Mexico Historical Society

We are facing many hardships due to COVID 19. Trying to put things in perspective, I have been reading some of Elizabeth Simpsons, Mexico Mother of Towns and came across Chapter 8, Early Mexicans, Their Works and Days. It is almost impossible to believe the hardships they endured. Native Americans were using ground corn for cooking long before European explorers arrived in the New World. The johnnycake originates with the native inhabitants of Northern America; the A...lgonquians of the Atlantic seaboard are credited with teaching Europeans how to make the food. Jonnycake became an important staple for the early settlers and staved off starvation for many during a long winter. Asenath Everts at the age of twelve, after about three years in Mexico, was able to take a philosophic view of Johnny cake and for it she had almost as many spellings as the cake had uses. She sang it virtues in verse which she sent to a playmate back in Connecticut. If you to Mexico draw nigh, You to our Fashion must comply All you who would your fortune make Must learn the use of Joney Cake. It serves for food all through the day First, in the morning, here they say: ‘Come, burn a crust and Coffee make And save our Tea by Johny Cake!’ For dinner they will take a slice, They eat it, thinking it is so nice. Then for luncheon, too, they take Another piece of Jonnie Cake. When supper table, it is spread They smack their lips and nod their head, And a good supper they pertake Of nothing but a Jonnie Cake. I’d have you use this homemade song, All you whose stomechs are not strong, The richest man in all the state May yet be glad of Johnnie Cake.

We are making progress on the restoration of the Chandler & Ames Bank building. Electricity is in, heating will be installed soon, work is progressing on replicating the original front window, and Rich LaCross is working to repair damage to wall and ceiling. Each step brings us closer to the day we can share this historic building with our community.

Did you know... In 1900 Mexico Academy and High School graduated 5 students. The Historical Society has been gifted a copy of "Mexico Academy and High School, Manual for 1899-1900". Thank you Jeff Jerrett for this treasure. This manual contains lists of faculty, class enrollments, courses of studies, text books used, and lists from 1826 to 1900 of principals and officers, and so much more. Below is a copy of "Suggestions to Teachers". "

The Mexico Historical Society was please to be able to host a tour of the Starr Clark Tin Shop and Underground Railroad Museum for a local Drop-In group. Jim a...nd Allie told the history and stories about some of the displays and answered questions from the group. If you would like to schedule a tour of our museum you may call Jim at 315-963-7853. See more