Thumb Octagon Barn News Home of the Thumb Agricultural Museum

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 the Thumb 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 2013

It was a one-day 18th Fall Family Days 2013 Executive September is approaching! Committee So here we go again! President Bob Hirn & Martin Kubacki, Co-chairmen Rose Putnam Excitement is building as our 18th An- and the tools that were used, and then 1st Vice President nual Fall Family Days approaches. The watching at the sawmill when a very big Martin Kubacki grounds are being prepared and the log is cut into usable boards that will be Committee Chairs are lining up their ma- used on site and being impressed with th 2nd Vice President terials and helpers for the Event. See the the sound of the saw performing this Our commemorative button for our 18 Fall Family Days features an adorable little farm Gerald Auten special requests for volunteers on page 2 task, examining the vintage tractors and and see how you can help out. We can then watching them in the daily parade at girl holding a handful of soybeans. The little girl is Hope Ogryski and we ‘hope’ that you Treasurer only make this Event a success with the three o’clock? will like it. Buttons will be for sale at the Joan Koch help of folks that volunteer their time to It is also visiting the EXHIBITORS Registration table in front of the Barn and at help before, during and after. that are demonstrating any number of the Souvenir Table by the garage. Recording Secretary What is it that makes skills needed to complete a task. They Ardis Monroe FFD so special? perform these tasks for us and we pro- tors and students will be performing Patri- Could it be watching the ANTIQUE vide the space for them at no charge. otic Programs both days in the school- Corresponding EQUIPMENT in action threshing and har- Some of these are: making butter using a house, (see schedule on page 4). The Secretary vesting our crops, the impressive sound Maytag washing machine, making a temporary Country School Museum will Marilyn DeSimpelare of the steam engines operating, learning broom especially for you, learning how to be open to the public and will be filled about the history of the lumber industry weave a rug on a wagon wheel, watching with interesting artifacts from Country Past President the veneer mill in operation, seeing a Schools throughout the Thumb. The Bob Hirn dowel made to your specifications, enjoy- Grain Elevator will come alive with the ing a marvelous display of Lionel Trains, sound of soybeans being run through the Grant Writing watching goats being milked and then mill and also experts will be telling the Chairman making butter from the milk, watching the story of the grain elevator of yesteryear. Dennis Anderson shingle mill and forge creating a com- The Blacksmith Shop will be firing up the memorative shingle just as they have forge and making interesting hinges and One Room Country since the very first FFD and watching the items needed on the farmstead. The Sug- School Chairman fashion show of vintage clothing at 2:30 ar Shack will be extracting sorghum syr- Katie Jackson each day in front of the Barn. up from sorghum grown at the Caverlys. Of course it could be the demonstra- The cider press under the trees in front of Museum Committee tions that are ongoing in our VILLAGE the Barn turn apples into a delicious cup Douglas Monroe BUILDINGS. The One Room Country School will be conducting class for visi- (continued on page 4) Grounds Chairman Louis Wehrman th 18 ANNUAL FALL FAMILY DAYS 2013 Thumb Octagon Barn Agricultural Museum Contributions to the In 2000 the team of Hirn & Kubacki worked Fish Fry in Munro Building Friends of the Thumb together to plan and organize Fall Family Friday, September 6th from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. Octagon Barn, a 501 ( c ) 3 Days and are still at it. Bob welcomed Mar- non-profit organization, are tin’s help then and to this day. They work very Adults $9.00.Children $4.50, under five are free. tax deductible according to well together and divide up the many respon- Fall Family Days the IRS guidelines. sibilities for making this Event happen. This Saturday, September 7th and Sunday, September 8th picture was taken at our 2009 Fall Family from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Web Site Days during the parade of Antique Tractors. A Daily gate admission $5.00 per person six and older. www.thumboctagonbarn.org great big thank you to these two gentlemen for all the time and effort that they have given Theme for this year’s Event to making Fall Family Days such a success. is soybeans and related products. event and it was pour- Thumb Octagon Barn News SUMMER 2013 Page 2 Letter From the President The Purdy Home FRIENDS of the THUMB OCTAGON BARN Marilyn Phillips, Chairperson Rose M. Putnam The House Committee has been working in the Open House that will be held December 14th & 15th Dear Friends, basement cleaning, removing walls and arranging from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Marilyn is planning a contest Fall Family Days is nearly displays of antique household items that have been to get interested people to sign up to decorate a room here, which means that Fall is almost stored away for many years. There are several Ironrite of the Purdy Home in period appropriate Christmas here, too. Time certainly flies by quickly machines, wooden ironing boards, containers from decorations. Some folks have already signed up but these days. soaps used years ago, washboards and much more. there are still some rooms available. If interested in I don’t often mention money, but I am The display is still a work in progress and not ready for being involved please contact Marilyn at 989-665- going to take a few minutes to do so this visitors just yet. 0210 or 989-977-0025. time. I heard a remark that caused me to There is some concern about the water leaking Marilyn thanks those who are helping to clean the stop and think about the public’s from the main chimney of the Home and thoughts are Purdy Home and of course we can always use more perception of the operation of the Thumb that having a cap covering the chimney will solve that