In today’s fast paced world, it is easy to overlook the small towns that are on the outskirts of Jackson. A short drive on picturesque M-50 (West) will bring you to the Stewart Farm, which showcases the history of the small farming community of Tompkins Township. Do you miss or have you ever wondered what it feels like to live in a small town?
Community and hometown pride is what the Tompkins Historical Society Freedom Festival and Steam Show is all about. This wonderful free family event offers something for everyone. The Tompkins Historical Freedom Festival and Steam Show takes place on the Stewart Farm Property September 21st and 22nd, 2019. We offer working steam engines, saw mill, museum tours, school house tours, tractor pulls, blacksmith display, loom weaving demonstrations, car show, flea market, silent auction, log cabin tours, food vendors and so much more.
Have you ever watched a 100-year-old saw mill run by the power of a steam engine or watch a log cabin being raised? Seeing and smelling fresh cut lumber hot off the mill is a humbling moment in which you realize how much work went into building a house. This year we also have a small log cabin being raised on the property as well. The cabin was in front of the Quigley Store in Minard Mills. Originally the cabin was built by Mr. Quigley for his daughter as a playhouse. The cabin was dismantled this past spring and is being raised during the festival as a trapper’s cabin. It is truly amazing to see these time-honored skills in action.
History not your thing? We have great food and flea market vendors, a silent auction, car show, tractor pulls and parade, and kid’s games as well. For a full list of events please see our website.
Come and experience our small farming community on September 21st and 22nd and join us for this free family event that truly does have something for everyone.
Author: Chrissy Norris, Curator for the Tomkins Historical Society
Published: September 16, 2019
