American Heirlooms - December 2019

American Heirlooms - December 2019

302-653-2411

DECEMBER 2019

FIRSTHAND ACCOUNT OF A ROCKET LAUNCH

On Saturday, Nov. 2, my family left the house around 4:30 a.m. and made a 2 1/2-hour drive to Wallops Island, Virginia, for a rare opportunity. I heard from a few friends that we would see a rocket flying over the ocean near Delaware after it launched on its way to the International Space Station. Northrop Grumman was launching a resupply rocket toward the station, and it was set to take off less than three hours away from our home. Saturday was supposed to be a clear day, and it looked promising to have a good view of the rocket launch. So, rather than wait for it to fly near us in Delaware, we made the trek! We had to ensure we arrived at the visitors center about three hours before the 9:59 a.m. launch to get a good spot to watch all the action. The temperature hovered in the mid-30s, so all the coats, beanies, gloves, and blankets we brought were not overkill. When we first arrived at the station, the amount of security at the visitors center surprised us. A couple of men were walking around with large guns, they had dogs sniffing around the vehicles, and any bags carried in had to be checked. Once inside, we saw a live-view screen of the rocket, and there was a field for viewing the rocket outside from about 4 miles away. To pass the time, we had a foursquare ball and sidewalk chalk. I think the people sitting in their cars watching us had as much entertainment as we did! We didn’t go hungry either. There was a food trailer with breakfast sandwiches, hot chocolate, fries, soda, and burgers. Ultimately, everyone agreed that the hot chocolate was very good, and eating was a great way to pass the time. As the hours ticked away, our anticipation grew. Crew members’ voices rang out from loudspeakers with updates. We heard the actual checklist talk, but the most fun part was the countdown. They called close to 10 men’s names, and we heard their replies saying they were ready. Then they gave the two-minute warning. We all grinned. The boys had been asking all morning, “How long until the launch?” Their answer was just moments away, and then it was one minute … 30 seconds ... 10 seconds … 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... and then we didn’t hear anything.

The steam started to roll, and the rocket slowly lifted. We could see the fire underneath the shuttle, and it went faster. Then we heard the sound of a shot and a roar, and we could feel the rumble. We saw the shuttle lift off several seconds before we heard it, and the sound added to the experience. As the rocket soared, it sounded and looked like a huge torch. It got pretty high up and headed left toward the sun. By that point, we really had to shade our eyes to see the rocket moving. Still, the entire experience was memorable and incredible. People clapped and cheered when we couldn’t see it any longer. We brought a pretty good camera along, but it captured nothing in comparison to what we saw there. And while photos of the event have been great to capture, experiencing something like this with my family and creating those memories was much more valuable. On our way back home, we stopped at a hobby shop and purchased a toy rocket for the boys to shoot off in the backyard. Perhaps we’ll recreate the memory of watching Northrop Grumman Antares take off for space. –Ethan Zimmerman

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Despite the colder, wetter weather, your home is still at risk for fire. Between holiday decorations and heating devices, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) advises homeowners be vigilant in the safe use of household items this winter. Avoid a potentially dangerous scenario with this winter fire prevention guide. Get Your Dryer Inspected Many homeowners heed the warnings to clean out a dryer’s lint trap after every use, but that’s not the only spot where lint and grime can cling. The dryer vent holds buildup, and this excess could lead to potentially deadly fires and expensive repairs. If it doesn’t catch on fire, a clog could still cause enough damage to warrant repairs or a new machine. The simplest way to avoid this dangerous situation is to have your dryer’s vent inspected every year. A technician will clean the vent, make observations about the machine’s abilities, and recommend solutions or repairs. It’s a simple, once-a-year visit that could save your home. Give the Heat Space Space heaters, baseboard heating systems, whole-house systems, and fireplaces can all be potentially dangerous. The NFPA reports that half of all home-heating fires occur during December, January, and February. In addition, heating equipment is involved in 1 of every 7 of these home fires. To avoid this, keep anything flammable at least 3 Of the many seasonal traditions that sweep our nation, few are as creative, delicious, and satisfying as building your very own gingerbread house. Whether you’re looking to create a simple table decoration or bake a tasty treat to nibble on, everyone can enjoy this holiday activity! The Origins of Gingerbread Ginger was first cultivated in ancient China, then traded into medieval Europe. There, Europeans incorporated it into culinary traditions and used it to bake cookies into elaborate shapes and works of art, including figures of animals and people. The gingerbread house first appeared in the early 19th century in Germany. Although historians don’t know an exact date, it's speculated that it gained popularity around the same time that “Hansel and Gretel,” the popular fairy tale recorded by the Brothers Grimm, was published. The Largest Gingerbread House In 2013, the world record for the largest gingerbread house in the world was broken. The house, topping out at 21 feet and covering 2,520 square feet, was built by Traditions Golf Club in Bryan, Texas, to

raise money for a local Level II trauma center. To construct the house, builders created a recipe that required 1,800 pounds of butter, 2,925 pounds of brown sugar, 7,200 eggs, 7,200 pounds of flour, 1,080 ounces of ground ginger, and a few additional ingredients. Build Your Own! While you don’t have to challenge yourself to beat the Guinness World Record, you can still have fun creating your very own gingerbread village. Starting your gingerbread house from scratch can be a fun activity for the whole family to enjoy. Give the children a chance to mix the ingredients, roll out the dough, and set out plenty of candies and frostings to use, and remember to have fun! If you're looking for unique gingerbread house ideas, take a look at 20 gingerbread house ideas at TasteofHome.com/collection/ gingerbread-houses.

feet away from a heating source. Store cooled ashes from a fireplace or pellet stove in a covered metal container at least 10 feet outside your home, and keep a portable generator as far as possible away from your home. As with your dryer, have a professional check your home’s heating system each year. Have a Plan No matter how prepared you are for the winter, accidents can happen. Create a fire escape plan with your family to ensure everyone knows how to get out of the home safely and understands their role in the emergency. The NFPA has resources you can use to prepare for this season by visiting NFPA.org.

