Stepping back in time

Broom maker Stephanie Nevada Baulac demonstrates her craft. [Photo courtesy Silver River Museum]

On Nov. 8 and 9, guests at the annual Ocali Country Days event can step back in time with living history exhibits and demonstrations from skilled craftspeople.

Visitors can experience the Florida of yesteryear with exhibits that highlight life during the 1800s. The Silver River Museum campus, located inside Silver Springs State Park, features pioneer cabins and other outbuildings. Old time skills demonstrations will include sugar cane syrup making, blacksmithing, pottery being fired in a wood kiln, broom making, wood working and more.

The Silver River Museum & Environmental Education Center is a program of Marion County Public Schools. The museum director is Scott Mitchell. The Ocali County Days project is supported in part by the Marion Cultural Alliance.

To learn about some of the skilled crafters who will participate in the event, we did an email Q&A with Stephanie Nevada Baulac and Larry Bedaw.

BAULAC

Where were you born and raised, and live now? 

I was born in Lakeland, Florida, into a home my parents still live in and spent about half my time between there and with my grandparents in Saluda, North Carolina, a true Appalachian small town, making me raised half in the church and half in the woods. As beautiful as it is in Ocala, my husband’s job is centered in Lakeland and allows me to be closer to family for the time being. 

How did you get connected with Ocali Country Days? 

I was introduced to this incredible event by a fellow craftswoman. Deb Sands, the potter for the event. Once I met Scott, Jennifer and all the amazing demonstrators at Ocali Country Days, I was hooked. It’s the nicest historic event in the state in my opinion. Step back in time, slow down and ask questions. 

What skill/craft will you be demonstrating and how did you come to learn it? 

As a historic skills teacher and reenactor, you may catch me explaining anything from felting or spinning and basket making to the practicality behind the umpteen layers of clothing I’m wearing. However, I am best known as a broom maker by trade. My journey to become a broom maker started when my grandpa took me to the Southern Highlands Craft Guild on the Blue Ridge Parkway when I was about 12. I was mesmerized by Marlow Gates’ live demonstration, and I simply had to have the broom. Years went by and I saw another broom maker while visiting the Alafiah River Rendezvous. Fascinated, I asked for where to learn the skill and was directed to the John C. Campbell Folk School in North Carolina. After a class with Carole Morse and Glen McLean, I became Glen’s apprentice. He taught me all the tips and tricks in the book and then graciously, upon his retirement, called all his events and said, “I’m not coming but she is.” I have been honored by his faith in carrying on the legacy craft for almost a decade now. 

Stephanie Nevada Baulac shows Ocali Country Days guests some of her creations. [Photo courtesy Silver River Museum]

Haha, well, one look at me and you suddenly understand that you stepped back in time and the effort it took to make anything by hand. You see that it takes planning, manual labor and patience to do anything in the 1800’s and early 1900’s. I’ll walk you through stories of the hard but simple life; from my clothes, tent and old sayings, what we grew to make brooms, to the many-step process of making what you needed to clean your house without a vacuum. 

Why is that important?  

When skills are lost, they are often lost forever. The big box store does not make the best broom, and the unconventional education opportunity is a golden one. I realized the importance of historic education when a curious little fella asked genuinely, “Is that 3D printed?” I clutched my heart, stifled a snicker and realized how happy I was that he was here, asking questions, learning, growing, staying curious. I smiled, handed him a piece of broomcorn and explained that it grows this way, a real, live plant.  

Anything else you want to add?

Come! It’s worth your time. If you have all day to explore the museum too, or just an hour to lap the demonstrators or get a few things for the hard-to-buy-for person on your Christmas list, join me back in time at Ocali Country Days!  

BEDAW

Where were you born and raised, and live now? 

I was born and raised in Keene, New Hampshire, and met a sweetheart in New England from Ocala.  We married and moved to Ocala to be helpful for family care. We have been here for 27 years.

How did you get connected with Ocali Country Days? 

I have been a woodworker/industrial arts educator in public schools. I know Scott and the Ocali Days event because of the wooden cutting boards and craft sales I made to his mother.  

Larry Bedaw works in his home shop to restore and refinish patient beds for Hospice of Marion County facilities. [Submitted photo]

Woodworking in various forms. I enjoy making handmade cutting boards, wooden cooling racks and butter boards of various shapes and designs.

How does your presentation help people understand history? 

I like working the Ocali Days event because the crafts are handmade by local artists; this represents yesteryear, the way Ocala was settled and what it took to make this this community rise up and come to life.  

Why is that important?  

It is important to remember where we came from and how we all can use our talents to give back to our community.

Ocali Country Days will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 8 and 9. It will offer live music, vendors and tours of the museum. Admission is $10 per person; free for ages 5 and younger. Cash and credit cards are accepted at the gate.

To learn more, call (352) 236-5401 and visit silverrivermuseum.com

Larry Bedaw enjoys making handmade cutting boards like this one. [Submitted photo]