Annual Ice Cream Social- Moscow, Idaho

by BookwormCDA on 07/27/08 at 8:39 pm

The sign outside the historic McConnell house in Moscow. Today ended up being one of the best family days we have had since moving to Moscow. We went to the 31st Annual Ice Cream Social that is put on by the Latah County Historical Society at the old McConnell Mansion on Second and Adams Streets. The McConnell Mansion built in 1886 was originally the home to William J. McConnell and his family. William was a merchant and also served as the state’s senator and governor. This event is free to the public and was not only enjoyable but also very educational.
The McConnell mansion is a historical landmark in Moscow, Idaho. Horse and carriage rides at the social in Moscow, Idaho.
With the help of quite a few volunteers the Historical Society transformed the McConnell Mansion into an old-fashioned festival. They served ice cream sundaes and fresh watermelon that was also used for the seed-spitting contest. Various activities were available on the outside lawns (including live music), as well as self-guided tours of the inside of the mansion. The fire department was also present with a shiny fire engine for kids to climb on and through.
Muzzle loaders were on display along with the items used to make the shot at the ice cream social in Moscow. Various farm and carpentry items were on display at the ice cream social in Moscow.
When my family first arrived we were able to look at the display tables that were set up and talk to the various people manning them. We learned about how the muzzle loader’s shot used to be made with melted iron and a mold, and we got to hear about different materials that were used by the Indians to make paints. We also got to see and touch a variety of animal furs. It was all very fascinating and everyone was very nice and helpful. After touring the tables we headed over to the front lawn where my daughters had fun dressing up in period clothes and hats.
Period costumes and dresses were available for dress-up at the ice cream social in Moscow. Period dresses and hats that were used for dress-up at the ice cream social in Moscow.
We toured the inside of the mansion, which displays different historical shows throughout the year. At the present time the show is about the birth of the automobile and there was a lot of great old collectibles and memorabilia from old gas stations. Leaving through the back entrance there were tables set up where people were playing backgammon and putting together puzzles why they listened to some wonderful music by Palouse Harmony.
Games like backgammon and cribbage were set out for people to play at the social in Moscow. the Palouse Harmony performed at the Ice Cream Social in Moscow, Idaho.
We enjoyed some ice cream before my daughters entered the Hula Hoop contest. My youngest won first place for her age and was awarded a certificate and a prize. As we were getting ready to leave the social we stopped at the corner and the girls were able to go on a horse and wagon ride.

Our family really had a good time and after talking to a few volunteers learned that this is one of their favorite traditions in the city of Moscow. I know that our family will definitely be enjoying this social again in the coming years.

For more information on the Historical Society and their events, or to make a donation please visit their website.

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