School Tours

The theme for School Tours 2024 is 'A Century Jewel - the Thumb Octagon Barn!' A ‘Century’ meaning 100 years and ‘Jewel’ meaning something extra-special! What could better describe the Thumb Octagon Barn, which was built in 1924! Here the students will learn why the Thumb Octagon Barn was built in Gagetown, Michigan, as well as, about the old tools used to make James Purdy’s “air castle in the sky,” which is how the Barn was described in his wife Cora's diaries. Students will also learn the story of how this unique Barn was saved and then restored by volunteers beginning in the early 1990’s to what volunteers are working on today. Students of all grade levels will see and hear about the 100 year old Thumb Octagon Barn while on the Barn floor, as well as, traveling up into the Loft Museum areas. The 2nd level of the Barn (the Loft) students will see - up close! - how the Barn was constructed using a variety of woods, pegs, and nails! Students will also see machinery and equipment that was used in the planting and harvesting of farm crops in the early 1900’s. In addition, there is equipment displayed that was used to convert grains and corn into feed for farm livestock. This is a MUST SEE Station for School Tours 2024!