helpers as “many hands make light the work.” Call Octagon Barn project. As a banker, I am very conscious of caring for other people’s problem. Dale Churchill, House Committee member, Marilyn if you would like to join “Cora’s Cleaning money. I’ve been at this for over forty is taking care of solving that problem. Crew”. years now (I just mentioned how time Planning is already underway for the Christmas flies!) not only in my profession but for many other organizations as well. It’s a Raffle Tickets very heavy responsibility. From our first budget back in 1994 of $3,600 to our Sherry Kappen, Joan Koch & Rose Putnam, Raffle Committee current budget of over $154,000, I would Many have returned their raffle after the Parade of tractors. say that we certainly have come a long tickets, stubs and money but some are If you choose not to participate, the way from our modest beginnings. still out. The money collected or un- tickets must still be returned according Our volunteers work very hard to save money as does the Executive Committee. sold tickets should be returned as soon to the rules of the Michigan State Lot- Many projects are hands on, hard physical as possible and can also be returned tery Commission. If unable to attend labor. Also much more time is spent on up until the drawing for prize winners. FFD, please mail all returns to Friends planning and being good stewards of the The drawing of winners will take place of the Octagon Barn, P.O. Box 145, maintenance of the Thumb Octagon Barn on Sunday, September 8th at 4 p.m. Gagetown, MI 48735. site. I am very proud of you all. We have accomplished what many thought would One Room Country School never happen. First, we saved the barn, then we restored it and now we are Katie Jackson, Chairperson Sherry Kappen will working to build an Agricultural Museum Katie and her fellow school teachers Country Schools in the Thumb Area into be available at the that we can say is the “gem” of the raffle tent area dis- Thumb. will be ready to share the story of the the permanent Museum Building before playing the prizes It all takes money. Yes, we have Country School with visitors to FFD. Katie FFD. and selling raffle money in the bank and I’m proud to say is pleased that she has several groups Once again there will be an old fash- tickets right up to the that we do and I hope that you all feel this that will be performing Patriotic Programs ioned lemonade stand near the School- drawing at 4 p.m. on way as well. Yes, we are coming up to our similar to programs that school children house where visitors can get a cold, re- Sunday, September big fundraiser to raise more money. We performed years ago in their One Room freshing drink for fifty cents. Students will 8th. Sherry will also need to continue to grow and maintain Country Schools. They will be performing be mixing, serving and collecting the be receiving tickets what we’ve built. I’m sure many of you are both days of FFD. The schedule is listed money for a cup of lemonade. Also, and stubs that have homeowners and understand what it takes with the This and That of FFD. (Page 4) young visitors can pump water into the not yet been returned just to maintain a home these days, let from our members. alone add on. We are reliant upon good We will still be using the temporary bucket in the Schoolhouse that all used to weather and God has been good to us for School Museum Building as we were drink out of (oh my) and also ring the bell many years. We have set aside some unable to put all the wonderful memora- marking the beginning of school. money for hard times, too. bilia donated through the years from Please feel free to contact any Volunteers Needed for Fall Family Days Executive Committee member regarding our finances. Any of us will be more than For your information – We have a The Friends are blessed with many volunteers who come happy to go over any concerns you might storage problem at the Barn complex forward to help out for some time during FFD. However, there have. Please share the good news that all and the Site Committee has taken are some special requests by some Chairmen who are asking is well! action to solve that problem. The for help in lining up volunteers to help out during our 18th FFD. We are excited to be hosting a Executive Committee of the Friends Following are those asking for your help and contact information. tourism summit in September. Please has approved the construction of a 60 Co-chairman, Martin Kubacki is asking anyone who could read the enclosed flyer and consider foot by 120 foot building to be located volunteer for several hours to help with parking and to drive attending or if you are unable to attend, tractor during the two day Event to contact him at 989-551- please share the information with your Southeast of the sawmill building. The 0526.He’d really like to hear from you. We also need help setting friends and relatives. volunteers are delighted as all of the up the week before. Use the same number to volunteer. We hope to see you all at Fall Family equipment that will be gathered from Ron & JulAnn Kuenzli, barrel train Chairmen, are asking Days. We are working very hard to here and there for FFD will now be provide you and your families with a for volunteers, sixteen years and older, to volunteer to drive the stored in this new structure to protect barrel trains using a garden tractor. Contact them at 989-872- wonderful, unique experience. I know I them from the elements. Also, this will can’t wait! 4717 or cell 989-670-8297. Your Friend and President, leave our current buildings available to Lisa Geiger, Admission Collection responsibilities is in need host Events without having to move Rose of volunteers to assist with collecting the gate admission. Lisa around a lot of stuff. can be reached at 989-479-9783 or her cell at 989-553-6048. Thumb Octagon Barn News SUMMER 2013 Page 3 Boys & Gals Day Out The Boys, Chairmen

