Old house, young historians

Whitman County Gazette | Jun 17, 20210

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Nancy Rothwell | Submitted Photo count

Kindergarteners learn making coffee in the 19th century is nothing like Starbucks.

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Nancy Rothwell | Submitted Photo count

Kids are captivated listing to the history of the Perkins House delivered in costume.

COLFAX — Thirty-five Colfax kindergarteners descended on Perkins House to learn about history

Five different stations were set inside and outside of the Perkins House to entertain children with the experiences of grinding coffee beans on vintage grinders, slingshots firing ping pong balls, beating rugs with beaters and brooms, and washing clothes in a wash tub.

Teachers Jill Cocking and Andrea Gibb escorted the students from Jennings Elementary School.

Members of the Colfax High School History Club assisted Perkins House volunteers while dressed in vintage costumes.

"Thank you to all who helped make this event a success," said Nancy Rothwell, Whitman County Historical Society spokesperson.

The house was built in 1887 by James Perkins to accommodate his wife Sarah Jane and their four children. Perkins helped found the town of Belleville, which became Colfax in 1881.