History On Display Brings People Together
Visitors to Dog Hollow Rendezvous were taken back in time to the 1840’s.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – Off in the distance, you could hear a flute-like instrument in chorus with the wind. As you got nearer the white canvas tents, the smell of campfires and dinner rose in the air.
As you reached the tents, you could hear conversation, laughter, and sense the comradery of individuals who have become their own community.
That’s what greeted visitors to Nelson Pioneer Farm this past weekend when Dog Hollow Rendezvous held their annual gathering.
Jim Walker is a longtime member of the Timberwolves and has been there from the start of Dog Hollow 26 years ago, recreating life from the 1840’s and before.
Walker said that he and four others that were Boy Scout leaders in Ottumwa took a group of boys on an outing to Wapello Trail in Ottumwa. While at the Boy Scout outing, a group of ‘buck skinners’ was there putting on a demonstration. “The five of us decided that bigger boys and bigger toys, and we just started having fun.”
The group gathers many times during the year, at various locations, and have three more gatherings yet this year. That diversity of locations allows members from as far away as South Dakota to come and enjoy a weekend of community. “We’re pretty happy they want to spend time with us,” said Walker.
The group shares skills that in many cases are dying art forms. “Living history is going away,” said Walker, who is thankful that an older generation passed along those skills to them.
Those skills include handcrafted clothing items, being able to repair or make the tools needed in day-to-day life, or hunting skills such as knife or hawk (tomahawk) throwing.
Now Walker and the Timberwolves are trying to pass those skills of 1840’s living on to the next generation. “This way is a way of life that it used to be. It’s not easy, and it’s not fun. People say why do you do this. When you have a busy life, and you’re working, this is relaxing. There’s nothing more than a fire going on at night and guitar music, and people sitting around that are family.”
Walker says that those interested in starting their 1840’s adventure, they would be happy to help you. “If you love camping, and you love the outdoors and you love people, it’s the perfect hobby.”
You can find the group on Facebook Here – https://www.facebook.com/groups/47933186523/about/
