Thanks for Shearing (A photo Essay ) at the Norwich Historical Society with the MCS students

A perfect story for EWE

I was recently invited to stop by the Norwich Historical Society to take some photos of a sheep shearing event called the Sheep-to-Shawl. Marion Cross elementary students were invited to come and watch the master barbers at work if you will, and to learn a little history at the same time. The students were split into three groups and to capture all the right moments and not miss a spin photos were taken by Mary Brownlow and myself.

Thanks to a grant from the Lions Club, Norwich Historical Society was able to hold its annual Sheep-to-Shawl field trip on Friday.  Sheep shearer Fred DePaul and his grandson, Calum, brought three sheep and some lambs to Norwich and taught the students all about sheep shearing and sheep history. 

Oh but one of the sheep is missing?

That is because it is time for a shearing

And a little one on one time with the visitors

As the students and teacher get introduced to Fred De Paul and his grandson Calum.

And I believe all are feeling at ease

This sheep is first in line for a shearing as the others keep a close watch from their penned in area.

This one seems very cooperative, must really want to shed their coat.

And the students take a turn and help out

Look at all that wool

And there is no pain at all according to the master shearer and his assistant

And look at the results - wool ready to spin into yarn

Miriam Horowitz showed the students how the wool is processed into yarn. Everyone got a chance to spin. 

And with some careful instruction

The wheel seems to be spinning with ease

Sarah Rooker shows and explains the photos to the students

Students got to be historians with Sarah Rooker as they pieced together the history of Norwich's landscape. They thought about the impact of human activity on the environment. Now they know why there are all those stone walls in our woods!  They also know another fun fact: There once were more sheep than people in Norwich!

Many thanks to all our volunteers and to the Lions Club for making this field trip such a fun and learning experience.

Sarah Rooker, Director

Norwich Historical Society

277 Main Street / P.O. Box 1680

Norwich, VT 05055
802-649-0124
www.norwichhistory.org

Thanks for supporting my work. I enjoy doing these stories as I feel it brings the community together and hope you enjoy them as well.

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