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Carriage Hill MetroPark Historical Farm has been maintained to re-create the experiences one might have had on a typical day at the farm, based on documentation from family diaries, account books and oral histories. Visitors will have the opportunity to take in many different aspects of 19th Century farm life. Throughout the week, the historic farmer carries out various chores and work, including harnessing and driving Percheron draft horses. Other livestock kept during this time period includes breeds of animals like Merino sheep, barred Plymouth Rock chickens and Jersey cows. Types of crops commonly found on this and other farms in the 1880s include wheat, barley, rye and oats, which are grown throughout the year.
 1880's Home Life
When entering the Daniel Arnold House, visitors will be greeted by historical interpreters dressed in the proper 1880s attire. Tours and daily talks on the history of the house are given. In addition, watch demonstrations ranging from woodstove cooking to treadle machine sewing. Heirloom vegetables are also tended to in the family’s kitchen garden.
Visitor’s Center
The Visitor Center features exhibits highlighting lifestyles of a century ago, plus a Children’s Interactive Center and the Country Store Gift Shop. View the program calendar to learn about this season’s upcoming offerings.
History
In 1830, Daniel and Catharine Arnold and their five children sold their land in Rockingham County, Va., packed their belongings into a wagon and moved west. They purchased land from Catharine’s father, Henry Harshbarger, and settled along Dry Run, a tributary of the Mad  River. The next spring, Daniel bought 158 acres from his father-in-law for $2,000 and began construction on a house. Using bricks from a nearby kiln and lumber, the Arnold family’s house was completed in 1836. In 1878, Henry H. Arnold, the youngest of the Arnold sons, accomplished two major additions to the farm. He added on to the original brick house, featuring a winter kitchen. Also, a new barn was built to house livestock and crops. Throughout the 1880s, the farm remained extremely productive and prosperous. Through the years, the farm passed through several families’ hands before the farm was acquired in 1968 by the Dayton-Montgomery County Park District, now known as Five Rivers MetroParks.
Top 10 Things to Do
- Learn about 1880's life on a historical farm
- Enjoy demonstrations of historic farm activities and chores
- View the history of the farm in the Visitor Center
- Visit the farm animals and learn about historic breeds
- Take part in or watch our annual Draft Horse Days competition
- Enjoy special events like our Fall Harvest celebration
- Visit the blacksmith shop or woodshop
- Visit the country store and purchase some penny candy
- Volunteer
- Enjoy the rest of Carriage Hill MetroPark
Adult Tours and Offerings
Barns and Buildings
Available: Year-round, by appointment Length: 1 hour Adults: groups of 5 or more
A guided tour of the various buildings at Carriage Hill will be provided by a staff member or volunteer. This tour will focus on the different construction techniques and architectural styles found in the 19th century. Also, information will be provided on their historical importance on a farm.
Objective: Participants will be able to…
- Learn about the various buildings and their usage during the 1880s.
- Learn about period construction techniques and styles.
- Gain a better appreciation for period building and construction.
The History of Carriage Hill
Available: Year-round, by appointment Length: 1 hour Adults: groups of 5 or more
A guided tour of the historic farm will be given to participants. The tour will focus on the farm’s actual history from its earliest occupants to its peak in the 1880s. Information will also be presented on the various aspects of farming including animals, crops and chores.
Objective: Participants will be able to…
- Learn about the history of the Arnold Family and the origin of the farm.
- Learn about the families daily life through information on historic farming.
- Gain a better appreciation for period work ethics and ingenuity.
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