Finally, an 1880 nursery shows a space designed exclusively for children, and their clothing differed from adult styles. Children learned through a variety of methods and in a variety of places about life and trade skills, religious and moral beliefs, and the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic. From 1700 to 1900, the focus on learning gradually shifted from work skills to formalized schooling. Play could train children for their roles as an adult, or encourage good health through outdoor recreation. These signs are designated by the Brownie on them.
Brownies are legendary Scottish creatures that appear at night to assist people with their chores.
Author and illustrator Palmer Cox created a Brownie craze in the 1880s with a series of books about the adventures of these fun-loving and helpful creatures. Brownies appeared on countless items, including school supplies, clothing, games and toys, not unlike today's Rugrats or Disney characters. In addition, children will enjoy several hands-on activities such as swaddling a doll in the Eighteenth Century tradition, posing behind reproduction portraits of Eighteenth Century children, and experiencing life as a woodworking apprentice by turning a huge wooden lathe. Visitors may also listen to the words of the past in several areas where they can hear accounts about raising children or being a child. Drawn from reminiscences by several people, these reflections range from Puritan preacher Cotton Mather to schoolgirl Susan Cooper who learned her lessons in her parlor.