Big Barn Preschool hosts Open House and Monarch Butterfly Presentation on July 31
In one of the oldest and last historical barns left standing in Schaumburg, there is a hidden gem: The Big Barn Preschool, a preschool and day care for children ages 2½ to 5 years old. The Big Barn Preschool is a small school that offers a unique learning environment, with a mix of one-on-one, free play, and group learning, that leads to teaching the whole child and supporting individual growth. The preschool was established in 2007, but has a history that goes back many years.
Before the building had been renovated to have a preschool and church in it, it housed cattle and other animals. It was an actual barn on a working farm. Although it is unclear exactly when the farm started, it is known to have existed before 1913. At that time, it was home to Guernsey dairy cows. It was around that time that a man named Levy Meyer bought the farm. Meyer was a prominent Chicago attorney and real estate mogul. Most notably, he was part owner of the Stratford Hotel in Chicago.
It was from that hotel that came the inspiration for the rural property's new name, “Stratford Farm.” These two properties shared more than just their names. They also had a unique reciprocal relationship. Each day, food waste from the hotel would be sent via train to the farm to feed the pigs. Likewise, chicken, eggs and milk from the farm would be sent to the hotel for use in their kitchen.
Meyer was not the only famous Chicagoan to own the Stratford Farm. After being sold twice, the Stratford Farm had a new life as a ranch to the famous big band leader and television personality Wayne King, known as America's Waltz King, who bought it in 1951. He built the sprawling ranch house in front of the barn, and used it for his country retreat. It was here where he rehearsed with his band in the house's large living room, and here, it is said that he even recorded some of his records.
King also used the barn for a different kind of cattle called Black Angus, which is bred for beef. The stalls for these massive animals were in the section of the barn that is now the preschool, and the upper level, which is now the church sanctuary, was the haymow, where hay was stored to feed them.
The philosophy at The Big Barn Preschool is that all children deserve respect, provide important contributions, and are driven to learn and grow. The primary goal to enable children to develop a positive self-image through social exchanges with peers and caring adults, positive learning experiences that are developed with children's differences in mind and an environment that encourages each child to develop to their fullest potential.
The Big Barn Preschool has both full and half-time options available from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information or to schedule a tour, call Director Bonnie Kasman or Assistant Director Sheri Futris at (847) 895-3257.
During an Open House at The Big Barn Preschool from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on July 31, at 888 S. Roselle Road in Schaumburg, there will be an informative Monarch Butterfly Presentation by Kathryn Mueller. Learn some fun facts about monarchs, their lives and their habitat. Have close encounters with butterflies and make milkweed crafts. The butterfly gardens at Christ Community Mennonite Church and The Big Barn Preschool were awarded the first Monarch WayStation (certified and registered by Monarch Watch as an official Monarch Waystation), in Schaumburg.