Learning to Make Buckets

Have you ever wondered where we find so many talented craftsmen to share their skills at Sauder Village? Some craftsmen have been weaving or making baskets for years and others may have learned a new craft just to work at Sauder Village! To help celebrate “National Craft Month,” here are some thoughts from one of our coopers . . .

By Mark Breininger, Cooper

Becoming a member of the Sauder Village family came at the right time in my life. My father-in-law, a Master Cooper, encouraged me to visit Sauder Village and consider working in the Black Swamp Cooperage. I was hesitant at first because this opportunity was totally out of the realm of my life. I wasn’t sure how comfortable I would be speaking to hundreds of people each day and engaging guests who want to see and hear about being a cooper. However, I soon realized how much I love history and being a part of Sauder Village!

Learning the craft of coopering was made easy with the help of two knowledgeable coopers – Chuck Salsbury and Kenny Schang. Under their guidance, I learned the right way to make a quality wooden bucket, butter churn or keg. Learning this craft has taken me back 200 years! In the Cooper’s Shop we use the same tools as our forefathers. We start with a log, striking it with a froe, splitting the wood and shaping that piece of wood into a stave. Using the draw knives, shaves, scorps and planes I have learned to create items to hold dry goods, liquids and more.

Working as a cooper at Sauder Village is very rewarding and satisfying. At what other job can you meet people from all over the world on any given day? All of the talented craftsmen at Sauder Village make my job even better. They all love sharing the history and demonstrating their craft just as our founder Erie Sauder envisioned. I’m having so much fun making buckets and hope to be involved at Sauder Village for many years to come!  

Naturalization Ceremony - A Meaningful Way to Celebrate Independence Day

We are so excited to be hosting the Citizenship Naturalization Ceremony of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 4, 2011. Fifty-eight immigrants will become United States citizens on this day, the 235th anniversary of our nation’s independence. Requirements that these people have fulfilled to get to this last step in the process include having been a legal resident of the United States for at least 5 years, passing a background check, and taking a test on how our government works.

Sauder Village is the perfect setting for this ceremony, because every day we tell the stories of the early settlers who came from Europe and settled here. Although times have changed, and we think today’s immigrants have it easy compared to those who came earlier, we know that they have faced obstacles and have had to make tough decisions just like our early settlers did. At some point those pioneers had to decide to leave a way of life they knew, to come to a country which they were unfamiliar with, and to learn a new way of life. Like them, these new citizens had to leave their extended families and friends and “start over”. They bring with them rich ingredients from their many cultures, which enrich our culture and make our country what it is today. The immigrant story is repeated with these 58 people from 34 different countries continuing to come and settle here.

The ceremony is one that every American should witness at some point in their lives. It is the best way to celebrate our Independence and to appreciate the wonderful country that is ours. It truly is an experience you’ll never forget.

For more information about the 4th of July Holiday Weekend at Sauder Village visit our website!

By Kris Jemmott, Director of Historic Village Operations

We're Thankful For . . .

As we look forward to the Thanksgiving Holiday, we thought it would be appropriate to share some thoughts about all that we’re thankful for here at Sauder Village. We hope you enjoy this short list and perhaps you’ll even take time to share with us why you’re thankful for Sauder Village. We’d love to hear from you!

At Sauder Village we are thankful for . . .

. . . the many employees and volunteers who help to provide memorable experiences for our guests.

. . . the thousands of guests who join us each season – to visit the Historic Village, enjoy great shopping, delicious food or a relaxing, overnight get-away!

. . . our founder, Erie Sauder, and the leadership team that has continued his dream for the future of Sauder Village.

. . . our members who choose to be a part of Sauder Village by enjoying fun and educational experiences all year long and supporting the preservation of the past for generations to come.

. . . our beautiful location in the heart of rural, northwest Ohio and the canopy of trees on the Village Green – creating a beautiful place for guests to relax and enjoy time together.

. . . the teachers who bring their students to Sauder Village each season where the history they read about at school comes to life!

. . . the many craftsmen who share their talents with our guests as they make pottery, glass spheres, baskets, wooden buckets and more!

. . . all of the people who help make our special events such a great success - from teachers and guest artists to individuals participating in our Fiddle Contest or entering a quilt or rug in a special exhibit.

. . . the many donors who help support the efforts of our non-profit organization. From $5 to $5000 – we’re thankful for every gift.

. . . the hundreds of Junior Historians who volunteer their time to help play old-fashioned games, shell corn, make ice-cream, wash clothes and help get our guests involved in activities of yesteryear.


. . . our team of oxen, horses, chickens, goats and other animals that help our guests experience life on the farm.

. . . the many people who choose to shop, eat and stay at Sauder Village – by supporting our for-profit areas you are supporting the non-profit living-history village as well!

. . .everyone we’re connected to online! Thanks for staying connected to all that we’re doing at Sauder Village by following our blog, Facebook or Twitter pages.

The list could go on and on as we are truly thankful for so many things here at Sauder Village. Thank you, enjoy this short video and Happy Thanksgiving!

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