See Heritage Center construction--the conversion of a Swiss Settlement barn--in progress

June 8 from 1:00-4:00 p.m., at the Schumacher Homestead, 8350 Bixel Rd.

On "Second Saturdays" from June-August, the Schumacher Homestead will be open for special activities and tours of the the air-conditioned farmhouse, as well as the summer kitchen, garden, workshop and barn. Cost: $5 for adults.

On June 8 from 1:00-4:00 p.m., Van Risser will demonstrate and share examples of hearth cooking. During the early years Swiss Settlement cooks used a back fire and pulled hot coals forward under a cast iron pot.

During that time period, cooks needed to control their fire and plan what kind of heat was needed for different tasks—roasting, boiling, frying, stewing, heating water for washing, etc. A steady supply of firewood was essential and was probably logged, cut up, and carried into the house by the men and boys.

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On Second Saturdays, visitors will also get a first-hand look at progress on the Heritage Center being built by the Swiss Community Historical Society, where the inside view reveals timbers and framework from the Dan and Cindy Basinger barn, built in 1855.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

July 13 - Beth Boehr will demonstrate and teach guests scherenschnitte (paper cutting). There will be an alternate activity for small children.

August 10 - Garden tour led by Becki Ahmed and others. 

Individuals, families and groups may also schedule tours in advance. Preferred days are Monday through Saturday.

For all tours the admission fee of $5.00 for adult guests (age 17+). Admission for members is free. A membership is $30.00/year per household.

Those interested in scheduling a tour should contact Susie Gratz through email at [email protected] or by phone 419-358-4822; please leave a message.