Join us at Hale Farm & Village to preserve and share the rich farm history of Ohio’s Western Reserve, where guests can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and activities of a 19th-century farm. Springtime in the Cuyahoga Valley brings a beautiful backdrop for exploring the seasonal work that defined early farming life on the Western Reserve.

During the early summer months in the 1800s, farming in this region was shaped by a mix of agricultural traditions and the changing demands of the land. The Western Reserve, a land grant originally given to settlers from Connecticut, became a hub for subsistence farming, where crops like corn, wheat, oats, and vegetables thrived alongside orchards and livestock. Early summer marked a busy time of planting and cultivating crops, maintaining gardens, and caring for animals as farmers worked long days to ensure a successful harvest.

As you explore, you’ll have the chance to experience these activities firsthand with hands-on demonstrations of 19th-century farming techniques. Seasonal chores, such as planting, weeding, and harvesting, will be on display, showcasing the hard work and dedication of early farmers.

A highlight of the weekend includes a Shire Draft Horse Demonstration, where you can witness the power and skill of these majestic horses as they perform the work they were historically used for on the farm. Additionally, watch skilled handlers demonstrate oxen driving, showcasing how these strong and reliable animals were once an essential part of farm labor.

In addition, community partners will join us over the weekend to bring the past to life with demonstrations on beekeeping and other practical urban homesteading skills. Learn how these timeless practices continue to influence modern sustainable living while connecting the past to the present. Celebrate the changing seasons, the agricultural heritage of the Western Reserve, and the vibrant traditions that have shaped the region for centuries.