Fourth Passport event to focus on the development of rural agriculture around Manchester

Tickets are now available for the fourth event in this brand new summer program, “Passport to Manchester,” co-sponsored by the Manchester Area Historical Society and Riverfolk Music & Arts Organization. This July 24th event will explore how agriculture figured in the development of the Manchester area.

Agriculture has long played a sizable role in the development of the Manchester area, and this Agri-Tour will showcase two of the most important historic local farms: Bross Family Farm and Horning Farm.

Taking place in two-hour increments at each location, the event will feature a presentation on how Freedom Township became a center for agricultural development and the influence of German immigration on settlement in the area.

Period music will be performed from noon-12:45 pm at Horning Farms by Aaron Jonah Lewis, Mark Palms and Carol Palms.

Advanced registration is recommended. Tickets are available via Eventbrite and priced at $15.

This event is supported in part by the Manchester Area Historical Society, Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, and Arts Midwest US Resiliency Fund.

Schedule of Events:

• 10:00 am – Arrive at Gary Bross Farm, 20621 Bethel Church Road, Manchester
• 10:10 am – Welcoming remarks by Riverfolk Music and Arts, and Manchester Area Historical Society
• 10:15 am – Introduction of Gary Bross – Discussion of Bross Farm, products, farming techniques, etc. Tour of property as suited.
• 11:00 am – “How Bethel Church Road (a former Native American trail) became focus of early 1830s development in the area, and eventual migration of German settlers into the area. Influence of Rev. Friedrich Schmid” – MAHS
• 11:30 am – Depart for Horning Farm, arrive at 11:45
• 11:45 am – Lunch served at Horning Farm by Fresh Forage (for those who registered)
• 12:00 pm – Music at Horning Farm by Aaron Jonah Lewis, Mark & Carol Palms
• 12:45 pm – Introduction of Katelyn Packard – Discussion of history of Horning Dairy Farms, products produced, and techniques
• 1:00 pm – Tour of Horning Farm and serving of ice cream snack, courtesy of Horning Farms

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.