The Group of faithful volunteers that gather jects and some very simple tasks that the Mon- most Mondays has accomplished so much over day Group has worked on and all are important. the past months. If you have been to the site recently you surely noticed how neat, organized and impressive everything looks. It is indeed The Thumb Octagon Barn Agricultural Museum that is becoming one of the main attractions in the Thumb. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to show eve- Ron Kuenzli, Deford is working to improve the sound system that rything but you will see some very involved pro- will cover the entire Museum Grounds. Ron is spending considerable time getting all the necessary wiring into each area. Some of the Monday Crew worked to help with the wiring. Pictured are a group of guys who are pulling the wire through conduit and that takes some tough pulling. From the left are: Norm Parker, Cass City, Lee Sowden, Owendale, Jerry Auten, Cass City & Ron Hoffman, Bad Axe. Also working but not pictured was David For years when folks working around the Barn Jaroch, Ubly and using the dozer to dig the trenches for the found a rock they always tossed it in the ditch. wiring was Louis Wehrman, Reese. This worked until we started to cut the grass in the ditch to improve the overall appearance of the A major project this summer was to improve four hook grounds. David Jaroch, Ubly is digging up those ups to accommodate the host couples motor homes rocks as they interfere with the mowing of the that include 50 amp electric service and sewer & water ditches. It was amazing the size of some of those upgrades for each unit. This was a big project and rocks that had just enough exposed to damage many of our volunteers spent considerable time to the blades on the mower. complete the task. Working on this project were Byron Arnold, Unionville, Jerry Auten, Cass City, Howard VG’s NEW Cash Gehrls, Reese, Bob Hirn, Cass City, Bill Hol- lingsworth, Merrill, David Jaroch, Ubly, Norm Par- for Class Program ker, Cass City, Lee Sowden, Owendale, Louie Wehr- man, Reese & George Wilson, Gagetown. Starting September 1, 2013, the Community Share program will become the Cash for Class program. What does Steam Power this mean for us? It’s quite simple. You Richard Stacer, Ubly has put up will no longer have to cut the community fencing to separate the parking There has always been a School share points off your receipts and turn area from the Museum Grounds. problem at the hose outlet on them in for credit for the Octagon Barn. The fencing also has signs that Paul Deo, Chairman the North side of the Purdy explain the tour guidelines. It is a If you have ever wanted to operate a steam When you use your card, your points will Home with spills that left the big improvement over the yellow engine then you should be contacting Paul automatically go to an organization of area a muddy mess. Lila caution tape that was being used. Deo at 989-658-2206 or 989-550-0077. Paul is your choice. However, you will need to Arroyo, Cass City donated 18 Richard is shown putting hinges on planning our second steam power school for sign up on their website as follows: paver bricks and Norm Par- the gate that can be opened to Saturday, August 31, 2013 from 9 a.m. until ker, Cass City, artistically www.myyesrewards.com and click allow vehicles to pass through. 5 p.m. at the Thumb Agricultural Museum. Half arranged them to form a pad “create account” tab and complete the Holding the gate in position is of the day will be in a classroom setting with to catch those spills. He then required fields. There is a long list of Duane Osbourn, New Baltimore, the other half of the day devoted to hands-on used pieces of the original organizations in the system. You have one of our hosts. involvement with steam engines focusing on bricks from the powerhouse to the option of choosing one organization safety, operation and maintenance. The School Tours 2014 make a border around the instructors will be Paul Deo and Dave Kemler (Friends of the Thumb Octagon Barn) pad. Lila uses this hose often Diane Rapson Gabil, and each participant will receive a copy of The and ALL of your points will be credited to to water all of the beautiful Steam Engine Guide by Prof. P. S. Rose as their account or you may choose two Chairperson flowers that she has planted well as other handouts and information. organizations which will split the points School Tours 2014 will be around the Purdy Home and held May 7th, May 8th and May 9th The class is limited to 25 and pre- 50/50. If you do not have a computer or around the grounds. Cora registration is required. The cost is $25.00 and during the school day. Groups Purdy, wife of James the do not wish to go on line, you may call a should plan on spending the includes lunch. The Steam School is available customer service representative at VG’s original owner of the Barn, to students 14 and older but they must be entire school day enjoying all of would be delighted with Lila’s accompanied by an adult. Those who attend who will sign you up as long as you can the planned activities. We have efforts as she always had the Steam School, can get additional training provide your VG’s “yes” card number. A several picnic areas for students beautiful flowers. when they come to FFD the following weekend percentage of the purchase amounts will and chaperones to enjoy their and that will be free. be automatically added to our group’s sack lunches. The fee is $2.00 per Tractor Monitors who This is the only Steam School account and that amount will be paid out student and chaperone. Educa- helped Trent during FFD scheduled in the State of Michigan this in March of 2014. Also, we can earn tors may sign up for School Tours year. Everyone is welcome! 