From an historical and genealogical perspective, this visitable collection approaches the family of José Dimas Ávila and his wife, Eva da Natividade Costa, addressing a life path that begins at Doze Ribeiras parish, where José Dimas Ávila was born and lived until 21 years old, and continues afterwards in the United States of America, where he lived as an emigrant, up to now.
With Saint George as its patron saint, Doze Ribeiras is an independent parish since the end of 1684, when the then parish of Santa Bárbara das Nove Ribeiras was detached from it. It is located on the western side of the Island, somewhat to the southwest, between Ribeira das Dez and Rocha do Peneireiro, on Serreta edge.
From the 2nd half of the 20th century on, the people from Doze Ribeiras have known great cultural and educational development – the opening of the elementary school (January 1st 1960), power grid (May 30th 1965), the Parish Council building (January 12th 1969), a folkloric group (April 23rd 1974), under the coordination and action of Priest João de Brito do Carmo Meneses, also born there.
José Dimas lived some of those moments and took part in the setting of that folkloric group. The present collection results from his will to, as a successful emigrant that never forgot his birthplace, “give back” to where he was born with an educational and cultural initiative such as this.
Caminho Fundo, nº 24
Doze Ribeiras
9700 – Angra do Heroísmo
Leaving Angra do Heroísmo, turn west and take Estrada Regional n.º 1 (Regional Road no. 1), until reaching the parish of Doze Ribeiras, on the southwest area of Terceira Island. Upon arriving, the Horse Mill House is located on the right, nearly 200 meters after the church.
The tour begins at the ground floor, where the visitor will appreciate:
-the history of the building and the parish;
-the genealogical tree of José Dimas Ávila and his wife;
-the Barbershop that belonged to José Meneses, José Dimas’ father.
1st branch – 1st floor
The tour begins with the presentation of the horse mill as the main piece. Among us, it was once a grinding mill of paramount importance within the milling system in the mainland and the Azores as well, along with wind and water mills, which ensured flour and bread supplies. According to Ernesto Veiga de Oliveira, Fernando Galhardo and Benjamim Pereira, Azorean horse mills use a direct drive with the wheel over the ground.
2nd branch – 1st floor
Agricultural practices rooted on ancestral techniques and equipments, which depended upon natural conditions, are the most significant presentation here. American influence in the use and adaptation of work-related objects is also greatly highlighted.
3rd branch – 2nd floor
Here are objects documenting household activities related to the home: food and the kitchen, the bedroom, hygiene and rural daily life, in 20th century Doze Ribeiras.
The visitor may also enjoy information alluding to both traditional and contemporary ambiances in a Doze Ribeiras home.
4th branch
Here the visitor can appreciate objects that illustrate daily life and small household industries in a rural home. These document and explain the workings of a traditional self-sufficient economy in the areas of food preparation, clothing, sewing, weaving, hunting, religiousness and festivities.
5th branch
In the courtyard opposite to the Horse Mill building there is a temporary exhibition of ethnographic objects belonging to José Dimas Ávila collection.
To book visits, please contact the Parish Council: (+351) 295 906 233
Owner and Director: José Dimas Meneses Ávila
E-mail: dimasandavila@com.cast.net
Tel.: (+351) 295 906 900
Cell phone: (+351) 963 279 598
Email: jf12ribeiras@sapo.pt
