An event taking place this weekend near Lewis will take you back in time to the days of the Pioneer. The Hitchcock House Pioneer Festival takes place Saturday, from 1-until 4-p.m. at the historic Hitchcock House, located about six-miles south of Atlantic off Highway 6 and 1.5 miles west of Lewis.

Cass County Naturalist Lora Kanning says you’ll have a chance to learn pioneer skills and tour the national historic landmark, two-story home, built in 1856.

(You can observe the making of ropes, candles and tin punching, and more importantly, try your hand at some of those skills. All of the activities are free.)

The skills activities will take place in the barn. Again, there is no charge, but if you want to donate toward the preservation of the property and buildings, funds will be gladly accepted. If you want to tour the Hitchcock House, the fee is just $5 for adults, high school students and those younger are admitted for free. The home holds a historic value, because it was used as a stop for the Underground Railroad during the days of slavery.

The home features thick, sandstone walls, window seats, native hardwood trim, and a secret room that hid runaway slaves. The secret room is located in the basement where there is also a stone fireplace slaves could use to cook their meals and stay warm. It’s said the famous John Brown preached around that fireplace.

There are lots of other activities taking place at the Hitchcock House this Summer.

For more information, call Lora Kanning at 712-769-2372.