1890s Living History Farm

On the north side of the Littleton Museum's 40 acre property is the 1890s living history farm. Because of advancements in technology and transportation, the farm appears more highly developed than the 1860s farm.

Structures

1890s Farm House, also called "Bemis House"

Original Historic Structure - Relocated to Museum for preservation

This frame home was commissioned by Judge Fred Arnold & Elizabeth Bemis. The house was originally located east of the railroad tracks and was the home offices for the Bemis dairy farm. The home is furnished much as one would have been in the 1890s; of special note is the wallpaper, which is a reproduction that is very similar to the original wallpaper selected by Bemis’ when they lived in the house. 

Blacksmith Shop

Recreation based on a historical structure

Blacksmithing is one of the oldest trades and was invaluable around any farm or town. The blacksmith shop was a fixture, and a necessity in any town before the invention of the automobile. Blacksmiths were skilled craftsmen who often worked as farriers (shoeing horses), repairmen for broken tack or farm equipment, and artisans making fine iron embellishments for local homes. This blacksmith shop is modeled after a turn-of-the-century structure in Ohio.

On our 1890s farm visitors will get the opportunity to interact with and see our volunteer blacksmiths demonstrating real forging. With tools to be fixed, or horses to be shoed, a good blacksmith was someone you always wanted nearby. These volunteers are typically in the blacksmith shop in the mornings, until the early afternoon. Call the Museum if you want to check their schedule for a given day.

Other Structures

The other buildings on the 1890s farm are reconstructions, representing typical buildings that an 1890s family farm would need, such as a barn, tool shed, and privy.