Ardenwood Historic Farm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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George Washington Patterson Ranch--Ardenwood
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Patterson House during a Civil War demonstration (2003)
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 Ardenwood Historic Farm
Location in San Francisco Bay Area
Ardenwood Historic Farm
Location in California
Ardenwood Historic Farm
Location in the United States
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| Location | 34600 Newark Blvd. Fremont, California |
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| Architect | George Washington Patterson, James Hawley |
| Architectural style | Queen Anne |
| NRHP reference No. | 85003043 |
| Added to NRHP | November 29, 1985 |
Ardenwood Historic Farm is a special historical place in Fremont, California. It is managed by the East Bay Regional Park District. This farm is a fun place to visit.
Ardenwood has many interesting parts. You can find the Ardenwood Station, a blacksmith shop, and farm animals. There is also the beautiful Patterson House and a gazebo. Today, Ardenwood Farm is still a working farm. It grows grains and vegetables.
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Discovering Ardenwood Historic Farm
Ardenwood Historic Farm first opened to visitors on July 28, 1985. The park has a working farm, a big forest, and a grand house. This house is known as the Patterson House.
The original owner, George W. Patterson, named his estate "Ardenwood." He chose this name because it reminded him of a forest in England. This forest is mentioned in a play by William Shakespeare called As You Like It.
The Patterson House Story
George W. Patterson was born in Pennsylvania in 1822. He came to California in 1849 during the California Gold Rush. After not finding much gold, he moved to Alameda County in 1851.
The Patterson House was first built in 1857. George Washington Patterson and his neighbor, James Hawley, built it. It started as a simple, two-story farmhouse made of redwood. The original house included a dining room, a smoking room, and two bedrooms upstairs.
House Additions and Changes
The house grew bigger over time with two main additions. Around 1883–1889, a new section was added. This part was designed in the Queen Anne style. George Patterson and his wife Clara paid for this expansion. They doubled the size of the house and enclosed a porch.
A second addition happened around 1910–1915. Patterson's son, Henry, and his wife, Sarah, added a new kitchen. They also built an extra bedroom on the upper floor.
Ardenwood Station and Railroad
A popular part of the park is the Railroad Museum at Ardenwood. It has a special narrow gauge railroad. This railroad is a copy of an old local train line. It was once part of the South Pacific Coast Railroad.
The museum shows many old railroad cars. It also has other items from 19th-century train travel. The Society for the Preservation of Carter Railroad Resources helps run this museum.
Life on the Ardenwood Farm
The land around Ardenwood was used for farming starting in the 1850s. At first, it was used for grazing animals and making dairy products. Later, the farm grew more wheat and vegetables.
When George Patterson passed away in 1895, his ranch was very large. It covered about 3,000 acres. This made it one of the biggest farms in the area. For many years, the land was used to grow crops like cauliflower and hay.
Fun Events at Ardenwood Farm
Ardenwood Historic Farm hosts many exciting events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy a Celtic festival and an Independence Day celebration. There is also a Railroad Fair on Memorial Day.
In September, a Renaissance Faire takes place. The Harvest Festival and annual Rail Fair happen in October. You can also visit a large pumpkin patch in the fall. Many Halloween celebrations are held, sometimes with a haunted railroad ride!
Gallery
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The railway at Ardenwood.
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The Patterson House in 2012.
See also
In Spanish: Granja Histórica Ardenwood para niños
