American Heirlooms - September 2020

American Heirlooms - September 2020

302-653-2411

SEPTEMBER 2020

WHAT MY GRANDPARENTS TAUGHT ME

I find it odd that National Grandparents Day is on Sept. 13 and that National Heritage Day is on Sept. 25. If you ask me, these holidays are one and the same. I owe many of my values — what one would call a heritage — to my grandparents and the lessons they passed on to my parents and me. I didn’t know all of my grandparents very well. Grandma Miller passed away when my mom was just 17. As difficult as the experience of caring for her mother must have been, I believe this influenced my mom’s caring nature. She would later have to do the same for her father, and having done it once before, she filled that role seamlessly. The memories I have of Grandpa Miller are from the time he came to live with us as my parents cared for him. One of my memories is huddling around the phone to listen to church services since it was difficult to bring Grandpa to the church. He had Alzheimer’s and required the use of a wheelchair. I can remember remodeling the master bedroom of our new house to accommodate his care, too. But it was never a question of “if” we would help him; my parents taught me that this is what we did for family. We gave our home for his care because my parents believed we couldn’t deny that personal, familial care was best for my grandfather. I’m grateful for the lessons I learned as a young child when my grandfather lived with us. The memories I have of Grandma Zimmerman include sitting at her table, excited to fill up on the food she had prepared. She was known for her chicken pot pie, cookies, potatoes, and many other recipes. Her grandchildren have her recipes today. When we make her cookies or pot pie, I'm reminded of happy memories around her table. My grandmother was also very quiet in her faith, but she lived it diligently. Grandpa Zimmerman also lived his faith. I know very little about him. He passed away when I was still very young, but he had a big influence on my father. In fact, my father is writing a book about his dad, highlighting the many things my grandfather did. Early in his career, he repaired and invented farm machinery. Later in life, he was a farmer and housing developer. He also made several motor homes for his trips to help build homes for missionaries in Canada and Central America. He crowned his last years with service for others.

Grandpa Zimmerman was never one to apologize for his opinions, too. I’m told that he even stopped growing and selling tobacco because he believed it was immoral to grow a product that was harmful to the body. Despite the money it made him and his family, it wasn’t a product he wanted to participate in. Yet, despite his outspoken nature and devout faith, he was never a poetic theologian. He was often asked to speak in church, but his explanations were never deeply theological; instead, they were based on having fervent faith. Grandpa lived his faith through his actions. It was a simple obedient faith to the Lord. He was unapologetic in what he believed, and he lived out his obedience every day. As I look back on all that my grandparents have given me — even the lessons I learned from my parents as a result of my grandparents’ influence — I can’t help but be grateful knowing my parents are setting the same example for my children. They’ve been through enough hardship to make them very caring people, and it’s a joy to watch them with my children. As the calendar turns to September, I would encourage you to think about the heritage left to you by your own grandparents. It’s powerful to remember where you come from, and in my life, to remember the strong faith of the family before me.

–Ethan Zimmerman

302-653-2411 • 1

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

For centuries, Europeans used the Julian calendar, created by Julius Caesar in 46 B.C. It was based on the solar calendar, so most of Europe thought it was the most accurate calendar. However, over the centuries, dates had “drifted,” and many important days, like Easter and the spring equinox, were no longer falling on the dates they were supposed to. To compensate, the new Gregorian calendar was developed and put to use by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. It helped put things back in order and eliminated the extra day every 128 years. However, not everyone adopted the Gregorian calendar right away, such as the British. That meant that Europeans were using two diverging calendars for over 200 years. Talk about confusing! People realized that as the world started to expand and as countries became more connected, having a single calendar system was critical. Finally, the British chose the year 1752 to make the change. But, in order to make it work, they had to “jump” forward. For instance, 1751 could only be 10 months long — starting with March and ending with Dec. 31, 1751. But even that adjustment didn’t quite bring the English up to speed in time to make the shift. They also had to cut 11 days from 1752. The unlucky dates that were cut were Sept. 2–14, 1752.

The people were not happy. English historians found research that British citizens chanted “Give us our 11 days!” in the streets. The phrase became so popular that some politicians even campaigned with that as their slogan. Several other historical accounts state that many people were worried that by cutting the calendar, their own lives would be cut 11 days shorter. There was a lot of confusion and chaos, but over time, dates fell where they were supposed to, and everyone lived their full lives, and people survived the axed calendar.

In the third month of our yard games series, we introduce you to a game that will have the whole family laughing for hours. Get ready for croquet! Croquet originates from 19th century Europe; however, many experts believe the game itself may have been around for centuries before that. England is most notably fond of croquet, opening its first club, the All England Croquet Club, in 1868. The game is a combination of golf and “ground billiards” — which is very similar to croquet — and involves mallets, colored balls, and arches, called wickets. The game can be played by 2–8 players. Each player receives their own mallet. In an open field, place seven wickets in a figure- eight formation. Then, place two more wickets outside the outermost left and right wickets across from one another. Plant stakes just beyond these wickets outside the circle of play.