2014 beginning in September Dan Caister, Lee Simms dollars with Spartan labels. Please start Larry Hoelzle, LaVerne There is still room for a few additional saving your labels to turn in. We thank 2013 through April 15, 2014 on participants. You may register and pay when Rutkowski, all of Cass City you for continuing to support the Thumb the website under “Events” at you attend, but you must let Paul know of your thumboctagonbarn.org or they Archie Allen & Dean Hoag, intentions. Octagon Barn through this program at may contact Diane Rapson Gabil Caro, Dave Klama, Ruth & VG’s. at 989-892-3105. Ron Rockwell, Snover Thumb Octagon Barn News SUMMER 2013 Page 4 Fall Family Days 2013 (continued from page 1) of apple cider. Our Cider Mill Building will be opening tagon Barn. On the north and south mows a variety next year. of period appropriate displays will be open to the Another thing that makes the visit to Fall Family public. Interpretive guides will be available in all of Days so special is the FOOD that is being prepared the various buildings listed above. on site. Start the day with a Country Style Breakfast I bet that it is the VENDORS, all 165 of them, oc- served from 8–10 a.m. Saturday, and 8-11 a.m. Sun- cupying 238 spaces. Co-Chairs Linda & Louie day prepared by the Caro Knights of Columbus Wehrman report that the vendors have a wide varie- The barrel train is a big hit with the children. They will #3224. Also available each day will be homemade ty of items for sale including all price ranges. There be running the trains by the Children’s Activity tent bean soup, cotton candy, fresh pressed apple cider, will be something for everyone. All spaces are sold across the creek. Ron and JulAnn Kuenzli are in fresh donuts, homemade ice cream, fresh lemonade, but sometimes there is a cancellation so the charge of this area for FFD. They are in need of drivers chicken strips and fries and hog kettle popcorn. A Wehrman’s are taking names for a waiting list. Call of the lawn tractors to pull the barrel trains. See contact information in the volunteer article on page 2. food concession is also available for visitors in the Linda at 989-948-3429. Munro Building. We have planned many activities for our younger Maybe it’s the MUSIC that is provided by Arlen visitors that will make Fall Family Days special for the Bannick and the Eastern Michigan Music Makers CHILDREN. Most of these occur across the creek who start the Event with a Music Jam in the Barn on and Maplewood Petting Zoo will fill the north side of Friday from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Then they will perform the Octagon Barn with animals. The Children’s Activi- each day from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. under the trees in ty Tent has a wide range of fun things for our young- front of the Barn. On Saturday evening folks are invit- er visitors. There will be Barrel Train rides and horse- ed to gather in the Barn for a good old fashioned drawn wagon rides available free of charge. Barn Dance and Sing-a-long. Folks are also invited All of the wonderful activities, ANTIQUE EQUIP- to a gospel sing on Sunday morning at 10 a.m. This MENT, EXHIBITS, VILLAGE BUILDING, FOOD, group has been performing at our Events from the MUSIC, CRAFT WORKSHOPS, RESTORED ORIGI- There will be many volunteers on site starting with very beginning. NAL BUILDINGS, VENDORS AND CHILDREN’S Labor Day and on through FFD and especially after the Event. Karen Lenton, Kitchen supply chairperson, and Could it be the CRAFT WORKSHOPS planned ACTIVITIES that will be a happening during Fall Marilyn DeSimpelare, Unionville, prepare lunches for by Linda Bailey and held in the beautifully restored Family Days certainly make it special. But the folks sometimes fifty or more volunteers during the set-up Purdy Garage? There will be workshops both days who come each year to enjoy a day together are the for FFD. How wonderful it is to work hard and then for adults at no charge but donations are appreciat- most special part of FFD. It is fun to watch them get- have a lunch prepared for you. It is greatly appreciated. ed to assist with Barn projects. The workshops will ting reacquainted with friends that perhaps they begin with Aaron Davis of Marshall demonstrating haven’t seen for years. We are planning and hoping and teaching the art of rope making from 9 a.m. until for 15,000 to once again visit and enjoy the Thumb 10 a.m. (See schedule of events below.) Agricultural Museum the weekend after Labor Day. It could be the beautifully restored ORIGINAL FAMILIES & FRIENDS COMING TOGETHER FOR BUILDINGS that Mr. James Purdy had built on his A DAY AT THE THUMB AGRICULTURAL MUSE- Mud Lake Estate. The Purdy Home has been careful- UM DURING OUR 18TH FALL FAMILY DAYS - ly restored and takes you back to the 1920’s when NOW THAT’S SPECIAL!! the Purdy family lived there. Dulcimer players will be Our final FFD Meeting is scheduled for Tues- th filling the Home with their melodic sound. The Power- day, 7 p.m. on August 27 at the Barn site in the Pictured are the crew working to prepare the fish for the Fish house will give visitors an opportunity to see how Mr. Munro Building. Come and join us to see how Fry held Friday, September 7th from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Munro Purdy provided electricity for his homestead. Of you could become involved. Building. Greg Talaski, Filion, MI on the right, is the Fish Fry course the centerpiece of the entire Event in the Oc- chef who works steadily the entire time of the Supper. He is known for his delicious fish. In the center is his wife, Margie, who he met several years ago while, you got it, helping at This and That Regarding Fall Family Days FFD preparing the fish with the batter before frying. The schedule for the Patriotic Programs All of the following workshops in the One Room Country School is as follows: will be taught by Linda Bailey, Cass City Pictured is Saturday, 10:30 & 12:30 - Cass City student group Saturday & Sunday, 10:30 – 11:30 Arlen Bannick, Saturday, 11:30 & 1:30 - Cass City home school group Bad Axe, MI at Learn techniques for creating a “doll” out of ordinary Sunday, 12:00 & 2:00 - Sacred Heart Children’s Choir, Caro the Lonesome corn husks. History of this art form will be discussed. Mountain Boys Adult Craft workshops will be held in the Garage for folks Saturday & Sunday, 12:30 – 1:30 Concert. He interested in learning and wanting to work with their hands. Oil Stick Stenciling - Learn the technique for applying injured his left These workshops are for adults but youngsters are color to a negative space. Lots of variety in method & use. hand when he slipped and fell. welcomed to attend when accompanied by an adult. Saturday & Sunday 2:00 – 3:00 Also, participants are encouraged to be in attendance It has been a “Painting” with threads. Learn basic embroidery stitches at the start of each session to get instructions long recovery to create a simple design. and complete the project. and he is hopeful that the cast will come The schedule is as follows: Saturday ONLY 3:30 – 4:30 Scrapbook Mats. off soon and that he will be up to full Take a plain paper mat and enhance with scrapbook paper strength for FFD. This will be Arlen’s and Saturday & Sunday, 9:00 – 10:00 th and embellishments to add interest to your prize photos. the Eastern Michigan Music Makers 18 Rope splicing with Aaron Davis, Marshall. Workshop Money Hunt in the Children’s Activities Tent FFD as they played at the very first FFD. will include unique techniques for splicing sisal roping at 1 p.m. each day. and history of this “lost “ art. See children’s activity picture on page 5 for details.

