While those living on the UP of Michigan are affectionately called “Yoopers,” I’ve never known the colloquial name for Lower Michiganders living in the “mitten.” Now I know. They are called trolls, so named for living under the Mackinac bridge. Learning new things is part of the fun of RV life. We’ll be surrounded by trolls again today.
Yesterday was chock full of learning. We visited Wellington Farm USA, a “living museum” of farming in the Great Depression era of the 1930’s. The farm was named for Wellington Batterson, a Civil War Veteran who homesteaded the area in 1874. Many elements of the historic displays, including the restored church, hail from Stittsville, Michigan, a town that no longer exists.
Meet Howard
Howard is the creator of the Wellington Farm. Over the course of two hours, Howard guided us through the Wellington Farm. Howard was a walking encyclopedia; his 31 year career as an educator came shining through as we moved from building to building in the village, each with a unique display and history which Howard shared with tremendous detail. Enjoy reading the captions below the photos to experience a snippet of what we learned.
And finally, though I don’t have a picture, we walked through a 1927 home purchased through the Montgomery Ward catalog, recently relocated to Wellington. The cabinets, refrigerator and heating system are all original. So, too, the ugly wallpaper!
How satisfying it was to spend an afternoon learning about our country’s history. I highly recommend the tour at the Wellington Farm US if you are ever in the central part of Lower Michigan. It’s been a fabulous Harvest Host experience as well.
Today we move on to Reality’s Chance and Rescue Ranch. Can’t wait to see rescued mustangs!
I am just catching up on your wonderful posts! I love tagging along vicariously. Thank you for sharing your adventures. I went to school in Ann Arbor and can honestly say, no one ever called themselves Trolls. Being a New Yorker, when people introduced themselves and pointed to a spot on their hand, I was a little perplexed. It was one of my first unexpected grad school lessons. The second lesson had to do with Tailgating, lol. Hugs and may you continue to appreciate all God has blessed us with.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful experiences and history lessons. Safe and enjoyable travels to you both!
I appreciate Karen’s comment on the “trolls”. Being also from Ann Arbor, I have never heard of it either. May be some local tradition?? Certainly know about one’s finger on the hand …
Love the stories and lovely pics. You write so well, Anne. Enjoy the blogs immensely.
Love reading about all you are learning on your adventures! We are learning along with you as you share and your writing is lovely and so descriptive. Lynne and Gary
Thank you for letting me live vicariously through your travels!