The Current Exhibit
The Orchard family welcomes all of you to their little log cabin during this summer season. The family is preparing to help welcome veterans of the Civil War (or the War Between the States) that were unable to travel to Gettysberg, Pennsylvania for the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysberg.
The oldest son, Charles, is at the dining room table with his father, Lewis, and William Austin and a William Cline, a civil war veteran, learning about the Battle of Gettysberg. Charles is considered old enough to hear stories of the battles. He is playing with his soldiers as they study the map of the Battle of Gettysburg. They were interested to learn that Washington State did not send any soldiers to the war but rather the soldiers "called up" were garrisoned at forts to protect the settlers from Indian troubles and to continue their vigilence following the recently ended "Pig War" with England.
Amelia Orchard has taken daughter Emily to the other side of the room to practice on the piano.
Teddy and Grandmother Orchard are in the kitchen making something special for the veterans. Teddy is covered in strawberries as he "helps" the process. He is considered too young to hear tales of the battle.
Sadie, Lewis' cousin, is soaking in the bathtub while she daydreams about fancy dresses, shoes she could never afford and her current beau, who sits patiently downstairs waiting to take her for a walk.