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Hale Farm and Village

By Sandy Mitchell, About.com

Hale Farm

Hale Farm

(courtesy of the Akron CVB)
Hale Farm and Village, a part of the Western Reserve Historical Society, is a working museum, adjacent to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Once the home of early Western Reserve settler, Jonathan Hale, the museum features livestock, 19th century working artisans, and the original red brick farmhouse.Hale Farm and Village, located near Bath Ohio halfway between Cleveland and Akron, offers visitors a unique look at life in the Western Reserve during the time shortly after the War Between the States. A working farm with artisan workshops including a glass-blowing and a pottery studio, Hale Farm features volunteers in period dress, period music, and a blacksmith shop, spinning and weaving workshop, candlemakers, and more.

Who Was Jonathan Hale?:

Jonathan Hale was a "down-on-his-luck" Connecticut businessman who moved to the Western Reserve in 1810, at that time the western frontier of the United States. He purchased the 500 acre Hale Farm for $1250, built the red brick house that still stands today, and created a viable, self-sufficient farm. His family continued to work the farm for three generations.

Authentic Artisans:

A visit to Hale Farm and Village is a great way to see authentic 19th century artisans spinning, weaving, making candles, weaving baskets, blowing glass, and throwing pottery. Many of the crafts, including the pottery and the glass, are offered for sale.

Visiting Hale Farm and Village:

Hale Farm and Village welcomes visitors between Memorial Day and the end of October. Parking is free in the large adjacent field. Visitors can stroll among the Village's building and/or take a tour of the main house and gardens. Docents, dressed in period costumes, are scattered throughout the Village to answer questions and explain the history of the farm.

Events at Hale Farm:

Hale Farm and Village hosts a full schedule of events throughout the season, including the annual "Family Fun Days" in June, a music festival, an antique show, special kid's summer day camps, and Civil War era re-enactments.

The Carriage Shed Pavilion at Hale Farm can be rented for group events and dinners of up to 150 persons. Catering is available. (Call 330 666-3711x223 for details.)

Contact Information, Admission, and Hours:

Hale Farm and Village
2686 Oakhill Rd.
Bath, OH 44210
330 666-3711
877 HALEFARM

Hours:
Memorial Day thru Labor Day:
Wednesday - Saturday: 11am - 5pm
Sunday: Noon - 5pm
Labor Day - October 30:
Wednesday - Friday: 930am - 2pm
Saturday: 11am - 5pm
Sunday: Noon - 5pm

Admission:
Adults $14.50, Seniors $12.50, Children 3-12 $7.50, Children under 3 FREE

Hotels Near Hale Farm and Village:

A charming place to stay, in keeping with the 19th century ambiance of Hale Farm, is the Inn at Brandywine, located within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This restored century home, turned Bed and Breakfast Inn, features unique accommodations and gracious service. For more modern lodgings, try the Residence Inn(check rates) or the Four Points Sheraton(check rates)at I-77 and Market Sts. in Fairlawn.

(Last updated 1-28-08)

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