Thumb Octagon Barn News SUMMER 2013 Page 5 Fall Family Days Sponsors 2013 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 Raymond E. & Norma J. Baur, Unionville, MI Daniel & Marlene Erla, Cass City, MI Valley Collision, Ubly, MI ($250 & up) Dorothy Bills, Cass City, MI Jon & Char Fahrner, Cass City, MI VIP Salon, Cass City, MI Jim & Judy Brown, Cass City, MI Fritz’s Family Restaurant, Fred Diedrich, Susan Walker, Caro, MI Atwater Farms, Inc. in memory of Dennis Hagen, Chemical Bank, Thumb Region Richville, MI Dick & Norma Wallace, Cass City, MI Ubly, MI Sandra Finkbeiner, Caro, MI Diane Rapson Gabil, Essexville, MI Wal-Mart, Caro, MI Bartnik Service, Cass City, MI Ron & Mae Hoffman, Bad Axe, MI Keny & Laura Hazard, Leesburg, FL Dr. Fred & Carol Walton, Deckerville, MI Bay Port State Bank, Bay Port, MI Huron Daily Tribune, Bad Axe, MI Terry & Joanne Herban, Frankfort, MI Marvin & Alice Webber, Kawkawlin, MI Mary J. Brauer, Clawson, MI Knight’s Insurance Agency, Cass City, MI Marie Hobart & William Kadish, Worcester, MA Barbara L. Wilson, Cass City, MI Sally J. Brauer, Troy, MI Maurer Electric, Inc., Bad Axe, MI Drs. Susan Hoppe & Charles Reed, Cass City, MI George & Glenda Wilson, Gagetown, MI Cass City Oil & Gas Co., Cass City, MI Jason & Carol McCarty, Ubly, MI Jim & Carol Hunter, Port Hope, MI Richard & Vera Wrobleski, Sebewaing, MI Cooperative Elevator Co., Sue Gottschalk, McDonald’s Restaurant, Caro, MI Dean & Nancy Hutchinson, Cass City, MI Rose Wunderlich, Farwell, MI Pigeon, MI Milligan Farms, Cass City, MI Douglas R. Jackson, M.D., Renewable Energy Dr. & Mrs. William Corsini, Bad Axe, MI Certificate Sponsors Vera Milz, Troy, MI Consultant, Midland, MI Country Fresh, LLC, Livonia, MI ($10 - $49) Northstar Bank, Bad Axe, MI Doug Kalis, Gagetown Funeral Chapel, Pat Curtis Chevrolet, Cadillac, Caro & Mike & Drucilla Pisarek, Cass City, MI Gagetown, MI Theresa and Ralph Bielawski, Fraser, MI Curtis Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Cass City ProBuild, Caro, MI Terry & Sandra Keinath, Reese, MI Karen Boomer, Lapeer, MI DJ’s Portable Toilets & Rentals, Owendale, MI Dr. S. H. Raythatha, Cass City, MI Patrick & Nancy Kendall, Bay City, MI Anne L. Cenci, O. P. Saginaw, MI Paul & Phyllis Findlay, Caro, MI Ivernia Schwartz, Gagetown, MI Kelly & Company Realty, Cass City, MI Russ & Bonnie Coones, Unionville, MI Gleaner’s Caro Arbor #106, Caro, MI in memory of Frank J. Schwartz Paul Keast & Timothy Bang, Reese, MI Rosanne D. Heme, Bay City, MI Gregory & Christine Guza, Cass City, MI Signature Bank, Bad Axe, MI Kitten Little Smith, Cass City, MI Alvin Hutchinson, Cass City, MI Hampton Potato Farm, Essexville, MI Bob & Barb Stickle, Cass City, MI Tim & Debbie Kubacki, Sebewaing, MI Dolores Merchant, Ocqueoc, MI Harris & Company, Dave & Heather Weiler, David & Donna Sting Farm, Unionville, MI Jack & Betty Laurie, Gagetown, MI Plaques are presented to Gold, Silver and Bronze Cass City, MI Thabet Funeral Home, Dwight Thabet, Ron & Arloia Lutz, Sebewaing, MI Sponsors to recognize their contribution. Sponsors Pat Hester, Cass City, MI Cass City, MI James E. Mackay, Kalamazoo, MI below the Bronze level will receive a certificate. Hills & Dales General Hospital, Cass City, MI Thumb Cellular, Pigeon, MI Ken Martin Electric, Cass City, MI Richard Stacer cuts the wood for the plaque from J. W. Hunt , Inc., Bad Axe, MI Thumb National Bank, Cass City, MI Arnold & Reita Maxfield, Dade City, FL the original siding of the Barn and Martin Kubacki Independent Bank, East Michigan Tuscola County Farm Bureau, Caro, MI Harvey McIntyre, Ubly, MI affixes the commemorative plate to the wooden ITC , Julie Garavaglia, Novi, MI Unionville Printing Co., Bill & Betty Koepf, Patricia Mead, Clifford, MI base. Katie Jackson, Cass City, MI Unionville, MI Narayan Physical Therapy & Medical Supply, Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City, MI Please note: Plaques are being hand delivered Louis & Linda Wehrman, Reese, MI Bad Axe, MI McDonald’s Food & Family Center, Bad Axe, MI locally. For those sponsors who are out of the Frank O’Donnell & Helen Weber, Ferndale, MI McLachlan Farms, Bob & Edna McLachlan, Bronze Sponsors immediate area and plan on attending FFD, Pebbles Plus/Shagene Excavating, Cass City, MI Cass City, MI would you please stop by the Registration ($50 - $149) Pisarek Brothers, Gagetown, MI Michigan Milk Producers, Dave Wittkop, Ovid, MI Table on the N W side of the Barn and pick up Allway Stop Market, Gagetown,MI Plain & Fancy Decorating, Nancy Braun, Michigan Sugar Company, Bay City, MI your Sponsor Plaque. Those unable to attend Alpaca Heights, Mary Hagen & James Fligger, Cass City, MI Phil & Kathy Nichols, Decker, MI will receive their plaque by mail. Ubly, MI Jim & Barbara Prill, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI Osentoski Equipment, Inc., Pigeon Lila Arroyo, Cass City, MI Pro Graphix, Cass City, MI Margaret Sergeant, Gagetown, MI Bob Ashmore, Owendale, MI Mary Ann Hobart Reidinger, Rochester, MI Smith’s Alpaca Acres, Richard & Vivian Smith, Gerald & Donna Auten, Cass City, MI Ena Reintjes, St Clair Shores, MI Gagetown, MI AVCI.net, Pigeon, MI Ruth Drain Tile, Inc., Ruth, MI James D. Thomas, DDS, PC Cass City, MI Mark & Diane Battel, Cass City, MI Earl & Doris Schember, Gagetown, MI Thrivent Financial for Lutherans - Chuck Volz, Laurence. G. Beatenhead, Unionville,MI Jerry & Mary Ellen Schley, Dearborn Hgts., MI Caro, MI Gerald L. Booms, Ubly, MI Marjorie