January 29, Opening Day for 2011

Saturday, January 29, 2011 is the opening day for Howell Living History Farm in 2011. Visitors can join Howell Farm's farmers in the annual "Ice Harvest" using 1900 tools and methods. The animals are anxious for visitors and will enjoy your attention as well. So bring your warm boots and gloves, and help Howell Farm begin another year of hands on, old-fashioned farming fun! Click here for more information.

Sap Lines

Howell Farm prepares for its favorite winter harvest...Maple Syrup! The sweet nectar of the sugar maple tree is extracted each year at Howell Farm by turn of the century means as well as modern methods. In preparation for tapping the trees, which will occur when the temperatures are below freezing at night but above freezing during the day, farmers have laid out the modern blue rubber hose among the trees of the Baldpate sugar bush.In this sugar bush the sugar maple trees grow along the steep banks of a stream and the incline of Baldpate Mountain. The sap flows through the rubber hose which connect the many trees, and by gravity and suction then empties into a large tank for easy collection. This modern method will be contrasted by Howell Farm's living history method. In February and March, schoolchildren and the visiting public will be invited to help the farmers as they hand drill a taphole and hang tin buckets on each tree. Collected sap will be boiled down over a wood fire and turned into syrup.

Ox Barn Corners

Howell Farm carpenter Ian Ferry began touching up the ox barn on Wednesday, December 29. Corner boards were removed and edges were resealed. The two oxen Jake and Chris will appreciate a more water tight dwelling that will keep the precious store of loose hay in the loft dry and safe.