Fall fun in the Colonial Era at Sagtikos Manor

The Sagtikos Manor’s Fall Festival was living history in Bay Shore as the mansion travelled back to colonial days. Guests were welcomed, rain or shine, to visit the mansion and see a glimpse of the past.

Sheep and other friendly farm animals greeted anyone that came to visit them, receiving pets and affection from colonial and modern visitors alike.

Diane Schwindt set up her kitchen at the festival, cooking all sorts of colonial recipes. Curious attendees could come up and watch her prepare dishes while learning about their place during historical meals in colonial times. Folks got to try a piece of history once each recipe was finished, enjoying generous portions of her dishes. 

Viewing of the family cemetery came with an educational experience. Each tombstone came with its own backstory, as the Gardiner family’s roots on the island stretch far back. The threads of each family member’s story intertwined and were shared with guests. A funeral ceremony capped off the experience and sent the family spirits to rest once more.

Other crafts and activities geared towards little ones allowed families to get involved in the fun of learning about colonial history. As the rain began to pour, guests moved indoors for more fun. Touring the mansion for a historical lesson about the Victorian Age was another way for guests to immerse themselves in a bygone era. The topic of discussion was Victorian mourning and how their customs differ greatly from the modern age.

Mourning periods varied greatly depending on who died, from months to years. Proper etiquette and procedures were essential to upper-class families, from the clothing worn to the jewelry that decorated outfits. Photos began to also be incorporated into the grieving process as they became popularized, from preserving photos of those that died to taking a mourning photo to document the period of loss.

Complimentary pumpkins and apples were given to guests that stayed and weathered the rain, with guests sitting on the back porch sharing their highlights of the day.

The Sagtikos Manor’s next autumnal event, “Spirits of Sagtikos at Dusk,” will be just in time for Halloween, taking place on Oct. 24 from 5 to 8 p.m. Centered around the family members of the mansion, stories of the past will be told by candlelight. Guests are asked to bring a flashlight with them.