Exploring The History Of Farming Life In Roxborough

By MORRIS ARBORETUM for Patch

Visitors are invited to celebrate farming life, past and present at Bloomfield Farm Day at Morris Arboretum Sunday, Oct. 18, from noon to 4 p.m.

Learn about Bloomfield Farm’s rich agricultural history with a guided tour of the arboretum’s historic creekside flour mill, Springfield Mills. Watch one-ton millstones grind corn kernels, observe 160-year-old machinery transport and sift the ground corn to produce meal. Take the new “Trees on Trial” tour, led by arboretum guides, and discover current research projects conducted on the farm property. In addition to tours, there will be demonstrations, vendors, music and a few animals commemorating Bloomfield Farm’s agricultural history.

Explore time-honored farming professions from educational instructors from the Philadelphia Guild of Handweavers, who will demonstrate spinning and weaving. Other craftsmen exhibits that are new this year include woodworker John Barrett and blacksmith Solomon Matisoff.

Guests may create a sweet-smelling apple pomander or try their hand — and all their arm muscles — at making butter the old fashioned way. Kids and adults alike will learn about farm animals by interacting with Saul High School’s 4H petting zoo.

Savor hot food and beverages from the Compton Café while listening to the sweet sounds of Valley Creek’s bluegrass music.

Also on site from 1 to 3 p.m. will be Yards Brewing Co. with a variety of flavorful beer samples and fun giveaways.

Take advantage of this rare opportunity to glimpse a different time with a short trip to Bloomfield Farm, located across the street from the arboretum’s main entrance on Northwestern Avenue.

This event is free with regular garden admission.

For more information about this or any other Morris Arboretum event, call 215-247-5777 or visit the Morris Arboretum online at www.morrisarboretum.org.

Image courtesy University of Pennsylvania