Prairie pioneer children had to make their own fun, and it didn’t involve video games!

That’s what area elementary school students found out as they participated in Wednesday’s 11th annual Pioneer Day at the Ellis County Historical Society in Hays.

The educational event includes demonstrations by volunteers and hands-on activities showing the intensive labor that was required in everyday living on the prairies.

They watched as a saddle maker made repairs to well-worn leather, then took turns churning butter and cleaning clothes by hand, using a metal washboard in a big metal washtub.

Most of the kids already knew a proper lady always wore a full-length dress,  even as  as she did her housework.   They didn’t realize the family house was usually just one room.

The students also toured the new Hays Fire Department Museum, the Volga German Haus and the Younker Harness Shop, all part of the ECHS Museum plaza.