It hardly seems possible that this will be our 17th Fall Family Days. Why it was just yesterday when we had our first FFD. Thumb Octagon Barn News Home of Agricultural Museum

Our mission is to maintain a volunteer group of Friends of the Thumb Octagon Barn involved in the restoration and preservation of the Barn Complex as an educational tool preserving our rural and agricultural history for the benefit of our visitors.

TM SUMMER 2014

It was a one-day Fall Family Days 2014 Featuring Apples

Executive To my dear Friends of the Thumb Octa- squeezed apple cider and cotton candy ro serving on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 10 Committee gon Barn Agricultural Museum from will be back to enjoy as well. The sor- a.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Martin Kubacki, Fall Family Days Chair- ghum evaporator will be going again and (Continued on page 4.) President man, there will be sorghum syrup and deli- Rose Putnam Our 19th Annual Fall Family Days cious caramel corn for sale. The basic Event will begin on Friday, Sept. 5th at food concession will be run by McDon- 1st Vice President 4:00 p.m. with a fish dinner prepared by ald’s Food and Family Center of Bad Martin Kubacki Greg Talaski of Kinde, co-chairs La- Axe. Janice Winter and her volun- Vonne and George Pettinger and nu- teers will once again be preparing chick- 2nd Vice President merous hardworking volunteers. Dinner en strips and fries in the Munro Building. Gerald Auten will be served until 7 p.m. Following the The Farmer’s Breakfast will be put on fish dinner, visitors can move to the by the Knights of Columbus from Ca- Treasurer Barn to listen to some good ole time mu- Joan Koch sic performed by the Eastern Michigan Music Makers. On Saturday the 6th and Recording Secretary Sunday the 7th, the show is open from 8 Ardis Monroe a.m. until 5 p.m. There is something for the whole family including agriculture Corresponding field demonstrations, the Purdy home Secretary and Octagon Barn tours, crafters and Marilyn DeSimpelare flea market vendors, children’s activities as well as many tasty treats. Each day Past President Dave Babcock, Cass City, our apple cider at 3:00 p.m. there will be a parade of an- man since our very first FFD, is pleased to Bob Hirn tique tractors and equipment. Before the announce that apple cider will be pressed in Parade, at 2:30 p.m., Tori Pine is or- the new Cider Mill Building. Since the hydrau- Grant Writing ganizing a Fashion Show featuring lic press has not been used for possibly 75 Chairman APRONS AT WORK when aprons from years it has taken dedicated work to get it Our commemorative button for the 19th Fall Dennis Anderson the 20’s and 30’s will be modeled. You operational. Dave thanks those that have Family Days features a big, bright red apple worked on the equipment and especially might even see Cora Purdy’s apron that One Room Country along with an outline map of Michigan. It is thanks Jerry Auten who has been very she wore while in the kitchen of the School Chairman very colorful and those who have collected positive that the job will get done. So Dave Purdy Home. these buttons since the early days of Fall invites FFD visitors to stop by the Cider Press Katie Jackson This year we are featuring Michigan Family Days will want to know that they will Building to observe the process and have a available for sale at the Registration Table taste of fresh squeezed cider. There will also Museum Committee Apples with many demonstrations going on daily. Don’t miss the bee honey ex- or the Souvenir Table near the garage. be interesting displays and demonstrations in Douglas Monroe traction demonstrations at 10:15 a.m. Martin & Luci Kubacki and their daughter the Theme tent where they will be demon- Jill Ogryski were the designers of the and 2:15 p.m. on both Saturday and strating “pollination to processing of ap- Grounds Chairman button, the plate for the plaque and the ples” to be used for apple cider, apple pie Louis Wehrman Sunday located in the theme tent next to brochure. Martin greatly appreciated their and all the other tasty apple treats. the Purdy Home. At the cider mill, which help. is located next door to the grain elevator at the east end of the grounds, there will th Contributions to the 19 Annual Fall Family Days 2014 be a cider press demonstration. In honor Friends of the Thumb Thumb Octagon Barn Agricultural Museum Octagon Barn, a 501 ( c ) 3 of our theme, you will be able to pur- non-profit organization, are chase a yummy slice of apple pie, baked Fish Fry in Munro Building th tax deductible according to by our friends at the Knights of Colum- Friday, September 5 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. the IRS guidelines. bus of Caro. This will be served right Adults $10.00 Children $5.00 Under five are free. next to the homemade ice cream made Fall Family Days Web Site by the Thumb Antique Car Club. Other th th www.thumboctagonbarn.org Saturday, Sept. 6 and Sunday Sept. 7 From 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. delicious, old fashioned goodies includ- Daily gate admission $5.00 per person 6 and older ing hog kettle popcorn, donuts, fresh event and it was pour- Thumb Octagon Barn News SUMMER 2014 Page 2 Wedding Coordinator Carolyn tries to assure that everything is in Letter From the President order for the couples’ special day. She FRIENDS of the THUMB Carolyn Sorenson makes sure that the seating is as requested, OCTAGON BARN Carolyn has been very busy this year the decorations in place and the couple will Rose M. Putnam be pleased and very happy. She becomes as there have been numerous weddings almost part of the wedding party checking Dear Friends: at the Thumb Octagon Barn. The setting is this and that and then sighs with relief that Fall Family Days is just very special and allows for some flexibility all is going on schedule. Carolyn