We stayed here several times 1969-1970 while shopping for a farm. There was a neat little hand pump by the sink and there was a outdoor pump that was powered by an electric motor. Someone lost a finger once on the outdoor pump, because it had no belt guard. When I visited in 2010, it was gone. I also looked through window to kitchen and didn't see the hand pump. Five/Six year old me was somewhat perplexed by square dancing, but I did like the do-si-do move (sp?). read more

Folklore Village is a cultural and arts center focused on folk arts. It's founder is a woman named Jane Farwell, who took the degree she earned at Antioch College in 1938 to establish a recreational program focused on folk dancing. She started folk dancing camps in several states and is recognized as a founder of the resurgence in folk dance in the United States. Throughout her life she lived in Germany and visited many other countries, studying folk dance in each. Upon return to Wisconsin, she established Folklore Village on an acre of land that her grandfather has once owned. Folklore Village now comprises the prairie, an acquisition of 94 acres of which 65 is prairie restoration; Plum Grove Church; Wakefield Schoolhouse, which is the one-room schoolhouse on the land Jane originally purchased, and Farwell Hall. They host hundreds of activities and events annually. There are workshops on various topics here: blacksmithing, fiber arts, instrument making, chair caning, dances, concerts, and so on. They have a virtual open mic coming up in September. There is a trail throughout the tall grass prairie. They can host a variety of events from a simple meeting or retreat to a wedding here, as they have a full kitchen and more than one ballroom in Farwell Hall. I wish I lived closer because Folklore Village has a lot of cool things happening. Their folk school sounds like a lot of fun. They have festivals for Scandinavian festival, Cajun dance, English country weekend, and so on. If you're in the area, or just traveling through, definitely take a look at what is happening here that you may be able to get in on. The place is a jewel and having just celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, hopefully will be thriving for another 50 and beyond. read more

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