Old Salem Tour of Blum House – See Vintage Printer and Photography Studio

Blum House Tour at Old Salem © Katrena

The Blum House, one of several buildings on tour at Old Salem, once served as a home and shop of a Salem printer. A detailed display entitled Recording Salem: Printers and Photographers is housed in the building.

Old Printing Press on Old Salem Tour © Katrena

It is hard for younger generations to imagine the amount of time and effort people had to put forth in order to print a newspaper or even a newsletter many years ago. I remember typing school papers on an electric typewriter. Those typewriters did not have an "edit undo" or cut and paste option. If you left out a word, misspelled something, or forgot to leave enough room at the bottom for citations, you had to re-type the entire page if you wanted a decent grade. Heaven forbid if you wanted to change the order of your thoughts back then!

Learn About History of Press in Winston-Salem NC © Katrena

Much of the equipment in the Blum House at Old Salem dates back to the 1800s. The alphabet blocks look almost like toys, but these were used in the printing process. People back then would have been amazed at how small and convenient printers have become today. That old printing press takes up a large percentage of the room and to me it sort of resembled a large weaving loom. Those who worked in the printing industry back then had to be quite meticulous and organized.

Vintage Photography Studio in Old Salem © Katrena

Another room offers a look at how an old photo studio might have looked. The chair for the subject had a rather uncomfortable looking head rest. Photography has also seen some amazing changes over the years as the cameras have become so much smaller and faster. The lighting needed to be just right, and subjects had to remain quite still for a photo to turn out well in those days. My girls and I all agreed that we are thankful that people have kept working to create the quick digital point and click cameras of today.

History of Photography Lesson at Old Salem © Katrena

I recall seeing family members using a camera that was similar to some of the older ones on display (perhaps a Brownie camera?), the ones that look like a box where you look in the top to see the image. I also remember mailing film to be developed and having to wait what seemed like forever before the prints would come back! Photos lacked the instant feedback that we enjoy today...woe to the photographer who accidentally cut off a head, had a finger in front of the lens, or forgot to remove the lens cover back then!

Vintage Photos at Old Salem © Katrena

Seeing the old photographs and news articles gives visitors an opportunity to see hair styles and dress of the period as well as an idea of what events were newsworthy back then. Those who lived in Old Salem were pretty progressive for their time, and many of them kept detailed records that have been preserved over the years. Due to their diligence and careful handling of many of their possessions, we now have a piece of history that future generations can discover and enjoy.

See Old Cameras on Tour of Old Salem © Katrena

The Blum House was one of many places we visited on the Old Salem tour. Readers may also wish to read about other places we visited at Old Salem, such as the:

• 1784 Tavern
• Timothy Vogler Gunsmith Shop
• African American Church and Graveyard

Learn about NC History in Old Salem © Katrena

Find more family friendly travel articles at Katrena's blogs: Travel NC With Kids and Love 2 Travel With Kids.

Spring Festival in Cleveland NC Filled With Fun Family Activities

Cleveland Spring Festival Ride © Katrena

Many people think of Ohio when they hear someone speak of Cleveland. However, the Tar Heel State also lays claim to a beautiful, small southern town by the same name. A few people might realize that Jim Graham, a much revered NC Commissioner of Agriculture, proudly named Cleveland as his home town. Folks might also know that a Freightliner plant is located in Cleveland, NC. To set the record straight, North Carolina does have a small town called Cleveland – it is about halfway between Salisbury and Statesville if you are traveling on Hwy 70.

Fun Family Outdoor Activities © Katrena

Many kids in and near the Rowan County town are chomping at the bit as they anticipate Cleveland's Spring Festival that is scheduled this year for Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The town park begins to bustle with activity midday as many families find a nice variety of fun outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy. Several opportunities, such as enjoying the playground and having a talk with the donkey, are free.

High Bouncing Trampoline © Katrena

Those who wish to purchase an armband can enjoy unlimited rides, from a small train ride to a tall slide. The high jumping trampolines are always a big hit, and those who are daring might even try a flip or two in mid-air. A climbing wall also encourages participants to climb to the top. I was impressed with the hospitality of the people who have run the rides. They smiled and cheered for the kids all day!

Large Slide at Cleveland Town Festival in May © Katrena

A DJ plays a variety of tunes throughout the day. Booths offer information, items for sale, and lots of food and drink. People who come to Cleveland's Christmas parade know to bring a bag for all the candy...those who come to the Cleveland Spring Festival know to plan to stay until after dark!

Climbing Wall © Katrena

Near dusk, the crowd will begin to search for a spot to sit and watch the fireworks. I've seen a lot of fireworks over the years, and this one was one of my favorites. The sloping hill invites people to sit down and simply enjoy the cluster of color illuminating the night sky. The very short walk back to the parking lot and a great job of channeling traffic makes the night even more enjoyable.

Playground in Town Park in Cleveland © Katrena

Kudos to Cleveland, North Carolina for offering their Spring Festival in 2013. Many small towns are cutting back due to tough economic conditions, but small town celebrations like this can offer affordable entertainment for people close to home. I like how this festival brings people together to enjoy time together with family and friends.

Enjoy reading more articles about fun family activities in North Carolina at Travel NC With Kids.