In an age that seems to favor newness and disposability over preservation and restoration, the Lake Township Historical Society seeks to keep the past alive.
On July 26, in celebration of America’s 250th, the organization sponsored a tour of Dr. Mark Smith’s Hickory Run Farm, featuring a newly renovated Dutch-style bank barn, a pioneer museum and a century home. Dr. Smith not only has an appreciation for historical items from the 1800s, but also a keen eye for design, creating stunning antique displays. He offered the tour as a fundraiser for the Historical Society.
The Lake Township Historical Society thanked everyone who helped make the event a celebration of American history. Special thanks went to Kingsway Farm’s Kevin King for providing parking and one of the hayride wagons; Ben Sommers for driving a historic John Deere tractor and wagon; the Hartville Fire Department for safety patrol; and Scott of Hartville Golf Carts for providing one of the company’s carts.
Gabrielle FitzPatrick, the Illuminated Harpist, performed in the farmhouse solarium, featuring her arrangement of “Clair de Lune.” Donna Hall and friends led hymns, patriotic songs and folk songs in the lunch area, while Joe Matzzie filled the upper level of the barn with the sounds of the hammer dulcimer, mandolin and other traditional folk instruments. Dale Zimmerman photographed the event for the Historical Society archives.
More than 40 Lake Township Historical Society volunteers helped the fundraiser run smoothly. The organization also thanked everyone who attended and purchased tickets.
The event was made possible through the many hours Dr. Smith devoted to creating his historical displays. The Historical Society thanked him for sharing his farm in support of the organization…