Carstens 1880 Farmstead, Inc.

We certainly had a successful 2008 Farm Show.  Although the weather was a little bit cool, everyone seemed to enjoy the beginning of the fall weather and came out in full force to see what the 2008 Farm Show was all about.  We visited with many people from different parts of the United States, including South Dakota, California, New Mexico, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Kansas and Pennsylvania.  It is nice to see the Farm Show continue to grow and attract new visitors each year.

The featured tractor at the 2008 Carstens Farm Show was Oliver.  The featured tractor coincided perfectly with the Farm hosting the Iowa Cornbelt Oliver Collectors Summer Show during Farm Days.  A lot of people were surprised at how many Olivers, Whites and Hart-Parrs there are around, and with a little good-natured competition between the Oliver guys and the “other green” (John Deere) guys, we had a few people eating their words when we ended up with at least 85 Olivers, Whites and Hart-Parr tractors and implements on display (beating the number of John Deeres when they were the featured tractor last year).  A good time was had by all.

There will be more information posted about the 2009 Quilt Show soon, so please check back if you are interested in loaning us a quilt for display at the show. 

LuAnn Barrett generously donated her time and energy into making a Barn Quilt for the Farm.  It has been hung on the south side of the horse barn for people to enjoy.  Be sure to take a look at this great addition the next time you are at the Farm.  Thank you, Luann!

Crafters

Once again, we had a great variety of crafters and vendors at the 2008 Farm Show.  We ended up with 53 crafters and vendors, with everything from t-shirts to funnel cakes to craft items to toy tractors to tractor parts to live plants to feed sack displays.  There were certainly lots of bags carried off the Farm grounds, and it was fun to see all the different displays and items for sale.

The Carstens farm house is always a big draw for the visitors, and this year was no different.  There were 602 people who toured the house.  Sheila Rihner manages the house and the house tours.  Many hours are spent each year prior to the Farm Show by Sheila and her volunteers cleaning the house and preparing it for the tours.  They all do a wonderful job each year.

Each year, we get to see a great display of antique threshing machines powered by steam engines, antique tractors and machinery that have been restored to near perfect condition or that is waiting to be restored.   We also have a great assortment of gas and steam powered hit and miss engines for everyone to enjoy.  All of this certainly brings back memories for a lot of people and also teaches valuable lessons to the young people about the way it used to be.

Blacksmith Shop

A group of people have spent quite a bit of time making repairs to the old machine shed.  Harold Johnson, Melvin and Katherine Martin, Dean Applegate and Dave Murphy have made it their mission to get the machine shed in shape by repairing the door and chimney, adding a handrail to the entrance of the machine shed, cleaning the floor, repairing the post vise, installing the post drill and working on all the tools.   The machine shed is certainly looking good. 

Finger-licking Good Food for All

Each year, several community groups come out and prepare food for everyone to enjoy.  On Friday evening, we kicked off the official beginning of Farm Days with the Shelby Depot Committee serving a pork sandwich dinner.  The funds raised from this dinner benefited the restoration of the depot project that is underway in Shelby.

Because all good days begin with a good breakfast and great company, a pancake breakfast was held both Saturday and Sunday mornings.  The Shelby Volunteer Fire Department always does a wonderful job, and everyone who filled up on pancakes and sausage remarked about how full they were.  The proceeds from the breakfasts benefit the Shelby Volunteer Fire Department.

Lunch has a variety of different options.  Some people get in line for the lunch of burgers and brats, salad and chips served by the Shelby Volunteer Fire Department.  The Shelby Superstars and Southwest 4-H Clubs served delicious desserts and pie – always a hit.   Karl’s Funnel Kakes served up funnel cakes with various toppings.  The Feed Trough dished up sweet potato fries, funnel cakes, onion rings, curly fried potatoes and caramel apple slices.  The Kiwani’s / Shelby Community Club supplied everyone’s sweet tooth with homemade ice cream, and another group provides lemonade for everyone to enjoy.

Saturday night, the Board of Directors of Carstens 1880 Farmstead hosted a delicious chicken dinner served by Staley’s Chicken.  This too was a great success and drew a big crowd.  Proceeds from the chicken dinner will go toward on-going maintenance at Carstens Farm.

There was certainly no shortage of food and refreshments for people to enjoy.  With each organization keeping the proceeds of their sales, an assortment of community organizations benefit each year from the visitors at the Farm Show.  These organizations are a great “extension” of the Farm, and we enjoy helping each of them to prosper and grow.

FRONT GATE ADMISSION PERSONNEL

CAMPING

The Farm has 24 camping spots for people to enjoy which are just far enough from all the activities to afford a little privacy and down time, but close enough to be in the middle of anything that is going on with a short walking trip.  Our Campground Coordinator, Dianne Ehlers, supervises the campground and is responsible for renting camping spots.  Diane and her husband, Larry, who camp on the grounds themselves during Farm Days, have a great time visiting and joking with the other campers.  Both have great senses of humor and both make the campground area a great place to be.