Sauder Village is 'modernizing'

Published: Wednesday, 1/28/2015 - Updated: 17 hours ago

BY JANET ROMAKER BLADE STAFF WRITER

ARCHBOLD In its empty rooms, the Grime Homestead spins history like a storyteller.

And like a detective seeking clues, Tracie Evans listens.

Curator of collections at Sauder Village, she hears the snippets from the past and the promises for the future as crews tackle the beginnings of a 1920s-themed, three-phase project at the popular living-history destination location in Fulton County.

Plans call for renovation of the 1910 homestead and the creation of a rural community and a Main Street where guests will have ample opportunities to experience the stories, activities, and structures related to a defining era in Ohio and American history.

On a recent winter day, the homesteads stark, stripped-to-the-bones interior was a jarring scene to guests who had visited the homestead in the fall when the cozy place buzzed with chatter of school children taking tours. Near a rustic stove, the spicy aroma of fresh-baked molasses cookies had wafted a welcome.

No doubt, new ideas are coming to the front burner to reshape and update the conversations, the educational activities, and other programs when the homestead reopens this spring. Because of extensive work yet to be done, exterior and interior, no official opening date has yet been set, staff said.

Upgrades to the homestead part of the original farm property where Erie Sauder founded Sauder Village four decades ago include installation of new siding, windows, and doors as well as a new heating and cooling system, perimeter drainage, and an ADA-accessible ramp.

Homestead renovations will showcase the beginning of modern times with the addition of a wall telephone and a Victrola, for instance. Period-appropriate wallpaper, carpet, furnishings, and artifacts will be added, and interpreters on staff will share updated information and will wear costumes specific to the 1920s.

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Sauder Village is 'modernizing'