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The Reiman-Simmons House
The Pioneer Dream
The story of the family who built the Reiman-Simmons House is the story of many immigrants to America at the turn of the 20th century. With the offer of free land, they came here to seek a better life. From German Russians, to Japanese and Ukranians who settled here in the early years, to the more recent arrivals from Mexico, South America and even Iran, the Quincy Valley is a melting pot of people in the sagebrush desert. This story, this dream, diverse, yet so similar for all who came, is a story that we want to tell through the restoration of this home. Learn more on the Quincy Valley Historical Society & Museum Website, or visit our Facebook page.
Our Goal
Our goal is to bring the Reiman-Simmons House "Alive" so that you and your family can participate in these heritage events.
Summer Sociable
On the last Sunday of June, the House is dressed up for at 1910 summer sociable, complete with old-fashioned sarsaparilla floats, rides in vintage automobiles from the Columbia Basin Carriage Club, Barbershop Quartet entertainment, and changing historical exhibits. Join us for this step back in time!
Harvest Festival
Our annual living history event is held the 2nd Saturday of October each year. Relive life as the pioneers knew it by:
- Churning butter
- Milking a cow
- Playing games
- Pressing your own apple juice from a vintage cast iron press
- Sampling chuckwagon
- Wood stove cooking
Visit Louie Mullermeile's General Store, a re-creation of the first store in town, play marbles and horseshoes, make a hand-dipped beeswax candle, and grind wheat and pump water the old-fashioned way! Live folk or bluegrass music adds to the enjoyment of the day, and folk artists and craftsmen sell their wares in the adjacent park! Plan now to spend the day at the Annual Harvest Festival, the second Saturday in October from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.!
Ladies' Teas
Enjoy an elegant tea at the Rieman-Simmons House. Twice a year public teas are held on the Saturday before Mother's Day in May, and in December.
Mother's Day Tea
This afternoon High Tea comes with:
- All the trimmings
- Delectable
- Fresh fruit
- Special program
- Tea sandwiches
Moms, daughters, grandmas, and granddaughters celebrate this holiday in style!
Victorian Dessert Tea
For two nights in December, the House is transformed into an elegant Victorian Memorable Desserts Teahouse! Readings, carols, live music, and the serving of tea make this candlelit evening one to remember!
Private Teas
We have hosted special teas by request, such as Bridal teas, 16th Birthday teas, Teacher teas, Teddy Bear teas, and Red Hat teas. Call us about making your event special ! Teas are by paid reservation only by calling 787-3757.
Folk Craft Classes
The Rieman-Simmons hosts craft and textile classes on a per class basis. Classes have included:
- Beginning Quilting
- Penny Rugs with wool felt
- Rug-Making with the Taravia Spinning method
Kids classes
Kids classes are held occasionally and include jewelry making, rubber stamp crafts and pioneer toys.
Operations Management
The Reiman-Simmons House is operated by the Quincy Valley Historical Society and Museum.