Page 22 - North Haven Magazine Issue 24 Summer 2022

A Moving Experience:

Brockett Farm Museum
by Sally Brockett

Richard (Dick) Brockett, a long-time member of the North Haven Historical So- Leaves North Haven
ciety and the Mayflower Society, was known for his interest in history. However,
many may not have known that he was a collector of items from the past. He had
the foresight to recognize that as things change and develop, the past can easily be
lost to future generations. This understanding and interest resulted in the creation
of the Brockett Family Farm Museum.

Ted Brockett, in back, takes a last look at family antiques. Preparing to move items. Note the identification labels.

his museum was opened in 1973 as a ly changed. There were butter churns and identified with dates and locations, making
Tprivate collection of thousands of items molds, sausage stuffers, pickling jars for sau- them even more meaningful. Items that one
common to farming and daily life on Arrow- erkraut and pickles of all types, and of course, would not think of as being significant, can
dale Farm. A large building, which was for- bread makers that were hand cranked. Rich- be especially important to the success of the
merly the family woodshed, housed the an- ard’s wife, Edna (Dud), always counted one farm and home. For example, Richard saved
tiques for the past 44 years. Family and other hundred turns on the dough mixer to know short lengths of antique barbed wire. This
local farmers, members of the North Haven that it was well mixed. collection illustrates the history of barbed
Grange, the North Haven Historical Society wire and the changes in the styles used.
and others enjoyed visiting the museum. It Keeping the cows safely contained in pas-
was also shared with family members during tures was critical, so barbed wire was com-
reunions, and guests visited during the 2019 monly used.
Farm to Table Dinner.
Years ago, several of the Brockett men In the past, daily lives involved activities
learned cobbler skills to provide shoes to that are either no longer done, or are accom-
family members and for winter income. plished in a quite different manner. When
These shoes were even transported to the homes were heated and cooking was done
South until the Civil War disrupted that with wood, stocking firewood required a
part of the business. The cobbler’s bench and lot of time and energy, as well as specific
tools remained in the museum in memory equipment. Many styles of hand saws were
of a past time. displayed in the museum, all with well-worn
handles and blades. Small wood stoves and
The Brocketts’ skills with cobbler tools were cast-iron pots and kettles were used in the
invaluable when 78-year-old Bethuel Brock- Packed and ready to roll to the new home. homes for cooking and washing. A collec-
ett lost his arm in a mowing accident when tion of cast-iron cornbread muffin pans
the horse suddenly spooked. In order to be Of course, farm animals had a key role in life illustrates the variety of shapes that were
able to continue contributing to family life, on the farm. The hitching post that stood in available. Electric blankets were not avail-
they designed and made a prosthetic arm to front of the family old red house in 1799 was able, but family members who wanted to
which a variety of tools and utensils could saved and kept in the museum. Oxen worked climb into a warm bed on a chilly night used
be attached. The prosthesis was saved in the in the fields and ox yokes were on display. bed warming pans filled with hot coals to
museum and it is fascinating to see the Yan- The special paddle shoes worn by the horses warm the sheets.
kee ingenuity involved in its design. for work in the salt march (similar to snow-
shoes) were also saved. In the winter, the The Brockett family maintained the muse-
Several sewing machines dating to the mid- horses’ shoes were changed to “ice shoes” um through the years, passing down its care
1800s were displayed in the museum. The with special cleats to prevent slipping. to younger members. However, the time
foot operated treadle machines certainly eventually came when the museum could no
were different back then! The collection of Richard was conscientious about labeling longer be maintained on the property as it
kitchen utensils and equipment showed items so in the future, people would know had been for so many years. Richard’s son,
the way ladies’ kitchen work has drastical- what they were used for. Many items were Walt, wanted to find a way to keep the col-

North Haven Magazine - Summer Issue 2022
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