Our main goal in hosting this Concert Series was to raise awareness of Poor Farm Barn, the last remaining structure of the Leelanau County Poor Farm, 1901 – 1961. In doing so, we wanted to add to general knowledge of the existence of the Poor Farm and help our community gain a sense of the value of this historic, cultural resource. Over 100 people toured the barn, out of the over 650 people who attended the series.
Those of us on the Leelanau County Historic Preservation Society (LCHPS) Board of Directors are overjoyed by the attendance, enthusiasm, and great feedback we received from the amazing crowds who attended one or more of the three concerts in the series We heard a lot of appreciation for the variety of activities and got such a kick out of watching parents and kids use the yard games continuously. Then, there are photos taken by our board member, Scott Bradley and volunteer Dave Poinsett, which truly reveal the rapt attention to the musicians, from the youngest to oldest attendees. We are so grateful for the terrific musicians: Rita Hosking and Sean Feder, along with Andre Villoch; Go North! (Jonathan North, Sheila Daniels, and Denny Richards), The Brass Quintet from the Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra, and an acapella group, TC Sings!, directed by Heather Kingham. Many thanks as well for our partners: The Leelanau Historical Society and Museum, Row-by-Row, and the Empire Area Community Center. Numerous volunteers worked tirelessly to set-up, clean-up and take care of a myriad of steps that events like these require – we could not have done this without you – thank you so much!!!
This Poor Farm is a legacy of strength of a community to care for those most in need. That the barn still stands and has been rehabilitated to be here for another 100 years, is also a testament to the strength of our Leelanau County Community. But we want to complete the circle of rehabilitation to what is called, in the preservation world, “Adaptive Re-use.” Put another way, we want the Poor Farm Barn, and all it represents, to be more than an historic artifact. We want to bring it all the way to fulfilling the requirements for public assembly, which will add to the educational, cultural, and historical assets of Leelanau County and cultivate marvelous opportunities for the future. Consequently, we will turn our attention to fundraising in this generous community and beyond, as well as writing grants. Although the barn is a county-owned structure, which LCHPS leases from the county, NO taxpayer dollars have been used for its rehabilitation.
Here are a few comments from concertgoers, and these same comments were expressed many times over throughout the Series.
We loved the mix of music – something for everyone!
This feels like a real community picnic, coming together for fun and entertainment.
The gardens were astonishing; I had no idea about Row-by-Row and the wonderful work they are doing.
Our kids loved the games – what a great idea to have them available.
Loved the Tacos! (Referring to Heard Its Good Tacos and More” owned and chef, Benjamin Casey).
What a crowd – glad we got here early!
How thoughtful to have sun protection for the audience.