Yesterday my friend Rose and I visited this historic homestead built in 1850 by German immigrant John Marbold. Arriving from Germany, John Marbold bought 200 acres and eventually expanded his land holding to 4,000. With an extensive array of livestock, the fates smiled on the Marbold fortune. If only the walls could talk and tell of the sadness of losing three children, the joy of John’s son falling in love and marrying the housekeepers daughter, and his stories of the German immigrants that the Marbold family helped come to America for a better life, what stories they could share.

Although the house is but a shell of its former glory, on the second floor, in pencil someone etched a phrase that tells why it is so important to save this house and the remaining ten acres and out buildings. “.This house was loved in its time,” says it all.

The Historic Marbold Farmstead Association has formed to restore and preserve this space for future generations as a Living History Farm. For those of us that have a passion for agricultural preservation, this is a cause near and dear to our hearts. If you are looking for a way to help and also enjoy a great meal and entertainment as the Holiday season arrives, consider the Landmark Evening with dinner at The Oaks in Petersburg. Log onto http://historic-marbold-farmsteas.org/ for details and information about visiting the homestead. June 22, 2012 there will be an antique show on the grounds. Rose and I will be there, will you?