Corron Farm celebrates 175-year mark

A new preservation group plans to mark the 175th anniversary of a historic Campton Township farm this Sunday.

“Old Wasco Days” will be held from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Corron Farm, 7N761 Corron Road, Campton Hills.

“This is our inaugural event,” said Tom Corron, the Corron Farm Preservation Society’s president whose great grandfather, Robert Corron, first settled the farm in October 1835. “People will be able to find out what we’re all about and what our vision is for the community.”

Campton Township bought the farm in 2003 as part of its open space plan and organizers hope to turn the building into a community museum.

“My dream always was to have a museum-type place for the community that would preserve the history of Campton Township,” Corron said.

A dedication ceremony is set for 2 p.m. and there will be tours of the 1850 farmhouse, as well as tours of the savanna and prairie via tractor.

Tom Corron, who is retired an lives in Indiana, said the farm has been a treasure trove of artifacts that tell of what life was like in the early days of Campton Township.

For example, there are letters written during the time of the Great Chicago Fire, a charter from a short-lived church and even commendations for one of Corron’s relatives who was a spy for the Union during the Civil War.

“All this stuff was tucked away. It’s a potpourri of different eras,” he said.

The event is open to the public and free, although donations are accepted and encouraged. A silent auction also will be held to raise money.

“This rich, rich history is right in people’s backyards,” said Susan Bles, who is on the preservation society’s board of directors. “That’s a great way to put it. It’s a step back in time. Robert Corron was one of the first settlers in the area. He found the land and built the house brick by brick. That’s what I find fascinating. Everyone is going to take away something different, I believe.”

Organizers also are inviting older, longtime families from the Wasco area for a village reunion of sorts.

“We want to preserve this history. We want people to come out and see it, enjoy it and learn about it,” Corron said.

For details, email tcorron@live.com.

If you go

<B>What: “Old Wasco Days” and the 175-year anniversary of the Corron Farm, including tours of the farmhouse, prairie and savannah. The event was organized by the Corron Farm Preservation Society.

</B>When: 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday with a 2 p.m. dedication ceremony.

<B>Where: 7N761 Corron Road, Campton Hills

</B>Who: For details, email tcorron@live.com