Luther Elementary School in La Palma recently had 4th graders attend an after school study trip to Rancho Los Cerritos in Long Beach. The rancho tour brought them back to Mexican California in the 1800s. Students were astonished at how different life was then compared to today.
For example, a trip to the market would have been a long trip to the Los Angeles Pueblo by foot or horse. Besides visiting the blacksmith, foreman, and hacienda rooms, the students participated in some outdoor activities.
They also partaked in a three-step laundry process, which included the washboard, ringer, and rinser, an experience that made them realize how much time chores took in the past. Afterwards they played some lawn games called La Grace and Hoops.
“They are almost as fun as video games,” said Steven Ramos. The children later connected their experiences to rancho studies in the classroom.