said, “I around the corner and the in planning the ceremony. To schedule a have to have the ‘funnest’ volunteer job at many committee volunteers are wedding or get information and details the Barn that there is.” busy preparing for all the about planning a wedding, contact visitors. I hope you are one of Carolyn at 989-912-0449. School Tours them. We’ve had a lot of Diane Rapson excitement with our “Michigan Apples” theme this year. Many Gabil, Chairperson hands have rebuilt the Beecher School Tours 2015 will barn into an operational cider be held Wednesday, May mill. Under the direction of 6th, Thursday, May 7th and Dave Babcock, Gerald Auten, th and many others, the cider Friday May 8 during the press will be ready to press school day. Teachers will apples. It’s an amazing be able to sign up for apparatus. Please be sure to School Tours 2015 stop in. beginning in September It’s been a busy summer. Love 2014 through April 2015 on has been in the air with several the website under Events at wedding ceremonies at the www.thumboctagonbarn.org barn. We even had a horse as Leah Schuman slowly rode her horse, Sky, through or they may contact Diane the arena of the Barn where she joined her Father for part of one of the wedding the walk down the aisle. Leah had chosen to have Rapson Gabil at parties. Tori Pine as the new guests seated outside east of the Barn and the [email protected]. chairperson for our Tea Parties Groups should plan on weather was perfect. What a lovely sight to see Leah Caitlin Marie Reed and her hus- has been a wonderful hostess sitting sidesaddle on her horse that she had won spending the entire school along with her crew of helpers band Logan Michael Walz are all many trophies with while she was in 4H. Leah has smiles as they have been united in day enjoying all of the and all the guests were most recently been accepted to Michigan State University’s planned activities. There impressed. Several marriage and are exiting the arena. Veterinary Program. Leah married Larry Reid II. What a lovely setting for a wedding. are several picnic areas organizations have held where groups can enjoy workshops and dinners in the Lincoln Day Dinner their sack lunches. This is Munro Building. We’ve had several car clubs and tour Huron and Tuscola County an outstanding educational busses stop by for a visit. Republicans once again held their field trip that gets better Something new is Lincoln Day Dinner at the Thumb each year as new activities happening that I hope you will Octagon Barn Agricultural are planned and arranged. take time to come out and see Museum. They had a fun evening on October 11th. We will be complete with rides on the people hosting an open house as part mover to tour the site, a wonderful of the Michigan Barn meal, entertainment and of course The Sorenson Family provided entertainment Preservation Network’s annual some political speeches. throughout the evening for guests attending fall barn tour. The Thumb Fall Barn Tour Slated the Lincoln Day Dinner. Craig Sorenson Octagon Barn is one of five often plays with the Eastern Music Makers at sites on the driving tour. Well, The Michigan Barn Preser- our Events but this was very special as Craig you say, I’ve been there, but I vation Network (MBPN) is host- was performing with his two sons. From the bet you will have not seen the ing a Fall barn driving tour on left is the proud father Craig, Jared quilt square on site. That same October 11, 2014. The Thumb Sorenson in the middle playing the guitar and vocalizing and Justin Sorenson playing day will be the opening day of Octagon Barn will be one of the the box drum (cajone). the Thumb Quilt Trail. We are five featured barns on the There were some inquiries so very pleased to be the tour. Please sign up the day of about the pink flowers that were sponsor of this project. Please the tour at the Mayville Historical growing and in bloom along the see the related articles about Museum to receive your car east wall of the powerhouse. both events. It will be a great registration pass to stop at each Eventually the curious folks way to spend a Saturday in the site. The fee is $15.00 per adult found Dan Keane from Hem- Thumb. MBPN member or $5.00 per lock who is a beekeeper and is I’m looking forward to seeing child over 12 years old, non- also retired from the Michigan many of you during Fall Family member fee is $45.00. We will Department of Agriculture. Dan Days. Please say “HI”. be open from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 was able to identify the flower p.m. Light refreshments will be as, swamp milkweed, a native Enjoy this beautiful weather. served. For more information, perennial that has probably been growing there for years. Your Friend and President, please visit the MBPN website Bill Hollingsworth, one of our host couples, was taking at mibarn.net then open the folks around the site on the people mover being pulled Check it out when you visit Rose Newsletter tab and scroll down by a tractor. Secretary of State, Ruth Ann Johnson, got FFD. It is a quite different to the Summer 2014 edition for right up on the tractor for a photo opportunity. looking flower that hopefully will more information. still be in bloom. Thumb Octagon Barn News SUMMER 2014 Page 3 Lonesome Mountain Boys Concert David Jaroch & Richard Wrobleski, Co-Chairmen Almost 250 folks came out to enjoy an afternoon of music, humor and refreshments in the very comfortable setting in the arena of the Thumb Octa- gon Barn. Everything worked out very well, the weather cooperated and the Boys entertained for several hours. Volunteers had prepared homemade goodies for folks to enjoy during the intermission and they were appreciated by those attending the concert. Once again, Ron Kuenzli from Deford worked to control the level of amplification and the Boys thanked Ron for his efforts. The concert