Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site’s 1860s Children’s Day: 5/4/24

David Dawson, left, sends a hoop flying toward Eli Huskey. As part of the game, the players used to sticks to launch and catch the hoops in the air. The activity was one of several offered during the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site's Children's Day, featuring activities typical of the 1860s. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

It wasn't all play during the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site's Children's Day. Those attending the event got to try their hands at washing clothes using a tub and scrub board. Dawysn Kennedy gives her cloth a close look to see if she was able to remove all the dirt. Working in the background is Kimberly White. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

A youngster watches closely as Kelly Bethel demonstrates how to make a pinch pot from clay. The activity was one of several offered during Children's Day at the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site on May 4 in New Madrid. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Kelly Bethel, left, demonstrates how to transform clay into a "pinch pot" during the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site's 1860s Children's Day on May 4 in New Madrid. Those participating could take part in a variety of activities typical of the 1860s. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Jared Jackson, left, sends a hoop flying toward Brandi Huffman during the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site's Kids Day on Saturday, May 4. The day was an opportunity for kids of all ages to try their skills at activities typically enjoyed by children during the 1860s. Pictured in the background playing hoops are Eli Huskey and David Dawson. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Eli Huskey makes a catch with his stick during a game of hoops at the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site's Children's Day on Saturday, May 4. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Navee Groves puts the finishing touches on her clay piece with a little help from Bryan Bethel during the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site's Children's Day. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Brandi Huffman reaches to catch the hoop during a game at the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site's Children's Day on Saturday, May 4. Hoops was one of the games children enjoyed in the 1860s and still found to be fun and challenging today. Some 90 children took part in the Children's Day. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Jamie Scallion, right, explains the art of rag doll making to (from left), Kimberly White, Dawynn Kennedy and Angela Walker. The 90 children attending the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site's Children's Day had the opportunity to make their own rag dolls, candles and clay pots as well as play a variety of games. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Annie Sisk's candle gets an admiring look during the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site's Children's Day on Saturday. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)

Matt Davis with the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site assists Davis Akins with his stick as they make candles during the Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site's Children's Day on May 4. Annie Sisk, leftt, had already mastered candle dipping, one of several activities featured at the site's Children's Day. (Jill Bock/Standard Democrat)