The Nicholas Stoltzfus Homestead is a 2-acre historical treasure nestled beside the Tulpehocken Creek one mile from Grings Mill and close to Berks County hiking trails. Visitors to the property get a glimpse of what Colonial life was like five to 10 generations ago and can learn about the history of the Amish in Berks County.
It has been less than two years since Elam and Esther Stoltzfus have taken on the role of caretakers of the property in Spring Township. It’s a labor of love with a mission to carry on the legacy of the Stoltzfus heritage by sharing the family’s story with others.
“We desire to create an atmosphere that reflects the values of our forefathers, our European heritage and our Anabaptist values,” Elam explains. “The homestead is a place where families can come together to reconnect and make memories.”
A lot of time and energy have already gone into researching the family genealogy and the two-century-plus narrative of the property.
Although the exact construction date of the house is unknown, it has stood for over 200 years, and renovations continue to restore it to as close to its original state as possible. The downstairs of the house will be represented in the period of the 1700s, and the upstairs will be interpretive with historical items, educational information and maps.
Farming and growing food used to be an important aspect of the homestead. Esther and Elam have had a long-time dream to incorporate the tradition of breaking bread and using food to bring people together on the property once again after more than 40 years.
When they became a member of B.A.R.N. we figured out a way to make the dream a reality. On Dec. 11, we held a farm-to-table dining experience in the house for the grand prize winner of this summer’s B.A.R.N.opoply event. Esther, a talented cook, lovingly planned and prepared the meal. B.A.R.N. members played a big role by making generous food donations. Ingredients were sourced locally from nearly two dozen local farms, making the meal extra special.
Winner Annie Lansek, her husband, Jeff, and a group of three other couples invited to share the experience arrived around 4 p.m. for a premeal tour of the grounds.
“Hearing about the history of a place helps to raise your own awareness and allows you to be more open-minded to other belief systems and values,” Lansek said.
Annie described the impressive five-course meal as top-notch.
“When we first walked into the house there was definitely a wow factor,” Annie said. “The food, ambiance and service were unforgettable. Elam and Esther were so hospitable. It really felt like home.”
Elam says that since the dinner the energy of the house has changed. New memories have been made — hopefully, the first of many.
Interested in visiting? Tours of the historic house can be scheduled by appointment. The barn is available to rent as an event space for group gatherings and features a small apartment for overnight stays. An annual benefit auction is held on the first Saturday of May. Delicious Amish foods, books, household and handmade items like quilts will be available. More exciting event plans are in the works for this year.
Courtney Shober is B.A.R.N. ag project coordinator.
Source: Berkshire mont
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