was partially funded by Huron County’s Thrivent Finan- cial for Lutherans. Christmas Open House in the Purdy Home Marilyn Phillips, Chairperson The Boys are relaxing before the concert was scheduled to begin. Seated on the bench in the entry way to the arena are from the left Ron Smolka, & Bill The Christmas Open House in the beautifully restored Purdy Home Brasgalla from Livonia and Richard Wrobleski of Sebewaing. Shortly after will be held November 7, 8, 9 and 11th from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. the photo was taken the Boys went on stage and entertained the 250 people each day. Admission will be $4.00 and will include a tour of the decorated in the audience for an hour before the intermission. rooms and refreshments. If interested in decorating a room, please call Marilyn Phillips at 989-665-0210. There will be prizes for the best decorat- ed rooms that a committee will select as winners. We will have hot choco- A Little Bit of History late, punch and homemade Christmas cookies that we hope folks will volunteer to donate for the Open House. Let Marilyn know if you could The Octagon become one of her cookie elves. So mark your calendar for November 7, Barn was built in th 8, 9 and 11 . Hopefully November weather will be better for this Event. 1923 and fin- ished in 1924 which means Raffle Tickets that the Barn is Sherry Kappen, 90 years old. Back in 1994, Joan Koch & Doug Monroe Rose Putnam brought a good Raffle Committee friend of his to a Barn meeting. He knew that this friend had the knowledge, skill and hopefully the Many have returned passion to undertake the restoration of the Octagon their raffle ticket stubs and Barn. The friend was Bob Hirn and, thanks to Doug, money and we thank you for Bob got involved and the rest is history. Doug said, participating in this fund “Bob had the foresight and ingenuity to know how to raiser. The rules of the see the Barn brought back to its original condition. Michigan State Lottery Perhaps he was the only one who had the capacity require that ALL tickets to accomplish this task and certainly the passion. He must be accounted for so had the knowledge and skills to bring together labor- that if you choose not to ers, builders and suppliers.” The boulder, shown participate we still need to above, that has the plaque affixed to it is from the have the tickets returned. Please mail all returns to grounds and was used to block the entry to the pow- Friends of the Octagon erhouse. Bob & Doug both wanted to preserve that Barn, P.O. Box 145, bolder. Well, it has been preserved and recognizes Gagetown, MI 48735. all of the many volunteers that contributed to bring- Tickets may also be ing the Barn back to Mr. Purdy’s dream of building returned during FFD at the an ‘air castle’ like the one he had seen while travel- Raffle Booth up until the ing in Iowa. The message on the rock reads, “Somewhere James Purdy and the Munro Brothers drawing for prize winners. One of the raffle prizes is this handmade quilt pieced by The drawing for winners will Grace Blair, Bad Axe, and quilted by the Back Street Quilt are saying, ‘Our dream is very much alive in the take place on Sunday, Shop of Bad Axe. It is beautiful and reflects our rural, conscience of Bob Hirn. The Barn is once again truly th September 7 at 4 p.m. agricultural heritage. One quilt square is shown enlarged at magnificent.’” after the Parade of the bottom of the picture. tractors.

Important Notice We ask all members when mailing any correspondence to the Thumb Octagon Barn to use the following address only: Thumb Octagon Barn, P. O. Box 145, Gagetown, MI 48735. Because we are a seasonal museum it is important that our mail be delivered to the Post Office rather than the box on Richie Road. The only reason that we began including the address on Richie Rd. was for GPS users. Thank you for your cooperation. Thumb Octagon Barn News SUMMER 2014 Page 4 The Stein Family, Loren, Lola and their sons have been coming to FFD Fall Family Days 2014 (Continued from page 1.) since the very first Event demonstrating the shingle mill and forge to craft Louis and Linda Wehrman, who A site map will be available with loca- collectible shingles that have the year handle the registrations for the flea mar- tions of activities as well as times of and an agricultural symbol imprinted on ket vendors and crafters, report that res- demonstrations and presentations. Also, them. Doug Kalis, Gagetown & ervations have been pouring in and it ap- public address announcements will be Unionville Funeral Chapels, has filled pears that we will sell out all of the spaces made throughout FFD as activities are his Gagetown facility with photos and once again this year to make it a great occurring. paintings that he bid on during our shopping experience for all. New to the As always there is a lot going on and Annual Auction and all of his Thumb grounds this year will be an ATM ma- we hope you can find the time to join us Octagon Barn shingles and plaques. Pictured is Doug’s shingle collection and chine for your convenience. Another again for a weekend of family fun. The on page 5 with the list of FFD Sponsors new item this year will be a special lumber final meeting for Fall Family Days is is a picture of Doug and his plaques that presentation on the history of lumber in August 19th at 7:00 p.m. in the Munro show he has faithfully been a sponsor Michigan presented by Bob Hirn. Building. We need ALL to volunteer. each year. When presented with his God bless, Martin 2014 plaque he immediately got the tools to affix it to his display. Souvenirs Joan Koch, Chairperson Pictured is Linda Wehrman in the Grain Elevator where she has just finished The Souvenir Booth will be tidying up. In fact, she sometimes intro- open both days of Fall Family duces herself as the sweeper in the Days, but for the workers, vol- Grain Elevator