Ever wonder where streets such as Talley Cavey Road or Sample Road got their names?

A hidden gem in the north suburbs may have the answers.

The Depreciation Lands Museum, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, allows visitors to step back in time roughly 200 years, when the region was considered the frontier.

Costumed demonstrators bring the 18th century to life at the museum on Route 8 in Hampton.

The Depreciation Lands Museum and Park was created in 1973 by Hampton officials and volunteers, according to Sue Addis-Stanny, site director for the museum.

It preserves and interprets the early years of European settlement in the Depreciation Lands, which was property in Western Pennsylvania that was set aside in 1783 by the state Legislature to compensate soldiers from Pennsylvania for their service in the Revolutionary War.

The lands, however, were used as hunting lands by American Indians and were not considered safe until after 1794, Ms. Addis-Stanny.

She said one of the early settlers of the region was a surveyor named John Sample. He lived with his wife, Christina, and his family. When he was out surveying, Indians came across Christina Sample and her children and kidnapped them. They later were released by an Indian woman whom Christina Sample had helped the previous winter. The family remained in the area, and today Sample Road is named for them.

Talley Cavey Village is the name early settlers gave to the area from the Pennsylvania Turnpike exchange south to Wildwood Road. It is believed to be named after a town in Ireland but no town has been found, Ms. Addis-Stanny said. Rather, she said, it may have Welsh origins.

The Depreciation Lands Museum and Park consists of: Pine Creek Covenanter Church, built in 1837, and a cemetery; the Armstrong log house and herb garden, built in 1803; a replica school from about 1885; a working blacksmith shop; a wagon house that houses a Conestoga wagon and other displays; and a meeting building.

The museum will celebrate its 35th anniversary Aug. 9 and 10.

On Aug. 9, the Wildwood Long Rifles Club will sponsor Talley Cavey Tavern Night, with food, drink and entertainment by Wayward Companions offered in the re-created atmosphere of an 18th century tavern. The "tariff" is $25 per person. Indoor and outdoor seating will be available.

From 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 10, the Village of Talley Cavey will come to life as costumed demonstrators share with the public what life was like on Aug. 10, 1794.

The museum at 4743 S. Pioneer Road is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays April through November, and by appointment. School groups and other groups can schedule tours. For more information on the anniversary events or to schedule a private group tour, contact the museum at 412-486-0563.