Story cards can be found in the kitchen and on the bookshelf. The cards contain more detailed information about some items and some suggested conversation starters.

The Veranda

The veranda allows wide easy access to the cottage with a gentle ramp for walkers and wheelchairs. It has:

• Sensory garden

• Front door with letter slot

Activities

	1.	Knock at the door on arrival
	2.	Touch the plants
	3.	Post a letter or bring in the mail.

The Hallway

The hallway has access to the cottage and to each of the rooms. It has:

• Coat rack with:

	Man’s hat and walking stick
	Woman’s fox fur stole
	Woman’s day dress Girl’s school tunic

• Letter rack with selection of postcards – these can be posted through the letter slot

• Wall mounted vase with woollen flowers

Activities

	1.	Try on hat.
	2.	Stroke and try on fox fur.
	3.	Remember school uniforms.
	4.	Discuss animals or pets that the memory of fur triggers.
	5.	Read a postcard.
	6.	Discussion regarding if the front door was ever left open.

The Lounge

The lounge is roomy and may comfortably hold six to eight people depending upon mobility. It has:

	Three piece suite (sofa two arm chairs) where the family would gather in the evenings
	Radiogram with four different radio broadcasts including popular tunes announcements commercials and newscasts
	Bookshelf which contains a range of reading materials games knitting basket tobacco tins Glass-fronted cabinet has a range of items

Activities

	1.	Listening to the radio newscasts and gently discussing the memories that arise
	2.	Singing the songs or moving gently to the rhythm of the music
	3.	Knitting part of the scarf provided using large needles
	4.	Taking photographs with the Box Brownie
	5.	Handling the ornaments sewing basket etc
	6.	Sniffing the tobacco tin old books leather items

Discussion points

1. Photograph Album or cards discussing individual items.

2. Memories that the music generates.

3. Who took the photos in your family?

The kitchen

The kitchen was the heart of the family’s daily life and usually mother’s domain. It has:

• a wooden kitchen range and wood box

• a Hecla toaster

• a Speedie electric jug

• utensils cutlery rolling pin bowls

• cupboards containing a range visual prompts

• reproduction foods based on common recipes

• scent drawer with a variety of common household smells

Activities

	1.	Discovering what is in the cupboards and fridge.
	2.	Handling the kitchen items.
	3.	Explore the contents of the scent drawer.

Discussion points

1. Making dinner

2. Mother’s kitchen and mother’s work life

3. Favourite foods

4. Children undertaking tasks for pocket money

5. How the War or Depression may have affected the kitchen routine