Building but she is much unteers or vendors, Joan will more than that. This building is a wonder- be at the souvenir trailer, just ful museum of agricultural history. Linda north of the garage on Friday & Louis Wehrman spend a great deal of afternoon from 4:00 until 6:00 time sharing the story of grain elevators p.m. At that time the inventory What a wonderful treat we had following our and the equipment that we are so fortu- FFD meeting in July. Martin had promised nate to have installed for demonstrations. will be fresh and fully stocked. Louie said that we have something new There are some new colors apple pie and ice cream to those attending the meeting and he didn’t disappoint. Also, it was a this year, as we try to do each year, but and cute things. Some have test to see if pie could be available to go with you’ll have to stop by to see what that requested a small logo on the homemade ice cream during FFD. The might be. Louie also planted 8 rows of clothing items and a light pink Caro Knights of Columbus prepared home- corn that will be used for field demonstra- zipper hoodie. Joan has also made apple pie and it was exceptional. The tions. The Wehrmans also take care of ordered a front license plate Knights pie bakers and servers are from the left the crafters and flea market vendors that and umbrellas that hopefully Mike Bauerschmidt, Bill Learman, licking his occupy over 200 spots. There is a wide we won’t need during FFD. fingers, Friends member, Dennis Anderson, variety of things that the vendors will have, such as furniture, handmade crafts, There will be magnets and who couldn’t wait for the meeting to end to hand carved ducks, tools and tasty treats. They report that they have only a few Joan plans on having some have his pie, and Joe Greene all of Caro. All spots still available but do encourage interested vendors to inquire and be put on a sales of merchandise. She agreed that apple pie would be a wonderful waiting list as sometimes unexpected things can happen that require folks to can- cel. Linda can be reached at 989-948-3429. hopes that visitors will continue addition to our tasty treats during FFD. to buy our gear as it is the best advertisement we could have. Walther Potato Farms, Cass City brought in their Sharon Cummins, Gagetown, is equipment (shown below) and planted a patch of picking up the sugar that she uses potatoes because we are bringing back the field to coat the hot donuts. She mixes demonstration that was so successful two years the sugar with cinnamon and folks ago. Visitors had great fun watching the large will wait in long lines to get several equipment harvesting the potatoes or folks really or even dozens of these delicious loved hand digging their own potatoes that they donuts. Some have even been could purchase for a couple of dollars. The photo known to say that the donuts are was taken by Bill Hollingsworth why they come to Fall Family The picture on the left shows the potato har- Days. This year Sharon, her family vesting equipment turning up several rows of and volunteers will be selling cider potatoes. You could hear the oohs and aahs as and coffee from her location. the potatoes were unearthed. Folks rushed out donates almost and filled their bag with those delicious freshly dug 300 pounds of white and brown potatoes. Walthers plants over 8000 acres of sugar that is used for not only the potatoes in Michigan that are used for potato donuts but for the homemade ice chips. cream and cotton candy. Thumb Octagon Barn News SUMMER 2014 Page 5 Fall Family Day Sponsors 2014 The following businesses and individuals are sponsors who provide the financial backing and/or goods to cover the cost of putting on Fall Family Days. We thank each and every one who became a FFD sponsor and encourage all to show their appreciation by patronizing those businesses that support our project.

Gold Sponsors Bill & Patsy Chippi, Caro, MI Terry & Joanne Herban, Frankfort, MI Certificate Sponsors ($250 & up) DJ’s Portable Toilets & Rentals, Owendale, MI Drs. Susan Hoppe & Charles Reed, ($10 - $49) Bartnick Services, Cass City, MI Dan & Marlene Erla, Cass City, MI Cass City, MI Karen Boomer, Lapeer, MI Bay Port State Bank, Bay Port, MI Sandra Finkbeiner, Caro, MI Jim & Carol Hunter, Port Hope, MI Rosanne D. Heme, Bay City, MI Mary J. Brauer, Clawson, MI Gregory & Christine Guza, Cass City, MI Dean & Nancy Hutchinson, Cass City, MI Barb & Alvin Hutchinson, Cass City, MI Sally J. Brauer, Troy, MI Ron & Mae Hoffman, Bad Axe, MI Douglas R. Jackson, M.D., Renewable Thumb Electric Cooperative, Ubly, MI Cass City Oil & Gas Co., Cass City, MI Huron Daily Tribune, Bad Axe, MI Energy Consultant, Midland, MI Cooperative Elevator Co., Sue Gottschalk, Fred & Diana Kausch, Sanford, MI David & Marie Jaroch, Ubly, MI Plaques are presented to Gold, Silver and Pigeon, MI Knight’s Insurance Agency, Cass City, MI Flemming & Deloris Jensen, Bronze Sponsors to recognize their contribu- Dr. & Mrs. William Corsini, Bad Axe, MI Langenburg Construction Co. Inc., St. Clair Shores, MI tion. Sponsors below the Bronze level will Country Fresh, LLC, Livonia, MI Cass City, MI Dr. John Jostock & Dr. Kenneth Tiseo, DDS receive a certificate. Richard Stacer cuts the Pat Curtis Chevrolet, Cadillac, Caro Maurer Electric, Inc., Bad Axe, MI Caro, MI wood for the plaques from the original siding of Flowers Galore & More, Cass City, MI Jason & Carol McCarty, Ubly, MI Paul Keast & Timothy Bang, Reese, MI the Barn and Martin Kubacki affixes the Gleaner’s Caro Arbor #106, Caro, MI McDonald’s Restaurant, Caro, MI Terry & Sandra Keinath, Reese, MI commemorative plate to the wooden base. Hampton Potato Farm, Essexville, MI Milligan Farms, Cass City, MI Patrick & Nancy Kendall, Bay City, MI Please note: Plaques are being hand deliv- Harris & Company, Dave & Heather Weiler, Vera Milz, Troy, MI Kelly & Company Realty, Cass City, MI