Event Barn History: Preserving The Old Homestead
The farm came into the family in 1887. John Armstrong, father of Harvey Armstrong, was the first to start farming here. Francis Armstrong, daughter of Harvey, married Boyd Kettering and took over the farming operation. In 1959, Doug Kettering, their eldest son, and his wife, Lynn, managed the farm for another 58 years before retiring to a smaller, more manageable home in Rushville. This left 'The Old Homestead' empty and needing a caretaker, prompting Lisa, Doug and Lynn Kettering's youngest daughter, to move in during the spring of 2012.
Coming from a farming family, the old barn was historically significant, serving as a shelter for horses, milk cows, and farm machinery throughout the winters. In 1976, Doug expanded his need for storage by adding a machine shed and covered the old barn with sheet metal to protect the wood from harsh elements.
Although Lisa did not farm, her passion for preserving the barn's historical value was strong due to her upbringing as a farmer's daughter. However, the barn faced several issues, including bug damage, varmints nesting underneath, and birds occupying the rafters. Determined to revitalize the barn, Lisa envisioned a restoration project that would bring it back to life and enlisted a partner who shared her vision.
To kickstart their barn restoration project, they first had to clear out the old barn, including removing the deteriorating upper hay loft. Lisa fondly recalled childhood sleepovers and kitten hunts in the barn. Several main support beams needed replacing, and they aimed to add barn siding to the interior of the machine shed. The barn required a new floor, as the old one was either missing or non-existent, necessitating the search for old barn wood.
Their quest led them to various old barns, sourcing materials for the project. One barn from the Gene Acheson family, long-time friends just three miles away, provided wood after Gene’s children, Linda and Alan, agreed to sell it. Additionally, two other barns owned by Brad LaKamp, located 35 miles away, offered more wood and materials. Sid Kettering also contributed by providing 15 old hog houses for repurposing. Thus, their challenging but exciting restoration work commenced.
The purchase of a BobCat tractor proved invaluable, capable of pulling down barns and maneuvering into tight spaces for wood and beams. Despite its capabilities, 75% of the work involved was done by hand, utilizing power tools like saws and drills that wore out many blades and bits. Each piece of wood had to be moved, sorted, power washed, denailed, and reassembled, and they saved the blades and numerous nails as mementos.
The new floor in the barn features 2 1/2 inch thick oak boards sourced from Facebook, specifically from a 4x5 ft section of the Augusta High School gym floor that had been auctioned off. After acquiring the wood for $250, the team removed the gym floor from its plywood base, stripped the markings, and rerouted the ends to maintain its tongue and groove formation. Slowly, they nailed this into place in a new 20x20 foot section, creating an excellent and versatile dance floor, though its future use was still undecided.
In January 2013, Lisa’s niece, Brittany, became engaged and inquired about the barn's readiness for her wedding reception, scheduled for October 5th, 2013. The impending deadline galvanized the team, and they agreed to host her wedding at The Old Homestead Event Barn, a venue now rich with family history. Lisa, an avid collector of primitive items, had a variety of intriguing objects to share with guests during the event.
Today, The Old Homestead Event Barn spans 5 acres and serves as a picturesque venue for Rushville events, including wedding ceremonies and receptions. The property features a large pond teeming with goldfish, a whimsical John Deere tractor fountain, and 30 well-established trees and bushes. The designated ceremony area boasts a gazebo adorned with barn beam benches and sliding barn doors at the entrance. The farmhouse is part of the rental venue, providing guests with a sunroom, kitchen, and bathroom for wedding preparations. With a spacious 5,000 square feet, the barn is draped with elegant materials and features 12 chandeliers alongside cafe-style lights, creating a romantic ambiance for evening gatherings under the awning along the driveway. Open seasonally from March to November, the venue is available for tours year-round, and additional comfort can be provided with rented propane heaters in the winter. The barn includes two bathrooms equipped with modern conveniences for all guests.