Blackberry Farm at 40: Honoring the past, embracing the future
I'd been here before; I was certain, albeit not entirely sure. The familiar sounds of the blacksmith clanging away stirred echoes of the past, and the one-room schoolhouse looked just like it did in the history books, bell and all.
And then I saw the old spinning wheel in the Weaving Cabin. That's it! Now I remember - second grade, Mrs. Fleming's class. To this day, I vividly recall the interpreter telling us how early-day pioneers used deep-red beets to dye their clothes various colors.
The place was Pioneer Park. Acquired by the Fox Valley Park District in 1949, it was developed during the 1960s and opened to the public in 1969, welcoming hundreds of thousands of guests before changing its name in 1979.
Today, it's known as Blackberry Farm, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary of providing wonderment for visitors like it did for me during that school field trip a generation ago.
Just like the rest of us, this living history museum has aged - quite gracefully, mind you. Even so, the ol' farm is due to undergo a little midlife nurturing to get tuned up for its next stage in life.
Within the next year, transition plans will take shape and an action plan implemented that will make beloved Blackberry Farm even better and brighter.
Don't expect wholesale changes. Instead, planners intend to build on Blackberry's storied past with exciting new elements to bring out the best of both worlds.
"We're updating and upgrading one of our greatest assets," said Jeff Palmquist, the park district's director of planning, development and grants. "To ensure its long-term viability, improvements are necessary as Blackberry continues to evolve over the years."
Balancing the historical charms and interpretive learning experiences with new features is a main focus of the plan. Rather than a complete overhaul, Palmquist said the master plan - still in the process of being developed - will be driven by forward-thinking visions that will broaden the appeal and usability of Blackberry Farm.
"Blackberry has always provided wonderful experiences for young children, but we're looking at ways to make it more attractive to their older brothers and sisters as well," said Palmquist.
Expanding opportunities for group activities and special events also is high on the list of planned upgrades.
On the topic of group outings, Blackberry's grounds and facilities will be available throughout the fall after-hours rentals. Set amid scenic countryside with a lake, ponds and lush forest bordering Blackberry Creek, it's an ideal fall venue for parties, hayrides, company picnics, reunions and Scout group outings. Rentals are available on weekend evenings and certain weeknights.
And don't miss the Fall Harvest on Sunday, Sept. 13; the Candle Light Walk on Sept. 19 and Raku Pottery on Sept. 20. Those events will set the stage for the always popular Pumpkin Weekends which run throughout October.
Like every visit to Blackberry, you'll develop your own personal history with what is truly a special place.
• Jeff Long is the public relations manager for the Fox Valley Park District. Contact him at jlong@fvpd.net