Once the game is set up, players can determine who goes first by which color ball they are assigned and the corresponding order on the stick at the start of the game. ( Fun tip : Use whichever factor you want to decide who gets to be what color: age, height, or draw straws!) When it’s their turn, each player will place their ball between a stake and the double wickets. They will then use the mallet to hit the ball through the double wickets into the field of play. The game then moves counterclockwise. Players receive bonus strokes — turns — when the ball goes through a wicket and double strokes when they hit another player’s ball. If it’s a miss, it’s the next player’s turn. The first player to successfully move through all the wickets and knock their ball into the finishing stake, across the field of play from the start of the game wins!

Photo Credit: Megan Leigh Zimmerman

Croquet may appear to be a complex game with high-class origins, but after a few strokes, you’ll discover why it has kept the Zimmerman children entertained all summer long! You can purchase your own set from PaulB Hardware at 50 Wood Corner Road, Lititz, Pennsylvania. That’s where the Zimmerman family found a sturdy set this summer.

2 • THE SWISS CRAFTSMAN

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

If you were to walk along the aisles of your local lumberyard, you’ll likely find one of the most common types of wood: pine. Many craftsmen and contractors regard pine for its diverse uses and flexibility, and it’s often used in construction projects. With more than 100 species of pine across the globe, many different varieties have various attributes. However, in its most common form, pine is a light tan wood with soft, straight grains. For as durable as pine is, it doesn’t come without its challenges. Pine is typically cut and shipped with higher moisture content than furniture grade hardwood lumber. Most construction crews will use pine quickly to avoid curling or twisting. However, pine used for furniture is often kiln dried, making it more suitable than construction grade pine. If it’s not, then it’s best to wait until the wood dries out before creating customized pieces, like tables and chairs. If pine isn’t dried with a kiln or air

dried, the excess moisture can cause numerous headaches for the customized furniture process. The moisture makes pine difficult to cut and piece together, and pine has also been known to leave excess “pitch” — also called pine tar — in tool blades. Also, pine is often easily dented or scratched, and as a result, those who have pine furniture or decor need to prepare for diligent care of their pieces. These scratches or dents can be easily fixed, but it’s best to seek the help of a professional craftsman. Regardless of its challenges, pine can offer a unique style. For those interested in using pine in an upcoming custom project, it’s important to consider the look of the piece. Pine is often used for farmhouse or rustic-looking furniture. If this is the style you’re looking for, pine is the wood for the job! It can be crafted into just the piece you’re looking for.

INGREDIENTS FOR THE DOUGH • 1 1/2 cup flour • 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 eggs • 3 tbsp cream

FOR THE BROTH • 6 cups broth • 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces • 1 1/2 cup red-skinned potatoes, diced

• 1/2 cup celery • 1 cup carrots • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/4 tsp pepper

DIRECTIONS 1. In a medium bowl, make a well in the flour and salt mixture. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the cream and pour into the well. Stir into a soft dough. Roll it thin and cut into 2–3-inch squares or diamonds. 2. Meanwhile, bring broth, chicken, vegetables, and seasonings to boil. Carefully drop dough pieces into the broth one at a time, keeping them flat. Keep the broth boiling. Cook for 30 minutes. **Grandma Zimmerman would cook this almost every last day of school and would serve a dish of sugar peas on the side.

Photo Credit: Heather Brooke Zimmerman

302-653-2411 • 3

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com

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

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

291 Blackiston Rd • Clayton, DE 19938 • Phone: (302) 653-2411

Inside this Issue

My Grandparents’ Heritage Page 1

How 11 Days Were Deleted From History

Croquet: You’ll Be Entertained by This Yard Game for Hours Page 2

All About Pine: What Makes This Flexible Wood So Popular?

Chicken Pot Pie Page 3

3 Fun Family Activities for Fall Page 4

3 FUN FAMILY ACTIVITIES FOR FALL

It’s fall, which means social media will soon be saturated with pictures of your friends enjoying “classic” fall activities. Photos of leaf peeping, apple picking, and the occasional scarecrow run rampant. But rather than following the herd, you can create your family's own unique fall activities! Here are a few outdoor endeavors your family will love. Get gardening. Fall is the time for harvest, but if you want to enjoy flowers in the spring, it’s also a time for planting. The cooler autumn air is easier on plants, but the soil is still warm enough for roots to grow before the ground freezes for winter. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are all spring bulbs that need to be planted in the fall. Do a little research with your family to determine the best time to start planting in your area. Pan for gold. Here’s one that’s really off the beaten path: Take your family on an adventure panning for gold! Start by planning a road trip out to an old ghost town. Many of them have great tourist attractions that include gold panning. You probably won't get rich, but it will still be a fun story. If you’re not able to make the trip, you can always create a gold panning operation at home! Visit MessForLess.net/panning-for-gold-

activity for a great step-by-step guide on how to go panning for gold in your own backyard.

Plan a fall photo shoot. It’s time to update up those family pictures hanging around the house. The changing leaves provide a beautiful background for any family portrait. Better yet, the cooler temperatures mean that an outdoor photo shoot won’t be nearly as uncomfortable as it would be in the summer. You can take your pictures by the trees in the front yard or make a daytrip of it. What about pictures at the corn maze or pumpkin patch? It’s never too soon to start planning this year’s family portrait.

Spend this fall outdoors and create great new memories with your family!

4 • THE SWISS CRAFTSMAN

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com