Schwartz, Gagetown, MI Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Foundation, Louise Buehrly, Cass City, MI Scottish American Society of Michigan, Appleton, WI Charles J. Busch, Jr., Clare, MI Royal Oak, MI Thumb Tool & Engineering Co., Bad Axe, MI Cass City Chronicle, Cass City, MI Don & Jan Severance, Palm Harbor, FL Thumb Two Cylinder Club Cass City Hardware, Cass City, MI Sherwood on the Hill, Gagetown, MI Daniel Toner, Cass City, MI Ray & Carol Caverly, Gagetown. MI Star Vision Center, Caro, MI Tri-County Equipment, Sandusky, MI Clemco Printing Co. , Bad Axe, MI Mike Sterker, Fort Collins, CO Triple R. Collision, Inc. Caro, MI Coachlight Pharmacy, Cass City, MI Superior 1, Inc. Plumbing & Heating, Daniel & Beth Walz, Sebewaing, MI Janet Cooper, Reese, MI Cass City, MI Don Weber, Frankenmuth, MI & Bob Hirn, Rich & Lori Corl, Colorado Springs, CO Ken and Mary Jane Sweeney, Ubly, MI Cass City, MI Dan & Jean Creyts, Charlotte, MI Thumb Electric Cooperative, Ubly, MI Silver Sponsors Sharon Cummins, Gagetown, MI Thumb Hardware & Appliance, Inc., Elkton, MI The fish are the big draw for the Friday ($150 to $249) Marilyn DeShano, Caseville, MI Thumb Insurance Agency, Cass City, MI Fish Fry but there is a lot of planning, Karl & Marilyn DeSimpelare, Unionville, MI ACE Hardware #267-N, Bad Axe, MI Kenneth F. Tiseo, DDS, Caro, MI preparing and work to get all of the Mary M. Downing, Gagetown, MI Bad Axe Tire Service Henry & Ann Tschetter, Rockford, MI other items on the menu ready. Some D/S Services, Inc., Cass City, MI of these are baked fish, baked beans, Pictured are Mary Inbody, scalloped potatoes, corn, coleslaw, rolls Pictured is the Snover, MI and Bernadette and dessert. George and LaVonne plaque that Sponsors Schwalm, Ubly who are in Pettinger, Snover, MI go non-stop on will receive. Since our charge of the Children’s Friday to make sure that all these theme for 2013 FFD is Activities. Last FFD they tried things are available for our guests at soybeans and related a new activity and the children the Fish Fry. Pictured is LaVonne products, the plaque seemed to really enjoy the Pettinger, Snover, MI getting some- shows the life cycle of experience. So they plan to thing needed for the meal. the soybean from once again have a “Money germination, emergence, pod growth and seed development to the Hunt” for children up to twelve mature plant. The soybean is a legume related to clover, peas and For Everyones’ years old. This will take place alfalfa. Soybeans are grown in 31 states by some 500,000 U. S. Information in the Children’s Activities farmers. More soybeans are grown in the U. S. than anywhere else in Martin Kubacki wants everyone Tent at 1 p.m. both Saturday the world. Recent harvests have yielded about 3.3 billion bushels of to know that there is NO CHARGE for and Sunday. Youngsters will soybeans each year and nearly 2 million acres of soybeans are planted tractor & engine exhibitors at this search for money in a pile of annually in Michigan. The soybean is truly an incredible bean and is year’s Event. There is a rumor out sawdust. There will be two groups, five and under and 6 to often called “The Miracle Crop“ because of its many important uses. there that we are charging and WE 12. The hunt will be timed and of course the Money Hunters Information provided by the Michigan Soybean Promotion Committee. ARE NOT and never have. get to keep their treasure. Thumb Octagon Barn News SUMMER 2013 Page 6 Concert in the Barn David Jaroch, Chairman

On Sunday, July 28, 2013 the the mow floor above our heads. The Friends hosted the third concert at the whole experience is very enjoyable.” Thumb Agricultural Museum when the Because several of the players come Lonesome Mountain Boys performed from some distance, David and Marie in the arena of the Barn. Folks started Jaroch, Ubly, prepared lunch for the to arrive in the rain, but as we got closer Boys and they are most appreciative of to the scheduled time for the Concert, this. the rain stopped. It was a nice cool day Richard had arranged to have pre- Pictured are the Lonesome Mountain Boys performing in the arena of and folks were very comfortable and we concert music as folks were arriving the Barn. It truly is a beautiful setting for a Concert. The Boys are from didn’t need to worry about the rain as and finding a seat. Participating in the the left, Mark Kemner, Eastpointe, MI, Bill Brasgalla, Livonia, MI, we are fortunate to have the “biggest pre-concert session were: Robby Steff, Ron Smolka, Livonia, MI and Richard Wrobleski, Sebewaing, MI umbrella in Tuscola County.” Caleb Smith and Richard Wrobleski Picture taken by Crystal Bauer, Sebewaing. Richard Wrobleski, Sebewaing is all from Sebewaing. the contact person for the Lonesome Ron Kuenzli, Deford worked with Mountain Boys and David Jaroch, the Group to amplify their equipment Souvenirs Chairman of the concert, works with the used during the Concert. The Mountain Joan Koch, group to have everything ready. Boys were “tickled with the sound” and Chairperson Richard appreciates working with David thanked Ron for his efforts. Ron is Joan has a new as they are always looking for ways to working on the sound system supply of souvenirs improve the experience. Richard said, throughout the Barn complex ready to go for FFD. “The Arena of the Barn is a wonderful volunteering all of his time spent on this She has ordered coffee venue for a Concert. I especially love project. It will be ready for FFD. cups, lots of camouflage the implements that are on display on hats and water bottles. Also, this year there will Henry Ford and Agriculture (Especially Soybeans) Joan Koch, Gagetown, is pictured inside the souvenir trailer organizing be a new style of sweat- Last year when Soybeans was cho- tractor development. He wanted to “lift the the stacks and stacks of shirts and shirt in a wide variety of sen as our Theme for FFD 2013 most of burden of farming from flesh and blood hats in all sizes and colors popular colors. After the us didn’t really know a great deal about and place it on steel and motors.” In 1916 rainy weather on the this crop. At our meetings, Louie & Linda the Ford Dearborn tractor plant opened final day of School Tours, Joan decided to order umbrellas