Visitors named a couple of reasons for attending Olde Effingham Days in Springfield on Saturday. However, at the top of the list was a love of history.

Alice and Jimmy Lewis arrived in costume. They got into history after they traced their family’s ancestry back to the Civil War era. Both take part in historical events.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Alice Lewis said.

Jimmy Lewis added that it’s a chance to dress up and play as adults.

Others came for the chance to sell their wares.

Beverly and Rodney Westbrook came from Tattnall County to sell their hand-made silk ponchos and jewelry.
Charles and Virginia Strickland from Guyton displayed their hand-made wooden bowls.

In addition, there were vendors selling such things as handbags, flowers and food.

At the Effingham County Museum, Mariee Harden quilted a bedspread as various people toured the facility.

Asked why she participated in the event, Harden replied, “I am a member of the organization. I’m from here and I enjoy it.”

Cynthia Moran from Liberty County heard about the festival from her sister, Johnnie Reid.

“I’m enjoying myself,” said Moran, adding that seeing things like the smokehouse and the washtub reminded her of growing up.

Reid attended the festival last year, as well.

“It’s just so beautiful,” she stated of the set-up of daily living at the museum. Seeing how people lived decades ago was a thrill for her.

Morgan and Suze Boesche of Savannah attended in 18th century colonial costume as re-enactors. The couple said that they do a lot of living history work and participate with the Wormsloe Historic Society as re-enactors.

“It’s only a hobby because we can’t make it a lifestyle,” Morgan Boesche said.

They came to Olde Effingham Days because of their love of history.

“Plus, we get to dress up in cute clothes,” he laughed.