News from Garfield Farm

1830's British Traveler Presentation at Garfield Farm Museum

CAMPTON HILLS IL: On Sunday, May 13th at 2pm, Garfield Farm Museum will present Ernie Klapmeier portraying an 1830s British country gentleman looking to buy land in pioneer Illinois.

The talk will be conversational in nature and from the vantage point of a British traveler to this region. Mr. Klapmeier will arrive on horseback to express the methods and obstacles common to traveling during the later part of the 1830s and what this area looked like. Also, he will discuss what the overnight sleeping arrangements were for travelers.

As the Blackhawk War ended in 1832, and the government began providing incentives to move out west to settle the frontier. Ernie will talk about the possible gains from settling and investing in this new area. Guests are welcome to stay afterwards to enjoy refreshments and to ask questions about the equipment and experiences.

Ernie has been in the reenacting community since 1974 as a Coldstream Guards officer. He portrays a member of this unit from 1776 to present day. He also portrays a British Officer observing the battles during the U.S. Civil War. Reenacting the middle ages through the 20th century is another area of exploration he has participated in.

Over the years, Ernie has presented to a wide variety of audience from small groups to numerous school groups as well as speaking one on one with people at reenactments.

 There is an $8 donation for the talk and reservations are requested. The talk will be outside and our moved into the 1842 barn if there is inclement weather. Call the museum at (630) 584-8485, or email at info@garfieldfarm.org.

Garfield Farm Museum is located 5 miles west of Geneva, IL off ILL Rt. 38 on Garfield Road. The 370-acre site is a historically intact former 1840s prairie farm and teamster inn being restored as a 1840s working farm museum by volunteers and donors from around the country