by Bonn Hidalgo on 2013-08-01
It was like stepping back in time to the era of the rancheros; an era in which cowboys roamed the plains, herding cattle, sheep, and other livestock. An era when the sun beat down on sweaty backs day in and day out, watching silently as livestock were gathered below and made into products used by man, one of which was leather.
This was what the atmosphere was like on Saturday, July 27, when children and their parents walked one by one into the education room of San Bernardino’s County Museum where hides of different shapes and colors were available throughout the room.
This presentation was offered by the San Bernardino County Museum as part of the museum’s Avoid Summer Brain Drain program, which provides local youth with activities and interaction during the summer months.
George Moors and Richard Lindsey were both chosen to represent San Bernardino-based Tandy Leather Factory for the second time at the museum, to discuss and educate families on the history, composition, and usage of different types of leather and animal hides.
When Moors and Lindsey began their presentation as families strolled inside, Moors first took the children in the audience and led them to a worktable where he instructed them on how to design a leather-imprinted key fob, which served as the interactive activity of the presentation. The children learned how to hammer in different designs onto a blank leather tablet to hang on their backpacks or wallets. Then Lindsey discussed the long history of leather and how it was a predominant source for everyday materials such as whips, chaps, handbags and more, showing off displays—some centuries old.
The presentation was the second in a two-part series, the first portion of the series having been held earlier this year in June.
[END]
Working with Leather at the County Museum
Sat. July 27
11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
San Bernardino County Museum
2024 Orange Tree Lane,
Redlands, 92374
NOTE: This is the second lecture taking place on this subject at the museum this month.
On Wednesday, July 17, visitors to the San Bernardino County Museum will have the chance to work with leather and learn about the history of leatherwork in California. The activity, part of the museum’s Avoid Summer Brain Drain program, runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is included with paid museum admission.
Chuck England, owner of Tandy Leather Company in San Bernardino, will offer visitors a leatherwork activity and present leather history using real cattle hides, rawhides and treated leather goods.
“We’re so excited to offer this program to our visitors”, said Jolene Redvale, the museum’s curator of education. “This is a generous offer from a member of our local community, interested in sharing knowledge about the significance of leather products in California’s history.”
Visitors will be invited to make a keychain fob using leatherworking tools and their own creative style. Additional activities on Wednesday will include art-making and boards games appropriate for the whole family. England will be back again to offer the program to visitors on Saturday, July 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“For those looking for a deeper museum experience, the leatherwork presentation and activity will also be offered as part of session 5 of our popular summer day camp, Playing with History, July 29 through August 2,” said Redvale, “for which space is still available.” The cost for the week-long session, targeted for kids ages 7 to 12, is $155 for non-members and $135 for members. A flyer and registration form is available at the museum’s website, www.sbcounty.gov/museum.
The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 am to 5pm. General admission is $10 (adult), $8 (military or senior), $7 (student), and $5 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sb countymuseum.org. The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TDD) 909-792-1462.