Northstar Bank, Bad Axe, MI Kitten Little Smith, Cass City, MI ered locally. For those Sponsors who are Cass City, MI out of the immediate area and plan on Pat Hester, Cass City, MI Mike & Drucilla Pisarek, Cass City, MI Joey & Chad Kreeger, Cass City, MI ProBuild, Caro, MI Tim & Jean Kreiner, North Branch, MI attending FFD, please stop by the Registra- Hills & Dales General Hospital, Cass City, MI tion Table on the NW side of the Barn and Dr. S. H. Raythatha, Cass City, MI J. W. Hunt, Inc., Bad Axe, MI Tim & Debbie Kubacki, Sebewaing, MI pick up your sponsor plaque. Those unable Mary Ann Hobart Reidinger, Rochester, MI Connie L. Latuseck, Midland, MI Independent Bank, East Michigan to attend will receive their plaque by mail. ITC Holdings, Julie Garavaglia & Gary Ruth State Bank, Ruth, MI Jack & Betty Laurie, Gagetown, MI Kirsh, Novi, MI Ivernia Schwartz, Gagetown, MI Ron & Arloia Lutz, Sebewaing, MI Katie Jackson, Cass City, MI in memory of Frank J. Schwartz James E. Mackay, Kalamazoo, MI Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, MI Thabet Funeral Home, Dwight Thabet, Ken Martin Electric, Cass City, MI L. R. M. Dairy & Repair, Snover, MI Cass City, MI Arnold & Reita Maxfield, Dade City, FL McDonald’s Food & Family Center, Thumb National Bank, Cass City, MI Harvey McIntyre, Ubly, MI Bad Axe, MI Tuscola County Farm Bureau, Caro, MI Marie Myszkier, Albuquerque, NM McLachlan Farms, Bob & Edna McLachlan, Walther Potato Farms, Cass City, MI Narayan Physical Therapy & Medical Cass City, MI Louis & Linda Wehrman, Reese, MI Supply, Bad Axe, MI Frank O’Donnell & Helen Weber, Ferndale, MI Michigan Milk Producers, Dave Wittkop, Bronze Sponsors John & Bev Perry, Cass City, MI Ovid, MI ($50 - $149) Michigan Sugar Company, Bay City, MI Pisarek Brothers, Gagetown, MI Modern Woodmen of America, Reese, MI Allway Stop Market, Gagetown, MI Plain & Fancy Decorating, Nancy Hrabcak, Phil & Kathy Nichols, Decker, MI Alpaca Heights, Mary Hagen & James Cass City, MI Northwood Modular Homes, Cass City, MI Fligger, Ubly, MI Jim & Barbara Prill, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI Osentoski Equipment, Inc., Pigeon Lila Arroyo, Cass City, MI Pro Graphix, Cass City, MI Rita & Jim Osentoski, Ubly, MI Bob Ashmore, Owendale, MI Ena Reintjes, St. Clair Shores, MI Margaret Sergeant, Gagetown, MI Gerald & Donna Auten, Cass City, MI Earl & Doris Schember, Gagetown, MI Smith’s Alpaca Acres, Laurence. G. Beatenhead, Unionville, MI Jerry & Mary Ellen Schley, Dearborn Hgts., MI Richard & Vivian Smith, Gagetown, MI Gerald L. Booms, Ubly, MI LeRoy & Ginny Schluckebier, David & Diane Sting Farm, Unionville, MI Braden Tire & Service, Bad Axe, MI Frankenmuth, MI James D. Thomas, DDS, PC Cass City, MI Louise Buehrly, Cass City, MI Marjorie Schwartz, Gagetown, MI Thrivent Financial for Lutherans - Charles J. Busch, Jr., Clare, MI Don & Jan Severance, Naples, FL Chuck Volz, Caro, MI Caro Moose Family Center Sherwood on the Hill, Gagetown, MI Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Cass City Hardware, Cass City, MI Star Vision Center, Caro, MI Doug Kalis, Gagetown & Unionville Foundation, Princeton, NJ CKS Precision Machining, Bad Axe, Mike Sterker, Fort Collins, CO Funeral Chapels, is standing by his Ray & Carol Caverly, Gagetown, MI Bob & Barb Stickle, Cass City, MI plaque collection in Gagetown that Thumb Cellular, Pigeon, MI he has from the first year that Thumb Tool & Engineering Co., Bad Axe, MI Clemco Printing Co., Bad Axe, MI Superior 1, Inc. Plumbing & Heating, Larry Clerc, Bay City, MI Cass City, MI plaques were presented to our FFD Thumb Two Cylinder Club Sponsors and each year ever since. Daniel Toner, Cass City, MI Coachlight Pharmacy, Cass City, MI Leon & Susan Swartzentruber, Ubly, MI Tri-County Equipment, Sandusky, MI Janet Cooper, Reese, MI Ken and Mary Jane Sweeney, Ubly, MI Triple R. Collision, Inc. Caro, MI Rich & Lori Corl, Colorado Springs, CO Thumb Hardware & Appliance, Inc., Elkton, MI Story Time During FFD Dan & Jean Creyts, Charlotte, MI Thumb Insurance Agency, Cass City, MI Don Weber, Frankenmuth, MI & Kylie Ogryski from Ubly Bob Hirn, Cass City, MI Sharon Cummins, Gagetown, MI Henry & Ann Tschetter, Rockford, MI d/s Services, Inc., Cass City, MI Tuscola County Republican Party, Caro, MI asked her Grandfather, Martin Silver Sponsors Marilyn DeShano, Caseville, MI Valley Collision, Ubly, MI Kubacki if she could share the ($150 to $249) Karl & Marilyn DeSimpelare, Unionville, MI Susan Walker, Caro, MI story about Squeaky the Mouse and his Adventures at the Thumb ACE Hardware #267-N, Bad Axe, MI Mary M. Downing, Gagetown, MI Dick & Norma Wallace, Cass City, MI Octagon Barn with our young Atwater Farms, Ubly, MI Robert Duncan, Denfield, , Canada Wal-Mart, Caro, MI visitors during FFD. Kylie will be AVCI.net, Pigeon, MI Erla Foods, Cass City, MI Dr. Fred & Carol Walton, Deckerville, MI in the area between the School- Bad Axe Tire Service Jon & Char Fahrner, Cass City, MI Gary & Tammy Wark, Fairgrove, MI house and the new Museum Mark & Diane Battel, Cass City, MI Fritz’s Family Restaurant, Fred Diedrich, Marvin & Alice Webber, Kawkawlin, MI Building and will read both days Raymond E. & Norma J. Baur, Unionville, MI Richville, MI Barbara L. Wilson, Cass City, MI Dorothy Bills, Cass City, MI Diane Rapson Gabil, Essexville, MI George & Glenda Wilson, Gagetown, MI of FFD. Her schedule will be on Jim & Judy Brown, Cass City, MI Gagetown-Unionville Funeral Chapels, Richard & Vera Wrobleski, Sebewaing, MI the map given to visitors as well Caro Rental, Caro, MI Unionville, MI Rose Wunderlich, Farwell, MI as announced over the public Chemical Bank, Thumb Region Keny & Laura Hazard, Leesburg, FL address system. Thumb Octagon Barn News SUMMER 2014 Page 6

