NEWS

Family breathes new life into historic farm

The empty dairy barn today. Note the additions. Hefty Creek is in the foreground.
The empty dairy barn today. Note the additions. Hefty Creek is in the foreground.
John Oncken
Farming goes on at the Blum-Hefty Homestead even today.
Farming goes on at the Blum-Hefty Homestead even today.
John Oncken
The 1861 built, 44 cow stone barn stands strong yet today.
The 1861 built, 44 cow stone barn stands strong yet today.
John Oncken
The farm dates back to 1848.
The farm dates back to 1848.
John Oncken
The big white house built in the early 1880’s is still used by one of Silvan’s sisters.
The big white house built in the early 1880’s is still used by one of Silvan’s sisters.
John Oncken
The once forlorn and forgotten cheese factory is now the home of Silvan and Jane Blum.
The once forlorn and forgotten cheese factory is now the home of Silvan and Jane Blum.
John Oncken
The cheese vat was right over there, Silvan points out.
The cheese vat was right over there, Silvan points out.
John Oncken
The living quarters for the former cheese factory are again ready for Christmas.
The living quarters for the former cheese factory are again ready for Christmas.
John Oncken
Silvan Blum, cheesemaker and family historian.
Silvan Blum, cheesemaker and family historian.
John Oncken
Dr. Blum improved two miles of stream bank during the 60’s and 70’s.
Dr. Blum improved two miles of stream bank during the 60’s and 70’s.
John Oncken
The 1880 cheese factory was forgotten from 1919 until 2005 when it got new life.
The 1880 cheese factory was forgotten from 1919 until 2005 when it got new life.
John Oncken
The Hefty dairy barn and lots of cows in 1890. Note the cheese factory (now a residence) in center.
The Hefty dairy barn and lots of cows in 1890. Note the cheese factory (now a residence) in center.
John Oncken