Replication of a farmstead from the early 1920s to 1930s is needed to preserve an important piece of our rural life history and enhance educational curricula from pre-school through adult education. A farmhouse, barn, chicken house, smokehouse and other outbuildings representative of that era will provide for the natural exhibition of furnishings, tools, and machinery (some currently in storage) and make room for the future collection of items of historical significance. Landscaping can include a lawn, vineyard, orchard, garden, and possibly field crop sites. Typical farm animals can be included during special events open for public experience.
We are most fortunate to own five acres of undeveloped land behind the current village. An area suitable for location of farmstead buildings has been staked off. A sign depicting a typical 1920s farmstead is located near the staked area.
A brochure depicting typical structures of the era is available for anybody interested in the project. Donation of existing structures is also invited.
Known as the Heritage Acres, the land, donated by George and Paula Mace Kuhn in 2005, has served primarily as overflow parking space during popular events like the Heritage Festival, and when the blacksmiths have a big crowd on the same day as a museum event.
The land has been home to a vintage road construction machine since 2013. Pulled by a large steam engine, the machine was used in the early 1900s for the construction and maintenance of the roads in the Woodlawn, Waltonville area.
Last year, the Timeline Trail was constructed through the brush across the back of the acreage. Well-attended tours were conducted over the trail for the first time in late October.
A sign on Caroline Street identifies the area for overflow parking, pictures the Time-Line Trail entrance, and confirms the plans for a 1920s era farmstead.