Wehrman, Reese, members of the Michi- with the first tractors, the Fordson, availa- with the Barn logo. We of course will hopefully not even gan Soybean Association and the Friends ble in 1918 until production came to an need to open them during FFD but they are great to have of the Thumb Octagon Barn, have shared end in 1964. on hand when rainy weather happens. the story of the Soybean and their many Henry Ford was convinced that he Joan notes that our prices are kept low and reasonable uses in our daily lives. Following is how could GROW a car rather than manufac- because those that purchase our souvenirs are our best Henry Ford was instrumental in creating ture one. He used many commodities form of advertising. Joan will be selling souvenirs on Fri- an awareness of soybeans in this country such as cotton for upholstery, linseed and day, Sept. 6 from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. and both days of and how he used this “Miracle Crop” in soybean oil for paint, and experimented the FFD event during regular show hours. the assembly of his vehicles then and to with molasses for antifreeze. In 1933, this day. The following information was Henry Ford was growing soybeans on taken from an article by Ned Birkey, MSU some of his 12,000 acres and he was the Weekly Updates Available Extension. largest soybean grower in America. In a “Henry Ford was born in 1863 and 1935 TIME magazine article it mentioned David Jaroch, Update Messenger raised on a family farm in Dearborn, MI. that Ford would use soybeans from If you are interested in receiving updates about the His family came to the United States from 61,000 acres. It was estimated that a projects that are going on at the Barn, David sends out Ireland after trying to earn a living there by bushel of soybeans was used in the man- farming. Henry was not interested in the ufacturing of every Ford car.” a weekly update and agenda for our great Monday hard, physical work and long hours of The promotion and development of work crew. If interested, send an email to David at farming so he left the farm at the age of soybeans as an agricultural product [email protected]. Every year the needs of the 16 for Detroit to work in machine shops. proved to be one of Henry Ford’s greatest Barn seem to be growing and everyone is invited to Realizing that farmers needed a rugged, contributions to American agriculture. participate no matter what their contribution. reliable tractor and one that they could What goes around comes around. afford, led Henry Ford to an interest in The Munro Building is Lincoln Day Dinner pictured all ready for folks to arrive for dinner. Huron and Tuscola County Republicans hosted their Lincoln Day Dinner at the Thumb The table decorations Octagon Barn Agricultural Museum on Friday, June 14, 2013. They transformed the Munro were red, white and Building into a very patriotic setting with seating for 200 people. Before dinner the Friends blue. There is a lot of conducted continuous tours of the Museum and Historic Buildings. We appreciated that they stuff stored in the back chose our site for their meeting and possibly they might return next year. Michigan Lt. of the building. Governor, Brian Calley, was the keynote speaker who also enjoyed a tour of the Octagon Hopefully, with our new building all those pieces of equipment will be stored elsewhere and Barn. (See photo at right.) leave the Munro Building open for meetings at any time. Thumb Octagon Barn News SUMMER 2013 Page 7 Museum Committee Doug Monroe, Chairman The Museum Committee has several projects in the works. 3. We have Executive Committee permission to drain the Active projects are: rain water away from in front of the Barn doors during rainy weather. This will be done after FFD. 1. Establish an Orientation Theater to educate visitors on 4. Lastly we are still arranging the displays in the loft area to what will be seen on tours and the Mission of the make us look more like the Museum we would like to be. Friends. It will also double as a presentation tool to groups WE NEED VOLUNTEERS to come forward and for use by the Friends in meetings. and help with the creation of displays. 2. Narration equipment for the tour guides to standardize If you are interested in helping with your creative skills, contact their presentation when touring visitors. Doug at 989-665-9948. WE NEED A VOLUNTEER to come forward to help in the management of this project before we can go forward with the expenditure. Tuscola County Historical Consortium Open House Weekend The 2nd annual open house weekend was Our guests were given free tours of any held on June 29 & 30th at six historical muse- and all the buildings on site. Lew Martin had a ums in Tuscola County. Each museum had a fire going in the Blacksmith Shop and Mark special themed display and offered refresh- Battel was on duty to give tours. Katie Jack- ments. Everyone lent a helping hand and the son was on hand at the schoolhouse. We site looked especially nice with the lawn freshly greeted many new visitors to the Thumb. The mowed, the ditches all trimmed up and many Consortium designed a passport for the visi- The musicians performing for visitors during the Museum Tours beautiful flowers (thanks, ladies!) to brighten up tors, which requires a special stamp from each Days are from the left, Andy Zagata, Richard Wrobleski and the area. The Thumb Octagon Barn for the first location. Once the passports are full, they can Robby Steff. They are playing at the west entrance to the Barn. time offered live music through our improved be turned into any museum and prizes will be Pictured with his back to the musicians is Ron Kuenzli as he sound system. Volunteers Richard awarded on November 15, 2013. Please con- checks out the sound system that is broadcasting all over the site. Wrobleski, Andy Zagata & Robby Steff, all tact Rose Putnam (989-872-4435) with ques- from Sebewaing, played in the Barn and it was tions or to volunteer to help with this project.. If broadcast throughout the grounds. Our visitors you missed this opportunity, it will be back in appreciated this special treat as did the volun- 2014. teers on site. Thank you, Dave Jaroch and Ron Kuenzli for making this happen.

