The Cabin - Waiting to be Built
1830’s Valentine Darnall Cabin Project
In 1830, Valentine and Rachel Darnall chose Central Illinois as the place to establish their homestead. Determined, Valentine fashioned a small cabin – housing Rachel, their children and even their animals – including sheep, chickens and horses. There were cold, snowy winters and hot, muggy summers: but failure was not an option.
Right now, our reproduction 1830′s Valentine Darnall cabin project is gaining momentum. We will construct our cabin on the original site where Valentine built his home, over 180 years ago. This cabin, once completed, will be an integral part of fulfilling our mission. Below you can read specific descriptions of how we will utilize the cabin and the surrounding garden.
We need people who can dedicate work, wealth or wisdom to help make this project a success. The expense for this project will be nearly $60,000. Please consider this project for your purposeful giving.
The cabin and surrounding gardens will be used as a focal point for these on the farm programs:
High School Agriculture Connection
- teach hands-on classes about heirloom plants and how to cultivate them
- explore the practical use of historic, sustainable farming methods
Small Farm Development Initiative
- train growers in traditional seed saving methods
- demonstrate how historic farm equipment was used
- conduct workshops on crop rotation and companion planting
Culinary Arts Courses
- cook using historic Dutch oven and other fireside methods
- preserve and smoke meats, making charcuterie and other delights
Elementary School Partnership
- investigate archeological evidence and interpret relics
- interpret how pioneers used resources sustainably
- discover the lives led by children in the 1830’s
Our Farm Heritage Series
- examine the lifestyle and values of early pioneers
- tour the cabin and find out about the purpose of the fixtures
- reenact wool spinning, candle making and the 1830’s lifestyle
Community Garden Program
- involve the community in planning and maintaining the gardens
- preserve heirloom plants through their continued cultivation
