Jarrell Plantation steps back in time with Fourth of July event

Slave labor drove production at Jarrell Plantation in the 19th century. John Fitz Jarrell, who built the plantation’s first house, also put his children to work. But he gave them a special day of rest every Fourth of July.

“That was their day off,” said Christina Orr, the interpretive ranger in charge of planning the Ol’ Time Independence Day festival at the plantation. “You want to know what they would have done at that time. A lot of kids now have no idea what life would have been like back then.”

Ol’ Time Independence Day will be held at the historic site from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday. The event will transport visitors to a time of woodworking and blacksmithing.

The celebration offers activities for all ages. The day will feature spinners, a leather guild, a blacksmith guild, tours of the plantation, a stationary steam engine demonstration on site, whittling and basket making.

Volunteer John Wayne Dobson will read the Declaration of Independence at noon.

The event is included as part of the regular admission to Jarrell Plantation. Hot dogs, drinks and chips can be purchased at concessions in the visitor’s center, and biscuits and vegetables will be offered as a part of a woodstove cooking demonstration.

This story was originally published June 29, 2016 at 5:00 PM with the headline "Jarrell Plantation steps back in time with Fourth of July event."