Back to its rural roots
If the name Deer Park conjures up images of upscale shopping, you're not alone. Village leaders concede as much, but they hope to change all that with Sunday's anniversary celebration.
An afternoon filled with family activities will mark the village's 50th anniversary of its incorporation. Look for musical groups, children's crafts and refreshments, along with the hallmark of the town's history, its farming activities.
There are tractor-drawn hayrides, a steer roping contest, and tractor display on the soccer field, along with an exhibit of antique farm implements in the shed. Children can visit a petting zoo, meet with Volo the hawk in the lower level of the barn, and view a short film showing what life is like on the farm.
Adults, too, can step back in time, when they step up to the horseshoe contest, grab a partner for some square dancing and enter the apple pie bakeoff.
It all takes place at the Vehe Barn, the 14-acre centennial barn, 23680 W. Cuba Road in Deer Park, which now serves as the village's municipal home, and reflects the community's rural farming heritage.
"The completion of the barn as a community meeting center is the big draw," says Jim Conners, village manager.
Midway during the festivities, Village President Scott Gifford will join members of the Vehe Farm Foundation in presiding over dedication of the barn beginning at 3:30 p.m.
It has been a dream of both the village board and foundation members to see the farm preserved and renovated into a community center for the area.
"The history is so important to the community; it's how the community began," says Pat Winkelman of Deer Park, foundation chairman.
In fact, a DVD containing vintage photos from the town's rural beginnings through its development years will be shown on the second floor of the barn during the event. The film also includes background on the group of residents who petitioned to incorporate the village, breaking away from Barrington in order to preserve its open space.
Village trustees began the restoration of the farm in 1999, when they qualified for a space and land acquisition grant from the state's Department of Natural Resources.
The farm dates back to 1866, when John L. Vehe and his wife, Anna, and their five sons purchased the acreage. Two more generations of Vehes lived on the farm, including its final owners, Ed and Mae Vehe, who added dairy cows and sold eggs.
Village officials moved to purchase the farm in 1999 --including its main barn, two corn cribs, two machine sheds, milk house and chicken coop -- when Mae Vehe passed away.
Its renovation, including updating the three levels of the barn, is nearly complete as well as the restoration of the original farmhouse, chicken coop and garage, with the out buildings to be refurbished next.
All of these will be on display Sunday, as well as examples of the barn's 19th century construction, which is reason enough to make the trip, village leaders say.
"So many farms are being lost," Winkelman adds. "The Vehe farm is one of the most complete farms left in northern Illinois."
If you go
What: 50th anniversary celebration of the incorporation of the village of Deer Park
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday
Where: The village's 14-acre centennial barn, Vehe Barn, located at 23680 W. Cuba Road in Deer Park.
Cost: Free admission
Info: www.village.deer-park.il.us