Historic Harmony, 4-H teach kids about farming history
HARMONY — Historic Harmony provided the barn and Butler County 4-H provided the animals to give children a fun and educational experience.
A display of farm animals at the Harmonist Barn gave kids an opportunity to learn about chickens, rabbits, sheep, goats and calves, and created another attraction for people going to the annual Harmony SpringFest that was also held Saturday.
“One of our goals is to tell the history of Butler County. The Harmonists came here and made agricultural products,” said Rodney Gasch, Historic Harmony president. “As the area gets more residential there are fewer opportunities for kids to see farm animals.”
Amy Metrick led a group of eight 4-H volunteers who let children get close-up looks at the animals.“We're happy that kids are coming. They're asking a lot of questions. That's what we're here for. To answer questions,” Metrick said. “We tell people what 4-H is. It's been a nice joint venture.”
The barn was built in 1805 and additions were made over the years, Gasch said. Now rented for receptions and other gatherings, the barn is one of the oldest structures west of the Allegheny Mountains, he said.The organization also runs the Harmony Museum and the Harmony Museum Shop.Board members brought a 1948 Ford 8N tractor and a 1953 International pickup truck for display.