Grafting Ideas and Trees Johnny Appleseed, (aka David Jaroch), Chairman John Chapman, better known as Johnny Jerusalem, started by a scholar Emanuel Appleseed, probably planted his first apple Swedenborg, became a guiding light in Johnny’s orchard from seed in 1798 in Warren, life. As his religious beliefs grew, he came to Pennsylvania. Little is known about his early understand that all nature was precious and travels, as you might expect, since most people should be respected. It is rumored that John could not read or write and record keeping was would not even hurt a fly. It wasn’t until much sketchy at best. Accounts of his travels can be later in life that John Chapman became known as found, however, in storekeepers’ books or land Johnny Appleseed. records. It is known that John Chapman traveled There are many wonderful stories about west each spring to plant trees and tend his Johnny Appleseed and his adventures. For me, orchards and returned east each fall to gather the best stories are taken from “Johnny more seeds. Appleseed: The Man, the Myth, the American John was a friendly man who found peace in Story” by Howard Means. I hope you share nature and in people. Throughout his 70 years of Johnny’s love of travel and wonder throughout life he entertained, informed and inspired families your life. This is: “the news right fresh from along his trail with accounts of distant places he heaven for you.” When Michigan Apples was selected had visited. Gradually, the Church of New as our theme for 2014, David decided to go into action and become Johnny Appleseed at all of our Events. He Veteran Motor Car Club of America was for many students the highlight of The VMCCA is a touring club dedicated to the School Tours when you could have your picture taken with Johnny Apple- acquisition, preservation, restoration and exhibi- seed. Who will David be next year, tion of antique and historically significant automo- Mr. Purdy or Smokey the Bear? biles and related materials. Twenty, one and two cylinder cars ranging in model year from 1898 through 1912, registered for this trip to the Octa- 2015 Theme for gon Barn. It was an unbelievably cold morning but our Events the folks braved the elements by wearing many, Recently we asked mem- many layers of clothing. They enjoyed a hot cup of bers to present a proposal to coffee, watched the video in the Barn Theater and It was an impressive sight to see these magnificent vehicles identify our 2015 Theme for toured the various buildings. Each vehicle had a drive past the Barn and line up side by side in the north field. our Events. Many participated sign on the back that read NASTY HATCHET, 1 They were truly beautifully restored vehicles and most were and it was great to see the and 2 cylinder tour, July 29 – August 1, 2014, Bad running well. There were several that were experiencing interest and the ideas that Axe, MI and the number assigned to their vehicle. some difficulties but they had planned ahead and had a flat- were presented. At the August bed trailer traveling with them to rescue the broken down general membership meeting vehicle. Greg Lange from Saginaw arranged for the touring the top three suggestions group to come to the Thumb Agricultural Museum and were presented and the votes wouldn’t you know – his vehicle was on the trailer. were cast. The suggestion Bees were Buzzing at the Trees are our Friends was Agricultural Museum the top vote getter. The crea- Site Committee tors of this proposal are Den- Michigan Beekeepers held their summer pic- Dennis Anderson, Chairman nis Anderson & David nic at the Thumb Octagon Barn hosted by the Jaroch who will co-chair and Dennis Anderson explore how this theme can local club out of Saginaw. There were 130 plus be integrated into all areas of folks who attended the gathering and it was great has been over-seeing the planting of flowers the Thumb Agricultural Muse- that the small beekeepers had a chance to inter- um at all of our Events. They act with the larger keepers. Dean Hutchinson, around the site. He has already have lined up Rick who is a beekeeper in the area and a Friend of the secured the flowers Thompson Chevrolet of Octagon Barn, had placed some hives on the site and given some sug- Ubly who will support this so that those new to this hobby would be able to gestions as to what to Theme in whatever way pos- plant where. Gail Os- sible. Some of their teasers observe some young queens, learn how to check for this theme are: large oak for mites and the general things that beekeepers bourn, New Baltimore, one of our Host Cou- leaves with tree facts and try do all the time. Dean will be in the Theme Tent to find the acorn, visit with during FFD and will present a honey extraction ples is shown at right. Smokey the Bear and learn demonstration at 10:15 & 2:15 both days. He will She has been tending how to prevent forest fires and also have some hives and will talk about the im- to the flowers, weeding what can you make with ten portance of bees in pollinating grains, fruit blos- the beds, planting and fertilizing the flowers and sticks. Denny and Dave wel- continues to take care of them. They are beautiful come others to join their soms and flowers. Dean will also have some of his group. It will be “tree- delicious, very healthy for you honey for sale. and lend much to the over-all beauty of our site. mendous”. Thumb Octagon Barn News SUMMER 2014 Page 7 Country School Museum Building Move

The Anthes Brothers ness for over 125 years, most building moves are agreed to move the tem- first moving with horses in the tri-county region. porary School Museum and grappling hooks, and Several years ago, Anthes Building to its new location then trucks and hand Brothers moved the One near the entrance to the jacks, to the new hydraulic Room Country School Barn complex. Anthes systems of today. They from Sebewaing to its Brothers Building Movers worked on the building of location at the Thumb has been a family busi- the Bridge but Octagon Barn site.

