For the Reporter
The Mary Olson Farm reopens for summer visits on Saturday, June 25 and will be open each Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. through Aug. 28.
Often called the “best preserved historic farm in King County,” the 67-acre farm is a rare gem, comprising much of the green, forested east hillside that forms the Auburn valley.
The farm features seven fully restored historic buildings, including the two-story 1902 farmhouse, 1897 Swedish-style hay barn and outbuildings constructed around 1910 such as a smoke house, two-hole outhouse, chicken coop, garage and weaving house. Mary wove rag rugs and sold them at the local JCPenney.
The rich and fully restored environment forms a backdrop for summer picnics and walks. Olson Stream runs through the farm and is the site of four runs of salmon each fall. The 100-plus-year-old orchard is thriving as is the newly planted farmhouse flower and vegetable garden, planted to follow the selections a farm wife may have made in 1902.
Be prepared to walk over a small hillside from parking, but it is worth the effort. Awaiting you are historic variety chickens, two miniature donkeys Pip and Stinger, and two of the friendliest cows you will ever meet, Annabelle and Libby. All are sociable and our Farm caretaker Sean will sometimes bring one out to be petted.
The farmstead features interpretive signs that tell the story of the Olsons, the farmland and about preserving the buildings and environment. Together they take you on a nice introductory walk around the Farm. Using the StQry app visitors can watch film that brings to life five different areas in the farm. Through StQry one can see both historic images and photographs of the nearly fifteen year restoration process that has transformed the site from a deteriorated abandoned farm to the shining gem we see today.
The farm is the recipient of two major awards. In 2011 Historic Seattle awarded it with Best Restoration and in 2013 the King Conservation District named it the Best Wildlife Preservation Farm in King County.
The farm is a King County Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The farm is owned by the City of Auburn and managed by the White River Valley Museum.
Admission to the farm is free, but donations are suggested at $5 for adult, $2 for children and senior or $10 for household.
To learn more, visit online.
FARM SUMMER EVENTS:
Regular drop-in hours, Saturdays and Sundays, June 25 to Aug. 28,
noon to 5 p.m., free
• Auburn Symphony Orchestra, Sunsets at the Farm Concert Series, July 7, 21, Aug. 4, contact auburnsymphony.org for tickets and information
• Honey Bee Lecture and Demonstration, June 23, 1 p.m., free
• Poets on the Farm, reading and discussion, Aug. 27, 1-4 p.m., free
• Hops & Crops Music and Beer Festival, Sept. 10, noon to 6 p.m., tickets available online and at the gate
