The Miller home was built in the late 1800’s, and the Miller family starting hand-cranking ice cream in 1896. You’ll be able to tour the Miller house and barn, along with the other historic buildings on the property, such as the 1870 Wright One Room School, a blacksmith shop, the Plains Road Bible Church, the Jean Kline Building, the Museum, and the Ice Cream Parlor. But that’s not all—historical re-enactors will be on the property to illustrate our rich heritage—Leland Scott will be portraying early settler life in the area; Chris Allen will represent a Union Civil War Soldier; Sandy Hennings will focus on the Lewis and Clark expedition and it’s Michigan impact; LaRae Markle will be demonstrating spinning and weaving; Kathy Collins will explain soap making and herbs.
Along with demonstrations, there will be several historical programs throughout the day. Jesse Lasorda will speak about the Underground Railroad and the Civil War; Shirley Hodges will present the importance of the importance of preserving your family history through genealogy; Deb Malewski will present Eaton Rapids history with lots of vintage photos. You might even see Johnny Appleseed, aka Bill Botti, strolling the grounds, and our Scarecrow Storyteller, Sue Jamieson! Musical entertainment will be provided by the Country Classics and the Rose City Harmonica Club and Jerry Glook on his dulcimer. Gladys Wilson will portray Mrs. Dennis (Minnie) Miller and will talk to visitors about what life was like on the farm.
The members of the Island City Piecemakers Quilt Club have collected their best work and will display them for our visitors in the church. In addition, we will have a Heritage Quilt show of quilts owned by the ERAHS in the Miller Barn. The Hen House Saturday Crankers, a local hand-crank and treadle sewing machine group, will be in the lower barn, showing how grandma made that special quilt and all the family clothes. Members of the Central Michigan T & the Mid-Michigan Model A clubs will have their cars on display, along with lots of tractors. Fabulous photos will be on display in the Miller House from the talented members of the Eaton Rapids Area Photography Club.
What’s a fall event without some apples? To add a competitive aspect to the event, we will be having a Pie Baking Contest and auction! Bake your best apple pie and bring it to the Farm and maybe YOU will bring home the blue ribbon for the best pie, and at the same time help us bring in much needed funds for the restoration and preservation of local history.
A bake sale featuring home made pies and cookies, bean soup, turkey drumsticks, brats, corn bread, ice cream and more are on the menu for this event. We hope you’ll join us! For more information or to get involved in the Fall Farm Fest, visit our website atwww.eatorapidshistory.com or call 517-285-0010.
Step back into time….