Museum Committee The old building is gone and it looks great. The new Country School Museum is finished and ready to open its doors to Doug Monroe, Chairman the public during FFD. The Museum is beautiful and filled with memorabilia from days gone by. Be sure to visit and The Committee is working on Activities display on the north loft. see this Museum to the One Room Country Schools of the several projects this summer. The Several new artifacts used to make Tri-county area. It will bring back many fond memories. main project was to work through the income during our Michigan winters in different steps in finishing the Barn the 20’s and 30’s are on display. Theater that we now have in place in The small building, previously the Barn arena. Our first narration being used for the Country School features Bob Hirn describing the Museum, has been moved to our gate special features of the Barn and is area to be used as a Welcome Center being enjoyed by visitors in the new so we can better manage visitors on viewing area. If you have not viewed it our grounds. please take time to do so and tell us We continue to look for volunteers what you think. The second project is to come forward and help with the to put up exterior signage in front of Tool Display and the Loom Display in the Grain Elevator and the Blacksmith the loft area and the Live Animal Area Shop. They are being constructed at in the north lower barn area. If you are Three generations of Anthes Brothers Movers gathered this time and will be in place for FFD. interested please contact Doug at 989 rd as the building was being moved. From the left are Joan The 3 project is one supported by a -665-9948. Anthes Koch, Chris Anthes, Amasa Anthes, Jr. who Barn volunteer to enhance the Winter will be 95 on September 16th and Amasa (Bud) Anthes. MUSEUM DONATIONS Gerald Auten, Museum Records When donating items for our museum, please be sure to fill out a Museum Donation form so that we will have it in our records and can acknowledge your gift in our newsletter. The following donations have been made to the Thumb Agricultural Museum since our last newsletter. Keith & Jane Mitchell, Cass City, MI donated a stamp set used in schools prior to 1925 A previous project of the Museum Committee and a 1894 Michigan map. was to find a solution to the drainage problem A group of visitors are seated in the Barn Theater viewing the video about the history of the Barn and its special features. Carl McIntosh, Williamston, MI loaned to the in front of the west entrance to the Octagon Friends, while the organization is operational, Barn. When it rained during one of our Events a John Deere man’s bicycle and a John Deere it ended up becoming a muddy mess making DVD of the History of the woman’s bicycle in excellent condition. it difficult to enter the Barn. Lubeski and Son Thumb Octagon Barn Ruth (Jantz) Bentley, North Branch, MI donated Excavating designed the approach complete An effort by the Friends of the Thumb a 1930’s wood ironing board. with a safe drainage grate. We are pleased to Angela Roth, Bay City, MI donated Octagon Barn to document the Purdy Family, say that recent rains have demonstrated that property and restoration efforts from the start a #200 adding machine. the system works and we are now free of the until today has been approved by the Execu- Beth Ann Welker, Harbor Beach, MI mud puddles that people had to walk through tive Board. We are looking for interested vol- donated a No 36 raisin cutter and a May 15, to enter the Barn. It is also on the same level unteers to sit on a committee to work with the 1917 NO 117 cherry stoner. as the Barn floor making for easy access. company “Program Source International” to Dale Hasenleder, Caro, MI donated two ice put the DVD together. This project will proba- fishing Tip Ups, ice fishing pole with spearing Newsletter bly take a year and will involve research of our decoy, ice fishing sled and a spear pictures and files along with seeking grant and for ice fishing. Database and labels…….David Eichler sponsor funding. If you are interested, please Zach Deitering, Garrett Deitering & Editing……………………..Bob Hirn contact one of our members on the Executive Conner Kreeger, Cass City, MI donated Design Layout…………….Lois Moslander Board. Newsletter Coordinator.....Margaret Sergeant a small, doll rocking chair. WE ARE NOW A LANDMARK IN THE THUMB. Page 8

Friends of the Non-Profit Org. THUMB OCTAGON BARN U.S. Postage PO BOX 145 PAID Gagetown, MI 6948 RICHIE RD. Permit No. 3 GAGETOWN MI 48735

989-665-0081

