A Step Back In Time

We had a real treat this Saturday. 

Rouse Hill House and Farm have had free weekend entry over the month of August. We were able to go and visit this weekend. I have embedded the link above, but the basic facts about the house are:

• It was founded in 1813 by Richard Rouse, who was a free settled entrepreneurial pioneer; a cabinetmaker by trade.
• Rouse Hill (suburb - and our local shopping mall, designed by MOTH's employers - before we arrived ;) ) was (obviously!) named after him by Governor Mcquarie after Rouse built a tollhouse there. You can see the old 'main road'. 
• The 'stuff' on exhibit span six generations of the Rouse family - the house has never been restored, it is in it's original condition; ie, incredibly run down and fascinating! It is the setting of a tragic historical novel, full of mystery. A place where your imagination could really run away with you. Especially when you learn that a surviving member (in their 80s) still lives part time in an excluded wing....!! In a derelict Victorian style living room is a 1960s huge TV. (The kids didn't recognise what it was!) 
• It is one of the oldest continually occupied homes in Australia. Seriously - I was too busy chasing kids and telling them not to touch that I didn't get any photos of it, but the stair case and landing look like they could fall down at any minute, it is amazing.
• It is next to Vinegar Hill, which is famous for a battle in 1804.

A painting depicting the Castle Hill Battle

• Two generations of the Rouse family enjoyed affluent lives financed by Rouse's success in business, investment and farming (to name a few of the ventures he did well in!) They lived lives of 'picnics, races and parties'.
• In the 1890s the family was affected by drought and depression, debt and bad business decision that sent them into a downward spiral that they never recovered from. 
• When the Historic Houseing Trust took over, only 20 acres of the original 230,000 acres belonging to Richard Rouse remained in the family.

Sadly, because of excited kids, we didn't get to read enough of the plaques etc for our liking! I can't tell you much about the schoolhouse, which was established in 1888, but it was the kids absolute highlight.

1888 Schoolhouse 

 Events had been arranged so that the children could play with traditional toys and touch almost everything. They spent over an hour running around outside playing, how wonderful!

Hobby horse, Hula-hoop, Skipping Rope.... what to do first?

The real excitement came when they were allowed to join a class.....

They were lined up, and told how to pledge allegiance to Queen and Country. Just between us, I was a little alarmed when I heard one woman ask the 'teacher' which queen the portrait on the wall was of...!! If you don't know who was Queen in 1888, I don't want to think about my reaction! If you don't know, for goodness sake at least google it.

And salute the flag, before the were MARCHED inside. Mr 10 thought that was brilliant...

First there was a quick hygiene check, nail and nits.

Then they were taught the 'proper' National Anthem. Do I need to tell you that it is God Save the Queen? 

And you had better do it on your feet with some respect, thankyou. 

Demonstrating how to use a cane and reminding students what sort of behaviour would necessitate it's application!

Then practice some copperplate...

And after 15 minutes and a reminder to pay fees, school was dismissed. 

The kids decided that it was the BEST fun they have ever had at school, and went back for the sewing lesson, to make some bunting to take home.... Mr 10 complained that it was much better than our school. I told him I would happily find a meter length of bamboo to help him in our school.... He stopped complaining. A bit!

Mr Two, taking the arithmetic class...

And they also had an opportunity to try on some Victorian clothes. How cute are these kids??

Such a lady....

Pretending to be a Victorian street urchin!

It was a HOT day, I really felt for the poor teacher, all in black. But the rooms were reasonably cool, nice thick walls. But dusty and dirty everywhere outside. But then, the boys had so much fun playing in it. 

And I am still amazed to say, I had to bribe the kids (with ice-cream) to leave. They just did not want to go. It is just over $100 for a years (household) membership to Sydney Museums, and that includes entry to Hyde Park Barracks, Museum of Sydney and The Mint.... I think we have filled up our Saturdays!