HISTORIC MARY OLSON FARM ON THE WEB
Responding to popular demand, the White River Valley Museum has crafted a section of their website to feature information about the historic Mary Olson Farm. Those interested in learning about this 1878 Auburn farm can now look it up at www.wrvmuseum.org and then click on “Mary Olson Farm.”
The new site will allow you to learn about the Olson family story, see the family in vintage photographs, read up on the notorious outlaw Harry Tracy who held the family hostage in 1902, see how current fundraising and restoration is progressing, or review the detailed historic essay used in nominating the site for placement on the National Historic Register.
“For many years now we have been restoring the farm, very quietly—trying to draw as little attention to it as possible since visitor amenities such as parking or restrooms are lacking,” notes Museum and Farm Director, Patricia Cosgrove. “But we found that people would read a bit about it or hear about it and were fascinated by the farm. Since the efforts to raise dollars for restoration are intensifying, we decided to make it as public as possible. Anyone who visits is entranced, it just captivates you.”
The Mary Olson Farm is owned by the City of Auburn and leased for the purpose of restoration and programming by the White River Valley Museum. It is located on Green River Road and was purchased by the Olson’s in 1879. Once fully restored the Farm will provide living history programs, host classes and events, be available for parties and weddings, and provide a restful retreat just a few minutes from downtown Auburn. The Farm is undergoing significant restoration and rehabilitation, and is scheduled to be open for public use in 2008-09.
The total restoration of the buildings and environment is estimated to cost 1.6 million dollars. To date, $640,000 has been raised. Fundraising is ongoing. For information regarding making a donation to the Mary Olson Farm, contact Patricia Cosgrove at 253 288-7437.
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