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So What is Chinking?
So What is Chinking?
Old wooden block houses like the one found at Fort Yargo State Park are built with large gaps between the beams. This is insulated with "chinking." It serves an important purpose as an insulation from the weather, insects, and rodents.
The components that make up chinking in the 18th century are usually locally sourced mud and whatever other natural material was available to strengthen the chinking once it was inserted into the gaps. This material was also flexible enough to withstand the movement in the wood made by humidity, temperature changes and strong weather.
Every few years, this mixture needs to be replaced or changed out. This is where our CHINKING PARTY comes in!
Every few years we dig a big hole, fill it with water, straw or hay and children. The kids have a BLAST in this mud, playing and mixing as they go. Once mixed, we will use that mud mixture to repair the old block house and preserve it for years to come. To rinse off, we are setting up a fun sprinkler play area for the kids to splash around in!
*This event will take place either the second weekend of June or the second weekend of July. Please check back for exact dates!
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