2 • THE SWISS CRAFTSMAN

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Agriculture Reigns Health care may have a major role in the Delaware workforce today, but, in the early 20th century, agriculture was a major component of the state’s economy. Wheat, corn, and fruit were the main crops for farmers from 1910–1920, but crafty farming families found a use for wild holly in 1920, which skyrocketed agriculture in Delaware to new heights. Farmers would collect holly and create wreaths and other holiday decor, which became very popular among consumers before plastic options hit store shelves. Today, 40% of Delaware’s landscape is dedicated to farming, and 90% of those farms remain family-owned and operated. Preserving Our Land The Delaware landscape is nothing short of breathtaking, and in 1910, a piece of this gorgeous land was protected. William Poole Bancroft convinced Alfred I. du Pont to donate a portion of his land to Wilmington, Delaware, and in response, Bancroft would donate an adjoining piece to create a 123-acre city park. These initial donations made the 415-acre Alapocas Run State Park, with its history and beauty, possible. This lovely state park was dedicated in 2002. Finding a Home From 1910–1920, Delaware’s population grew from 202,000 to more than 230,000 people. In the years since then, the state has continued to grow, and its population has multiplied. Today, nearly 1 million people call Delaware home, and, while that makes Delaware the seventh least-populated state in the U.S., it is also an impressive jump for the second-smallest state in the nation.

Delaware may be one of the smallest states in the U.S., but its influence on our nation cannot be underestimated. Dubbed the First State, since it was the first colonial territory to ratify the Constitution, Delaware has been contributing to American history for centuries. As we welcome a new decade in this historic state, let's take a look back on what life was like just 100 years ago.

Inspired by Ina Garten

INGREDIENTS •

1 chicken, approx. 5–6 lbs

•

2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• • •

Kosher salt

Freshly ground pepper 1 large bunch fresh thyme, 20 sprigs removed

•

1 large yellow onion, thickly sliced

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4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

• •

1 lemon, halved

1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise

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Olive oil

DIRECTIONS 1. Heat oven to 425 F.

2. Rinse chicken inside and out, removing giblets if included. Move to a work surface, pat dry, and liberally season with salt and pepper. Stuff cavity with thyme bunch, lemon halves, and garlic head. Brush outside with butter, and then season again. Tie chicken legs together with kitchen string. 3. Meanwhile, in a roasting pan, toss onions and carrots in olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and 20 sprigs of thyme. 4. Place the chicken on the vegetables and roast for 1 1/2 hours. 5. Remove from oven, and let stand for 20 minutes covered with foil. 6. Slice and serve with the vegetables.

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Brought to you by KCS Builders of American Heirlooms and Penns Creek Furniture The Swiss Craftsman

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P.O. Box 280 • Kenton, DE 19955 • Phone: (302) 653-2411

Inside this Issue A Firsthand Account of a Rocket Launch Page 1 Building Your Own Gingerbread House How You Can Avoid a Winter Disaster Page 2 Leap Back in Time and Learn about Delaware From 1910–1920 Classic Roast Chicken Page 3

Yurts: Glamping at Its Finest Page 4

The allure of the great outdoors calls to many, but pitching a tent and cooking over a fire isn’t for everyone. If that describes you, consider the yurt: a small, permanent structure often outfitted with electricity, plumbing, and other modern amenities. Expertly nestled in remote locations, they provide comforts of home in the midst of nature. Here are just a few around the United States available for rent. Treebones Resort, California For those new to the glamping scene, this is a great choice for an easy transition. With picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, the Treebones Resort in Big Sur has an array of spaciously comfortable yurts to choose from. The resort has heated pools, a cozy lodge, and even a sushi bar. About an hour up the coastline, you can find a few shops, restaurants, and art galleries if you decide you’ve gotten your dose of nature for the day. Spruce Hole Yurt, Colorado Nestled in the San Juan Mountains about 10 miles north of New Mexico, this yurt is a snow-lover’s paradise. Skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking trails are plentiful in this backcountry location. At the end of a chilly day, come home to comfy beds, cooking supplies, and decor made to feel like you’re camping — but with sturdy walls to keep out the cold.

Falls Brook Yurts, New York For the glampers who truly want to get away, hike just under 1 mile into the woods of the Adirondack Mountains to discover rustic yurts beckoning you to cook over a fire or bundle up with a book. At night, the yurt’s domed skylight offers excellent stargazing. For those keen on winter activities, skiing and snowshoeing trails start right outside the front door. In the summer, enjoy hiking, fishing, and swimming.

4 • THE SWISS CRAFTSMAN

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