Old Economy , founded in 1824 , is a marvelous collection of 17 buildings filled with furniture and items made by the Harmonists. Most of the buildings are brick , but the wooden community kitchen has interesting openings in the roof. Erntefest , the Harmonist Harvest Festival at Old Economy Village (Ambridge , PA just north of Pittsburgh) will be held this coming weekend , Sept. 29-30 , 2012. “The Community Kitchen , located next to…the Feast Hall was where communal feasts were prepared. The building’s unusual ceiling contains two trap doors [see next photo] that open and allow steam to escape from the kitchen cauldrons and through the roof. A second raised peaked roof keeps out rain and snow.” (as described on their site)
More from the website HERE about the festival: "Learn how the Harmonists celebrated the harvest and prepared for the long winter. Churn butter , make Apple Schnitz , press apples for cider , watch craftsmen demonstrate their skills and much more! Enjoy Village tours , Harmonist music , family friendly activities , carriage rides , hot dogs , ice cream and lemonade. Homemade German food will be available at St. John’s Lutheran Church across the street from the Village." The museum has put out a short videos on
Erntefest.
©2012 Patricia Bixler Reber