(Grand Rivers KY to Dover TN)
Another attraction at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area was a recreated homestead they called The Homeplace. Period buildings were moved from around the area to form a typical subsistence farm from the 1850s period.
The Homeplace – Main House
Volunteers, dressed for the times, demonstrate throughout the year with chores typical for the seasons. When I was there, at the end of September, there was a spinner, a weaver, and a farmhand repairing equipment.
Sitting Room
Kitchen
Spinner on the Porch
Farm animals were also there, with some in pens, and others just roaming around. While there, I saw mules, oxen, hogs, sheep, and chickens.
Mules in Corral
Chickens free to roam
Sheep in fenced yard
Various sheds and out buildings were scattered around the property like a smoke house, tool shed, barn, corn crib, etc. There were also fruit trees and several gardens with heirloom crops.
Ox in penned area
Sheds and Cabin
A dry creek ran across the property, which I was told runs in the springtime. And, there was a well for other times. It was an interesting place, and different activities throughout the year would provide a new experience on each visit.
Camps: Piney CG drycamp
Scene: Farm, buildings, animals
Note: This visit occurred in September.
The ox is a fine looking animal. I spent summers on a farm about 40 miles from KY Lake and never saw an ox anywhere in the vicinity. I can’t remember what pulled the plow – maybe an old workhorse.
I believe they were popular in the 1800s, but likely for pulling a wagon of goods to market.
I worked there from 2008 to 2014. We had about 6 to 7 full time employees hired by Friends of Land Between The Lakes. The Forest Service will sometimes hire an apprentice or two each year for a year. The farms back then had several buildings because they didn’t have transportation like we do today. You would have a garden cribb…store items for the garden. Field cribb for field items. The lady spinning is now the Lead Historical Interpreter there. It is always good to ask them lots of questions… that is why they are there 🙂