Hampton’s Depreciation Lands Museum celebrates season with Hydref fair

Of the year’s four seasons, three generally go by a single name, whether it’s spring, summer or winter.

The exception runs between Sept. 22 and Dec. 20, a time we know either as autumn, the relatively formal term based on the Latin autumnus, or fall, which not only is easier to say and spell, but you know why they call it that as soon as you’re ready to break out the rake.

As it turns out, there’s yet another option: Hydref, an old Welsh word possibly derived from hydd (“stag”) and‎ bref (“bellow”), because ’tis the season for rutting.

And because Hampton’s Depreciation Lands Museum is all about in with the old, it serves as the site for a Hydref Market Fair each autumn, fall or whatever you want to call it.

This year’s festival took place Oct. 5, featuring traditional crafts and activities, authentic 18th-century food and music, interactive displays and talks by historical experts, and for the youngsters in attendance, games, toys and a chance to make their own crafts.

Located just off today’s Route 8 in an area that by 1805 was known as Talley Cavey, the Depreciation Lands Museum is staffed entirely by volunteers who re-create village life of the era on Sundays from May through October. Financial support comes from visitors and donors, classes taught by volunteers, museum memberships and Hampton Township.

For more information, visit dlmuseum.org.