MUSEUM DONATIONS Jerry Auten, Museum Records The following donations have been made to the Thumb Agricultural Museum since our last newsletter. Linda Cveller & Jack Leusing, Freeland, MI donated five dynamite augers, two horse collars, a cream separator, Two of the visitors that enjoyed their visit to the Thumb Agricultur- corn sheller and a hay sling with wood slats in excellent al Museum during the Tuscola County Museums’ Open House condition. were Yvonne Walker, Croswell and her son Chris Walker visiting Bob White, Cass City, MI donated an ox shoe. from Baltimore, Maryland. They are looking at the tree cookie Paul McKelvey, Dexter, MI donated a school desk in honor of displayed in the arena of the Barn. Doug Monroe, Museum Barbara Maynard McKelvey. Chairman, has put together this display. He has marked the rings When donating items for our museum, please be sure to fill out on the tree to coincide with events happening at the Barn and has a Museum Donation form so that we will have it in our records prepared a written explanation as well. The tree was planted Pictured is Jerry Auten, and can acknowledge your gift in our newsletter. sometime between 1896 and 1900 and was cut down in 2010 Museum Records, who has all when it was 114 years old. donated items cataloged in a binder with all the necessary MEMBERSHIP information including a picture. Attention to those people who have a different mailing address during the winter months. It is very important that you All of this information is also stored on his computer and he let us know as bulk mail is not forwarded. Usually when mail cannot be delivered it is simply thrown away. Last March the is able to retrieve information 484 zip codes were returned for those folks who had a different mailing address for the winter months. I was most apprecia- regarding any item very quickly. tive as further checking revealed the problem. Please let us know the temporary winter address and also the months It’s quite amazing. Jerry also that it will be used. makes tags for these donated Doris Schember will once again be handling the Membership Area in the Souvenir Tent during FFD. Members can museum pieces. bring their renewal information to Doris and she will also be encouraging folks to become members. 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 2013 Upcoming Events We’re on the Web! General membership meetings will be held at the September 6 Annual Fish Supper 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. http://www.thumboctagonbarn.org September 7 & 8 18th Annual Fall Family Days 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Aaron Davis & George Pettinger Gagetown Village Hall September 18 Tourism Summit at Barn Web Managers December 14 & 15 Christmas Open House in Purdy Home, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Oct. 8 & Dec. 10, 7 p.m. May 7, 8, 9, 2014 School Tours by reservation only Additional information about all of these events and reservation deadlines can be found throughout the newsletter or can be obtained from our web site at Ed Nicholson, Fairgrove has volunteered to cut the www.thumboctagonbarn.org acres of grass on the Barn grounds for several years using his own equipment. At our Annual Meeting he shared a poem that he had written and thought about as he cut away. It is too long to print in its entirety but the opening and final SPECIAL DONATIONS: comments are repeated here as they express the feelings of Following is a list of memorial donations, acknowledgements many of our volunteers. This poem is dedicated to my friends at the Octagon and items donated for use on the site. Barn. It is all in good fun, I don’t mean any harm………… Donations in memory of Dick Scharich given by Barbara Scharich, Oh, thank you Rose for letting me share my poem Burton, MI & Brenda J. Besant, Burton, MI in memory of my Dad. & the way it did flow, Donations in memory of Jean Osborn, sister of Marilyn Peters and This took a lot longer to do than when the lawn I do mow. Norma Wallace given by Margaret Sergeant, Gagetown, MI No matter what your contribution, & Norma Wallace, Cass City, MI remember, we all get the same pay. Donations in memory of David R. Vollmer who died suddenly owned You’re all appreciated whether you give money, time or items to display. Vollmer Ready Mix of Pigeon were given by: Ron & Linda Nelson, I call it pleasure to come here, when I can, and do what I do, Haslette, MI, Bob Glees, Mr. & Mrs. Tim Kubacki, Sebewaing, MI, …VOLUNTEERING WITH THESE WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO MAKE UP Marc & Michelle Hill, Pigeon, MI, Mr. & Mrs. Don Parrish, Pigeon, “THE OCTAGON BARN CREW.” MI, Lois Blondell, Owendale, MI, Don & Alice Wissner, Owendale, Ed is pictured in his professional lawn cutting tractor getting ready to continue cutting. MI, Ron Wolfram Family, Sebewaing, MI, Mr. & Mrs. Terry Haag, Sebewaing, MI, Beatrice Elenbaum, Unionville, MI, Scott & Jennifer BENEFACTORS: The following have made a donation of $10.00 or more Wissner, Sebewaing, MI, Gary & Deann Protzman, Caseville, MI, since our last newsletter through August 15, 2013. Mr. & Mrs. Alan Kundinger, Sebewaing, MI, Mr. & Mrs. Bryce Kundinger, Sebewaing, MI, Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Kundinger, Sebewaing, MI Raymond E. & Norma J. Baur, Unionville, MI Thomas & Elizabeth Fritz, Gagetown, MI Leaning Pine Greenhouse, Melvin & Katie Schlabach, Cass City, MI Ralph & Theresa Bielawski, Fraser, MI Gerry & Russ Leavitt, Bay City, MI gave us as many of their end of the season flats of flowers and Fran Simmons Bishop, Haleyville, AL Lesley Markle, Mattawan, MI tomato plants that the Barn could use. Mary Brauer, Clawson, MI James & Carlene Munro, Gladwin, MI Marlene Erla, Cass City, MI donated an electric roaster. Mark & Jeanette Brewer, Bay Port, MI Janet Muntz, Cass City, MI Lila Arroyo, Cass City, MI donated two electric roasters and 18 paver Bruce & Marjorie Coleman, Rochester Hills, MI Tom & Sue Muto, Midland, MI bricks used to make a pad for the hose outlet on the North side Jim & Jan Collin, Lakeport, MI Marie A. Myszkier, Albuquerque, NM of the Purdy Home. Russell & Bonnie Coones, Unionville, MI Dan & Corey Netzley, Essexville, MI A donation in memory of Jean Rochefort, Bad Axe was given Clarence & Leona Depcinski, Bad Axe, MI Duane & Gail Osbourn, New Baltimore, MI by Martin & Luci Kubacki, Ubly, MI Jon C. & Charmaine Fahrner, Cass City, MI John & Bev Perry, Cass City, MI Louie & Linda Wehrman, Reese, MI donated 10 hardwood logs cut Sherril French, Reese, MI Barbara Prime, Fairgrove, MI from their Centennial Farm. The logs have been sawed into boards Janet Retford, Owendale, MI at our sawmill and used for the flooring in the Cider Mill Building. It Muriel Reynaert, Lexington, MI gives the the Wehrmans a good feeling to know that their trees Newsletter Patrick & Susan Ross, Waterford, MI were used at the Thumb Agricultural Museum. Database and labels…….David Eichler Robert & Sharon Rumon, Caro, MI Jim & Judy Brown, Cass City, MI donated in honor of th Editing……………………..Bob Hirn Mike & Linda Slocum, Vassar, MI Dean & Nancy Hutchinson’s 50 wedding anniversary. Design Layout…………….Lois Moslander Willa Vargas, Bellevue, NE Ed Nicholson, Fairgrove donated a 1500 watt electric heater for the Newsletter Coordinator.....Margaret Sergeant Gary & Tammy Wark, Fairgrove, MI kitchen in the Munro Building. Jerry & Barbara Weber, Winter Park, FL Mark Battel, Cass City donated 16 pine logs to be used at the sawmill.