Who Doesn’t Love a Farm—especially at the holidays?
by Joan Tucker
Christmas on the Farm is always a favorite time to explore the Waterloo Farm Museum. The first weekend of December, I made my annual trip to see the historical buildings decked out in holiday greens and Christmas spirit. Thanks go out to Emily Lindstrom, who spent Saturday volunteering as a docent in the farmhouse and Sunday walking around and capturing photos of many of the other volunteers.
Stepping into the warm Hannewald barn brings scents of spiced cider and coffee. This barn has been updated and allows for food prep and sale. Admissions and membership are handled here, but the barn always beckons to me for a stop at the end of my visit for coffee and pie.
Tours of the icehouse, granary (gift shop), and Realy barn call to me; I step in and gaze around at all the well-crafted items. Entering on the wooded ramp to the Realy barn always seems like stepping back in time. The structure of this barn is ideal for selling handmade wares, but my imagination wonders what it would feel like in 1855 to bring a load of hay in for winter storage.
The Farm Museum has multiple buildings to explore such as the old log cabin, working windmill, bakehouse, and a very nice farmhouse with a formal parlor. I highly recommend stopping in for a quiet stroll around the grounds or attending one of Waterloo Area Historical Society’s yearly events. They never disappoint.
Photos by Emily Lindstrom and Joan Tucker
The Admissions and Memberships table is set up for greeting folks. Silent auction items are also available. Photo credit: Joan Tucker
Elsie (left) and Hazel are a mother-daughter needlework duo. Photo credit: Emily Lindstrom
Mary makes bacon on an old wood-burning stove. Photo credit: Emily Lindstrom
Brian and Jim relax in the cabin, taking a break from the cold. Photo credit: Emily Lindstrom
Jenny shows guests how to perform old-time woodcarving techniques. Photo credit: Emily Lindstrom
Bloodworth the Toy Maker demonstrates an old-fashioned wooden toy. Photo credit: Emily Lindstrom
Mary invites guests to try their skill at writing with a fountain pen. Photo credit: Emily Lindstrom
Katy demonstrates the important functions of the household pantry. Photo credit: Emily Lindstrom
Guests check out their purchases on the porch of the gift shop (the farm’s old granary), located next to the Realy barn. Photo credit: Joan Tucker
Even the farm’s gazebo is decked out for the holidays. Photo credit: Emily Lindstrom
