Spring Break Fun with “Mr. Sam”

By Anne Ruppert, Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site

A week of lovely spring weather made for a great week of spring break activities at the Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site on March 13-16. Spring Break at “Mr. Sam’s” house included fun activities for both children and adults.  

On Tuesday, the theme for the day was “String Us Along.” We made kites and were thankful for a windy day. Children decorated, assembled, and then flew their own kites. The nearby trees only “grabbed” a few of the high-flying kites. We learned how to hand weave and made headbands, necklaces, and belts. Everyone had the chance to learn how to throw a yoyo.

The theme for Wednesday’s activities was “Butter, Ice Cream, and Rabbits, Oh My!” Fannin County 4-H leader Elisha Silva milked one of her nanny goats and talked about goat’s milk. She also brought several breeds of rabbits and discussed the differences between them. Since milking was a theme of the day, the children made both butter and ice cream. Everyone took turns churning the ice cream and were rewarded with a bowl of the homemade vanilla treat.  

Thursday’s activities were all about seeds—“Seeds A Plenty,” in fact. We planted beans and peas in peat pots and made our very own bird feeders. The bird feeder was constructed by covering a waffle ice cream cone in peanut butter then coating it in bird seeds. The birds found these to be irresistible! 

Sadly, Friday was our last day of spring break fun. It was a day of old fashioned gaming. We learned to play croquet, dominoes, horseshoes, and marbles. These were just a few of the games and activities that were played by the Rayburn family.

It was a great week of activities, and we hope for spring break at “Mr. Sam’s” house to become an annual event. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for all our latest upcoming events and free admission days.

Make plans to join us for our next event; the Texas Historical Commission's Free Sites Day. This annual event encompasses each of the THC State Historic Sites. You can visit any one of the sites (including the Sam Rayburn House, the Eisenhower Birthplace in Denison and the Sam Bell Maxey House in Paris) and receive free admission on Sunday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site in Bonham tells the real story of Sam Rayburn, one of the most powerful and influential politicians of the 20th century, in his authentic 1916 home. Preserved as a period time capsule, the two-story home contains all original Rayburn furnishings. The Sam Rayburn House State Historic Site is one of 22 historic attractions operated by the Texas Historical Commission. For more information, visit www.visitsamrayburnhouse.com.