1840s Smithville created in Tasmania
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GLEN HUON, Tasmania — More than 300 people braved the rainy weather in early December to "Step Back in Time" and experience a Christmas in 1840s-style in "Smithville," a small pioneer replica village erected in the parking lot of the Glen Huon Ward meetinghouse.
Four months of planning and six frenzied weeks of building brought together an entire weekend of events to honor the birth of the Church's founder, Joseph Smith Jr.
The first evening event was organized by the elders quorum at the "Smith Farm," a farm owned by Pat and Gus McKay, along the Glen Huon Road, Huonville. Here were held pioneer games, a light supper of bratwurst sausages, homemade bread rolls, pork and beans, followed with a sing-along and campfire.
A community choir, made up predominantly of Latter-day Saints, entertained attendees with spiritual songs from the 1800s and communal Christmas carols. Approximately 60 or more people attended.
On Saturday, more than 300 people braved the elements to take part in various activities and industries from the 1840s in "Smithville," with visitors from Huon Valley, Hobart, Deloraine, Melbourne and the USA.
Huon Valley's Mayor Robert Armstrong came dressed for the occasion in tails and a top hat and officially opened the village of "Smithville" with a small speech thanking members of the Glen Huon Ward for their voluntary work in the community and contributions to the valley.
"Nixon's General Store" loaded with merchandise was a favorite for young and old. Children lined up to "spend" their hard-earned tokens on toffee apples, boiled candies and caramel popcorn balls.
The "Ireland Bakehouse" was kept busy baking hot scones and cookies and the "Creamery" provided fresh butter and cheese. "Wilhelm der Metzger" made fresh German sausages, which were very popular.
The "Smithville School" had children ages 6-12 lined up waiting to attend 20 minutes of an 1840s-style of schooling, with slate boards, the cane, dunce hat and all. Some chose to attend two or three times.
A hearty dinner of pioneer food was provided for more than 200 people on Saturday night with the evening concluding with a toe-tapping square dance.
The Sunday meeting's talks were centered on the life of Joseph Smith Jr. and the contributions he made.
The weekend finished with an evening tribute to Joseph Smith in word and song with a turnout of another 300 or more people from near and far. Louella Jury and Fran Docking of the Hobart Australia Stake wrote the music for the evening.
"The activity was brilliantly conceived, and carried out — (the) long hours of sacrifice were rewarded by the Spirit that was tangible throughout the weekend but none more so than on Sunday night," said T. Wayne Fox, public affairs director for Tasmania.
