Volunteers Needed for John Lane Days in Lockport

The Historic John Lane Farm, Inc. NFP, 501c3 organization in Lockport is looking for volunteers to assist in their third annual John Lane Days, which will take place on July 14th and 15th, from 11 am to 5 pm both days.

The goal of the Historic John Lane Farm is to keep a part of Lockport's history alive, by preserving what's left of the original farm where Mr. John Lane invented the first steel plow. Many people don't know that it was not John Deere who invented the first plow, but John Lane. Mr. Lane was a philanthropist and was not looking to make money from his invention. Rather, he wanted to share this new innovation with all farmers, so their jobs would be somewhat easier. His blacksmith shop, where he fashioned the first steel plow, stood on the corner of 163rd and Gougar Rd, where the Historic John Lane Farm still stands.

All money raised from this event will go to preserve and renovate the large white barn, which is nearly 100 years old and was built with some of the original boards used by Mr. John Lane on his farm. The Historic John Lane Farm, not for profit, is hoping to follow the example set by Mr. Lane, and offer a gathering place for the community, demonstrate organic farming for families and children from a more urban setting, and display a collection of artifacts they have uncovered from the farm.

We need the community's help to make this possible. This is a great volunteer opportunity for students who need to make up community service hours, or for families looking to give back to a greater cause. We have a variety of things we need help with, so we are asking anyone who has some time one of the days, or both of the days to please contact the farm for more information. www.historicjohnlanefarm.com

Please call Sylvia (815)342-2656, Michelle (773)957-7554, or stop by the farm stand (16217 S. Gougar Rd) Wednesday through Saturday, from 10-5.