Imagine Seeing Rentschler Farm Museum through the Eyes of a Child During Your Next Visit, Part 2

Two weeks ago, many Saline Journal readers took a step outside their comfort zones as they approached Rentschler Farm Museum. For some perhaps, a small step. For others it felt more like a leap. [1,2,3]

We imagined what it must have felt like for local grade school children to speak with local volunteers of our Saline Area Historical Society in-character as residents of this homestead circa 1930. Like any polite guests, they started out in the yard. There they learned about a daily routine consisting of long hours, the need for each member of the family to contribute, and the still-amazing things that were accomplished despite an absence of technology as we know it today. [4]

Part 2 of this “Living History Program” picks up with the farm owner himself, Emanuel Rentschler, given voice here by Jim Roth.

As a working museum, you’re able to see a number of different sorts of lifestock on site from May through October. During the Living History Program, “Mr Rentschler” introduced his young charges to current residents of the hog house, chicken coup, and lower level of the barn where sheep are kept. Thanks to new “virtual docents,” you can treat yourself to brief explanations of some areas today on your smartphone, either on site or after your visit. [5,6]

One of the more readily accessible points in the tour had children processing their own popcorn kernels using a hand-driven mechanical device from the times. In the upper barn, a still-operational machine was demonstrated to show the means by which grain was processed, separating wheat from chaff. Elsewhere, an automated milking machine for cows dating back to around 1925 and rural electrification has been preserved. [7,8,9,10]

Surprised? Notice that we said above, “technology as we know it today.” Rural Americans living in the 1930s had to be smart and innovative just to survive. [11,12,13,14]

While you’re thinking tech here, be sure to ask about the nexus of soy beans, Saline, and the automobile industry. [15]

Approach Rentschler Farm Museum with a self-guided tour mentality. You’re free to visit any time on your own, or on Saturdays between 11:00am and 3:00pm during seasonal hours when volunteers are on-site. As noted in a number of Saline Journal articles now, one of the great values to be experienced in the approach to preservation here is that so much of what is displayed can be touched and even seen in operation. [16]

As always, you’re encouraged to share your stories on social media, and photographs are particularly appropriate for Instagram. If you do, consider using the #RentschlerFarm and #SalineHistory hashtags to associate your contribution with those of others.

References

1. Rentschler Farm Museum (home page).
2. “Imagine Seeing Rentschler Farm Museum through the Eyes of a Child During Your Next Visit, Part 1” Dell Deaton (May 25, 2018) Saline Journal.
3. “Imagine Seeing Rentschler Farm Museum through the Eyes of a Child During Your Next Visit, Part 3” Dell Deaton (July 20, 2018) Saline Journal.
4. Saline Area Historical Society (home page).
5. “Virtual Docents Now On Duty 24/7 at Rentschler Farm Museum” Dell Deaton (November 25, 2017) Saline Journal.
6. “Saline Area Historical Society: Livestock” Saline History (July 7, 2017) YouTube.
7. “Saline Area Historical Society: Corncrib” Saline History (July 7, 2017) YouTube.
8. “Saline Area Historical Society: Upper Barn” Saline History (July 7, 2017) YouTube.
9. “Saline Area Historical Society: Dairy Barn & Milk House” Saline History (July 7, 2017) YouTube.
10. “Power from the people: Rural Electrification brought more than lights” Harold D Wallace Jr (February 12, 2016) Smithsonian.
11. “Saline Area Historical Society: Small Equipment Barn” Saline History (July 7, 2017) YouTube.
12. “Saline Area Historical Society: Ice House” Saline History (July 7, 2017) YouTube.
13. “How Smart Were Early Humans? ‘Neuroarchaeology’ Offers Some Answers” Shelby Putt (May 8, 2017) Smithsonian.
14. “1931’s Remote-Controlled Farm of the Future” Matt Novak (July 2, 2012) Smithsonian.
15. “Henry Ford In Saline, MI” James Roth (July 25, 2013) YouTube.
16. “Wedding Planners Should Check Out New Display at Saline History Museum” Janet Deaton (May 5, 2018) Saline Journal.