at the museum’s spinning wheel or climb onto the antique buggy.

Texas artist Theodore Clemens will be doing free silhouettes, a banjo player will perform in the welcome center, faro and period games will be on the lawn and the Mack & Dyan Band will keep things lively on the grounds, along with a petting zoo.

Inside the home, which town co-founder Ralph Man built in 1865-1870, the melodian (a forerunner of the pump organ) will come to life, played by Jet Jones, during the event.

“It’s a rare occasion to get the melodian played,” Leach said. “It sounds good. It was made in 1853 in Buffalo, NY. We are blessed with what’s in that house, with the artifacts, and we continue to add to them.”

Some of the artisans will be selling their crafts, and the Mansfield Cemetery Association, Mansfield Historical Society, Mansfield Garden Club and library association will also have booths.

People can also get their photo taken with the drawing of Murry the mule, a social media star.

Food trucks will be in the parking lot, and two free shuttles will run throughout the day from the Walnut Street parking lot at West Broad and Walnut streets and from McClendon Park West on West Broad Street.

“We will be kicking off the Heritage Tree Program,” Leach said. “The first 100 people can get a 3-gallon tree free, sponsored by the Historic Landmark Commission and the historical society. Arborists have certified that the oak tree behind the Man House is 285 years old. It will be the first tree recognized by Heritage Tree Program.”

Last year, Founders Day drew 800 visitors, and Leach expects more this year.

“It’s just so much fun,” he said. “The word is getting that you don’t want to miss this. There’s a lot that goes on throughout the year, if you have not been acquainted with the Man House Museum and Founders Day, you are missing out.”