James Akey Farm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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James Akey Farm
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 Location in Ohio
Location in the United States
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| Location | North of Brenneman Rd., southeast of Mt. Eaton |
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| Nearest city | Mount Eaton, Ohio |
| Area | 83.8 acres (33.9 ha) |
| Built | 1822 |
| NRHP reference No. | 78002212 |
| Added to NRHP | December 22, 1978 |
The James Akey Farm is a special old farm near Mount Eaton in Wayne County, Ohio. It's a historic place because of its old farmhouse and how it shows us about early settlers.
This farm was once the home of James Akey and his family. They were immigrants from Ireland who came to this area in the early 1800s. The main farmhouse was built in 1822, making it a very old building!
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Discovering the James Akey Farm
The James Akey Farm is more than just a farm; it's a piece of history. It helps us understand what life was like for families settling in Ohio almost 200 years ago. This farm is a great example of how people built their homes and lives back then.
Who Was James Akey?
James Akey was an Irish immigrant who moved to Ohio in the early 19th century. He and his family worked hard to build their home and farm. The farmhouse they built in 1822 became the heart of their new life in America.
The Akey family's story is similar to many other immigrant families. They came to a new land seeking opportunities. Their farm represents the spirit of those early settlers.
What Does the Farm Look Like?
The main farmhouse is made mostly of sandstone, a strong natural rock. Some newer parts of the house use concrete. The roof is made of metal, which is very durable.
The house is quite large and has a simple design. It doesn't have fancy decorations, but its size and balanced look make it impressive. Experts who study buildings think it's a great example of early American farm architecture.
The farm is located in a quiet, rural valley. It's quite far from other farms, giving it a peaceful and isolated feel. This setting helps you imagine what it was like when the Akey family first lived there.
A Farm Becomes a Museum
Over the years, the James Akey Farm changed hands. For a while, it was owned by an Amish family. During their time, many of the other buildings on the farm were constructed.
Later, the farm was bought by the Wilderness Center. This organization turned the farm into a museum! It's now known as the "Stark Wilderness Center Pioneer Farm." It's a place where visitors can learn about pioneer life.
The James Akey Farm is the only Wilderness Center property in this part of Wayne County. It's a special spot for learning about local history and how people lived long ago.
Why Is This Farm Historic?
The James Akey Farm was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. This is a list of places across the United States that are important to history.
It was recognized for two main reasons. First, its old buildings, especially the farmhouse, are very well-preserved. They show us how buildings were made in the early 1800s. Second, the farm plays an important role in the local history of Wayne County. It tells the story of early settlement and farming in the area.