FUTURE MEETINGS Upcoming Events General membership meetings will be Additional information about all of these events and reservation deadlines can be found throughout the newsletter or can be obtained We’re on the Web! held the second Tuesday, from our web site at www.thumboctagonbarn.org every other month, at 7 p.m. September 5 Annual Fish Dinner 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.., Munro Building http://www.thumboctagonbarn.org at the Gagetown Village Hall. September 6 &7 19th Fall Family Days 8 a.m.– 5 p.m. each day George Pettinger, October 11 Thumb Area Quilt Trail & MBPN Tour Web Manager Feb., April, Oct. & Dec. November 7, 8, 9 & 11 Christmas Open House 11:00 a.m. - 4 p.m. The June & August meetings will be held in the Munro Building on site. Thumb Area Quilt Trail There are currently 7 existing Quilt Trails in SPECIAL DONATIONS: Michigan. The Thumb Area is now proud to announce Following is a list of memorial donations, acknowledgements and items donated for use on the site. we will be #8. This project is in conjunction with the Michigan Barn Preservation Network and proudly Donations in memory of Pat Easton were given by Joan Koch, Cass City, MI sponsored by the Thumb Octagon Barn. The Thumb and George & Glenda Wilson, Gagetown, MI Quilt Trail is a carefully selected trail winding through Donation in memory of Sam McKnight given by Evelyn Schadd, Filion, MI the Thumb Region including Huron, Sanilac and Donation in memory of Alan & Nancy Hales given by Elizabeth Hales, Mesa, AZ Tuscola Counties. Donation in memory of Wilma Finkbeiner, Pat Holland’s Mom, given by Joan Koch, Cass City, MI The ‘barn quilt’ itself is an 8’ by 8’ painted quilt block for the Schoolhouse. attached to a frame and mounted on a barn or Donation in memory of Shirley Hogan given by Evelyn Schadd, Filion, MI historically significant building. Brochures and maps will Donations in memory of Jackie Goodell for the One Room Country School Museum were given by: Gougeon Employees Foundation, Janet Muntz, Cass City, MI, Joann Beauchamp, Bay City, MI, direct visitors around the trail for photos, shopping and Sally Sines, Clinton, MI, Joan Koch, Cass City, MI, Evelyn Ziehm, Gagetown, MI, tourism opportunities. Stephanie Robertson, Bay City, MI Our mission is to promote tourism, to promote the Donation in memory of Aaron Davis given by Louis & Linda Wehrman, Reese, MI appreciation of barns, to tell the story of a small Donation in memory of Ken McDonald given by Martin & Luci Kubacki, Ubly, MI agricultural community and to promote the art, craft and Ron Stang, Vassar, MI donated twelve spruce logs. legacy of quilt making in the Thumb Region. The trail Jim Osentoski, Ubly, MI donated 25 yards of black dirt. will increase a sense of community pride, as well as Bob & Jackie Duncan, Denfield, Ontario, Canada donated two floodlights. attract tourism to our region. Bill Chippi, Cass City, MI donated a 3 seat Club Car golf cart. In conjunction with the Michigan Barn Preservation Millington Company Star of the West, Rick Parik donated five assorted bags of soybeans Network, there will be a Driving Tour of the Thumb Trail & two bags food grade soybeans. on October 11th, 2014, showcasing our brand new Hilda Bierlein, Reese, MI donated a 20 CF Freezer. Trail! Check us out at www.thumbquilttrail.com. Brad & Gloria Groth, Holland, MI donated a shop vac.

BENEFACTORS: The following have made a donation of $10.00 or more since our last newsletter through August 15, 2014.

Winnifred (Winnie Orr) Bauman, Janet Cooper, Owendale, MI Bruce & Virginia Leipprandt, Caseville, MI Duane & Gail Osbourn, New Baltimore, MI Royal Oak, MI Robert Dennis, Davison, MI Wayne & Karen Lenton, Ubly, MI Charles & Sharron Patterson, Lapeer, MI Raymond E. & Norma J. Baur, Robert & Charlotte Dennis, Davison, MI Charles L. Mackay, Foley, AL Richard & Barbara Prime, Fairgrove, MI Unionville, MI Mr. & Mrs. Ray Errer, Bad Axe, MI William & Renee Marsrow, Roscoe & Linda Pudlik, Farmington Hills, MI Jack & Terri Beith, Linden, MI Alexander Fischer, Saginaw, MI Frankenmuth, MI Rebecca Scovill, Lansing, MI Ralph & Theresa Bielawski, Fraser, MI Sherril French, Reese, MI Glen & Maxine Moore, Unionville, MI Carol Upleger, Yale, MI Mary Brauer, Clawson, MI Delores Garety, Cass City, MI Stanton & Dorothy Moore, Charlotte, MI Fred & Carol Walton, Deckerville, MI Martha Butcher, Caseville, MI Terry & Joanne Herban, Frankfort, MI James & Carlene Munro, Gladwin, MI Mike & Toby Weaver, Sand Point, MI Dale Churchill, Deford, MI Jan Holik, Caro, MI Tom & Sue Muto, Midland, MI Jerry & Barbara Weber, Winter Park, FL Jim & Jan Collin, Lakeport, MI Tom & Jane Johnson, Williamston, MI Dan Netzley, Breckenridge, MI Larry & Suzanne Wegner, Pigeon, MI Russ & Bonnie Coones, Unionville, MI Ruth A. Leen, Carsonville, MI Phil & Kathy Nichols, Decker, MI Lucile Wehrman, Caro, MI