Experience farm life at 'Dairy Day'

Experience life on a dairy farm in the early 1900s during Dairy Day at St. James Farm.

The event runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at St. James Farm Forest Preserve, Winfield Road, just north of Butterfield Road, Warrenville. The all-ages event is free.

Visitors can help make butter the old-fashioned way, try milking Maggie the Milking Cow and see a hay elevator at work. Guided covered wagon rides along part of the "milk and newspaper run" of the former CA&E Railroad will highlight the history of dairy farming in the region.

A costumed interpreter portraying Marion McCormick, who purchased the property in 1920 with her husband, Chauncey, will share stories from the farm's early days and explain how St. James Farm set the benchmark for dairy farms throughout the Midwest.

"The whole family will delight in the country retreat of St. James Farm," said Forest Preserve District Commissioner Al Murphy, District 6. "Dairy Day is a great, hands-on opportunity for people of all ages."

"Steeped in history, St. James Farm has one of the last gabled-roof-and-wing farmhouses in DuPage County," Forest Preserve District President Joe Cantore said. "It also features a massive wood-planked, German-style barn with cantilevered floors."

For information, call Visitor Services weekdays at (630) 933-7248.

If you go

What: Dairy Day at St. James Farm

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12

Where: St. James Farm Forest Preserve, Winfield Road north of Butterfield Road, Warrenville

Cost: Free

Info: (630) 933-7248