The Gaar Home and Farm Museum, where Gaar Scott history lives on-picture by Rose Hammitt

Richmond, Indiana is quite a surprise. With the Model T museum, picturesque twisty streets it is quite picturesque. Outside of town, on a hill, my friend Rose and I came upon the beautiful Gaar Mansion. Built by Abram and Agnes Gaar, the home is where the family famous for steam engines and threshing machines put down roots.

Besides the house the outlying buildings also offer an array of farm items which includes a steam engine and threshing machine. I found this to be a great stop and enjoyed the history of this wonderful house!

We had a tour by Sarah Gaar Bradley who entwined family history with the standard tour. Besides being famous for the Gaar machinery, her family is also part of the Joseph Hill Rose Co. as well. So much history, such a cool place!

Located at 2593 Pleasant View Road the house and museum are open during the months of June, July and August the 1st and 3rd Sunday, with tours at 1, 2, and 3 PM. The home is also open in December on the 2nd and 3rd Sundays with tours at 1, and  3 PM.

The mansion is also open for tours of ten or more. This year they are having a 4th of July celebration well that includes fireworks and from 6:30 to 7:30 and an open house. “An orchestra will be playing,” Sarah said, “and with the local bed and breakfasts, you can buy a package deal.”

The garden and pool can also be rented for weddings and events. For more information, call 765-966-1262 or log onto www.waynet.org/nonprofit/gaar_mansion.htm.