The Journal-News in Hillsboro, Ill., posted a fascinating story about the Manske-Niemann farm, which sits on Route 66 south of Litchfield, Ill., and dates back more than 150 years.
The farm is listed as a Illinois Department of Agriculture Centennial Farm, was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003, and has been listed on Landmarks Illinois’ 10 most endangered sites twice.
Day-to-day upkeep is no small task. There are 25 structures on the farm, most built in the 1800s. […]
The centerpiece to the farmstead is the impressive white, two-story brick 1850 Italianate residence that squarely greets those who travel up the lane.
On the south side of the house is the original iron fence.
“I still have receipts and papers on it,” Miss Niemann said.
Members of the historical society marveled at the excellent condition of the century and a half old structures, many painted red with white slats and most sitting on elevated blocks or pilings.
The caretaker is Ophelia Niemann, who manages to do most of the maintenance herself. Make sure you read the whole thing; it’s like the whole farm dropped into the 21st century via time warp.
A slide show of the farm can be seen here.