Visitors Explore Dairy Farming in the Early 20th Century
Experience life on a dairy farm in the early 1900s at the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s “Dairy Day at St. James Farm,” a free, all-ages event that runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.
Visitors can help make butter the old-fashioned way, try milking Maggie the Milking Cow and see a hay elevator at work. Guided covered wagon rides along part of the “milk and newspaper run” of the former CA&E Railroad will highlight the history of dairy farming in the region. A costumed interpreter portraying Marion McCormick, who purchased the property with her husband, Chauncey, in 1920, will share stories from the farm’s early days and explain how St. James Farm set the benchmark for dairy farms throughout the Midwest.
“The whole family will delight in the country retreat of St. James Farm,” said Forest Preserve District Commissioner Al Murphy, District 6. “‘Dairy Day’ is a great hands-on opportunity for people of all ages.”
“Steeped in history, St. James Farm has one of the last gabled-roof-and-wing farmhouses in DuPage County,” said Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore. “It also features a massive wood-planked German-style barn with cantilevered floors.”
The main entrance to St. James Farm is on Winfield Road 0.25 mile north of Butterfield Road. For more information, call Visitor Services weekdays at 630-933-7248.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has been connecting people to nature for 100 years. More than 4 million people visit its 60 forest preserves, 145 miles of trails, five education centers and scores of programs each year. For information, call 630-933-7200 or visit dupageforest.org, where you can also link to the District’s e-newsletter, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube pages.