Portal back in time to 1852!
It’s a scorching, sunny day.. You’re wandering around Columbia State Historic Park when suddenly, you come across a small, wooden shack. A sign in front says ‘Portal Through Time!’ It doesn’t seem very impressive, and it probably doesn’t do anything.. You think, “What’s the worst that can happen?” So you step through and..
Everything has changed!! The streets are no longer deserted, and instead filled with crowds of people, hustling to and fro! But what’s this? These people.. what in the world are they wearing?? All of their clothes seem waaay outdated. You decide to look around and spot a wooden building, with a sign atop reading: “General Store.” All the produce are in odd wooden crates, and the person behind the counter greets you so strangely! “Good day to you! How may I assist you in our humble establishment?” She says merrily.
This certainly isn’t your normal Walmart! Nothing about this place is normal!! Where in the world are you!?!?!
More like WHEN in the world are you! You’re still in Columbia, only you’ve been transported to the Gold Rush days, almost 175 years ago!!
This is the magic of Diggins 1852, Columbia State Historic Park’s biggest event of the year!
How I learned about Diggins 1852
In May of 2023, I visited Columbia State Historic Park for the very first time, and I was blown away!
My initial assumption as we stepped out of the car was that it’d just be some mediocre historical park with old buildings and some museums, nothing exciting. Boy was I in for a surprise 😉
Diggins was so much more than just some buildings and pictures from the old days; it was the old days. There were people of all ages walking about the streets, dressed as miners and merchants from the 1850’s. Tents and small buildings were set up where you could buy things like old-fashioned toys and games, baked goods, and sarsaparilla! There was even a theater, where you could watch a musical, and a post office were you could write letters with those fancy schmancy ink pens and stamp them with wax! THE LIST GOES ON!!
I was seriously impressed, and, seeing other kids my age, wondered if I could take part in the event as well!
And thus began the journey of how my mom, sister and I (I dragged those two along) became official Columbia Docents!
Participating in Diggins of 2024!
Finally, In May of 2024, we stepped out of the car, fully dressed in our own fancy 1850’s dresses, ready to participate in Diggins! Not just as visitors, but as the people in costume! We made it!!
Eeeeeeeeeeee!!!! (I was super excited, but also somewhat nervous!)
The bakery was the first place we were going to work while volunteering at Diggins 1852. There, we were selling lemonade, sugar cookies, fresh bread, scones, and more!! I remember, when I was at Diggins as a visitor, I wanted to get something from the bakery so bad, but sadly we didn’t 🙁
Although the next year, when we participated as docents, I did end up getting to try some of the pastries! Win-win!
Kids in the old days may not have had water balloon fights, but who says we couldn’t have simple water fights? At the end of the Diggins days, my sister and I were throwing water at each other and some of our other friends. We all ended up soaked and muddy, but it was a nice refresher from the scorching weather!
Also, apparently my sister and I frown too much–some very melancholy gentleman selling apples told us to smile more. Thanks apple guy 🍎 👍
There were some other fun aspects of Diggins 1852 as well. On one day, around noon, the militia came marching out, raised the flag, and shot into the air. It was loud, but really awesome to witness. Additionally, there was a fight! If I remember correctly, someone had cheated while gambling and got caught! It was quite entertaining to watch!!
It’s impossible to put into words just how vibrant and immersive Diggins is. Thinking back to the water fights and Mr. Apple Guy always brings a smile to my face! Writing this blog post has made me remember just how much I loved being there 🙂
The next Diggins event will be this May, so if you want to experience just how lively and enjoyable this historical reenactment is in person, mark up your calendars and join the fun!
Now, I’m gonna let you in on a little secret.. 🤫 If you become a docent and participate in Diggins.. yougetdeliciousvanillaicecream!! SHHHH you didn’t hear it from me!!
