Barn fire at historic Blum Farm

The event barn at historic Blum Farm burned Friday morning. Photo courtesy of the Manchester Township Fire Department.

by Sara Swanson

Early Friday morning after already answering five medical calls and one false alarm at Klager Elementary triggered by construction, Manchester Township Fire Department got a call about a barn fire on Austin Road in Bridgewater Township. They responded at 5:20am and began battling the fire along with Saline, Dexter, Scio, Chelsea, Clinton, and Sand Lake fire departments as well as Huron Valley Ambulance and the HART response team. Fire Chief Mike Kouba stated, “With the assistance of these other very professional and dedicated teams, the potential for the loss of life and property was greatly diminished. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported and everyone went home safe.”

The barn in question was the event barn at historic Blum Farm.

The owners, who live on the property, took to social media to say, “Our dreams were crushed this morning along with the dreams of many brides who expected to be married here. We are so grateful for the many memories, stories, and joys shared at our historic barn,” and that they would be reaching out privately to families that have bookings this year. They ask that everyone respect their privacy as they navigate their next steps and write, “If you are looking to support us during this time, all we ask is for prayer regarding the future of our small business.”

The farm is full of history stretching back to one of the earliest European settlers in Bridgewater Township, Petrus Blum, who emigrated from Bavaria in 1832. Over the years it has been a large working dairy farm, a horse training farm, harness racing facility, and even had a connection to Jimmy Hoffa.

Photo courtesy of Manchester Township Fire Department.

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by Sara Swanson

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