The
Huddleston Farmhouse, Levi Coffin Home, and The Underground Railroad Are Among
Indiana's Historic Treasures, By Leroy Worley:
Our friends, local historians, Jim & Sandra Resh joined us on a tour
of the completely restored three-story house owned by John and
Susannah Huddleston. The authentic furnishings and the volunteers
help create a true feeling of being back on the farm in the old
days.
The Huddleston Farmhouse in Cambridge City is the scene of historic Civil War re-enactments. The thrill of visiting the Civil War Living History Encampment is the battle of the War Between the States. Smoke fills the air from the authentic cannons as the battle escalates between the Union and Confederate infantry, artillery, and cavalry units. When the war is over guests join the soldiers to share a campfire-cooked meal of beef stew, cornbread, and cobbler.
Dining With President Lincoln
The
78-acre farm includes a barn, smokehouse and springhouse. John and Susannah
had plenty of help around the farm with 11 children. Many travelers stopped
at the Inn for rest and supplies during their trek along the National
Historic Highway. In the candle-lit dining room guests can join President
Lincoln in the Huddleston Farmhouse’s for the popular Harvest Supper. The
savory aroma of fresh and hearty recipes from the nineteenth century drift
in from the kitchen where women cook over an open flame. Everyone listens
with interest as Lincoln describes his life before retreating to give a
speech in the barn. The Hearth Dinners, guided tours, special historical
exhibits, and workshops for adults and children are available throughout the
year at the Huddleston Farmhouse.
A special word of thanks goes out to Jim Orr, Director of Huddleston Farmhouse Inn Museum, and the extraordinary volunteers who make a trip through time at the Huddleston Farmhouse a memorable one. For information on the hearty Hearth Dinners and other activities available at the Huddleston Farmhouse Museum call 765-478-3172. The Huddleston Farmhouse is located at 838 National Road West in Cambridge City, Indiana.
Huddleston Farmhouse Levi Coffin & The Underground Railroad
The
North Carolina Quakers, Levi and Catharine Coffin, risked their lives to
assist the former slaves. Remnants of historical documents, furniture, and
household goods give visitors a glimpse into the Coffin’s compassionate life
at the Levi Coffin Home in Fountain City, IN.
Built in 1839, the
Coffin's eight-room, Federal style brick home is a National Historic
Landmark that remains standing in what is now Fountain
City. In the damp, cool basement is a working well, still filled with
fresh water the Coffin’s used. Upstairs, hidden behind the beds is a hidden
cubby hole stretching into the darkness along the back of the house. Unable
to move, and barely able to breath, the runaway slaves hid in the cramped
quarters for however long it took when the slave hunters came to call on the
Coffin’s.
The Underground Railroad
As
supporters of the Underground Railroad, Levi and Catherine also helped a
girl named “Eliza,” whose story is told in Uncle Tom’s Cabin. Out back
visitors can view the secret compartment in the back of a wagon where slaves
hid. The sacrifices the Coffin’s made helped more than 2,000 slaves reach
safety during the 20 years they lived in Newport. They continued their
efforts in after moving in 1847 to Cincinnati where Levi operated a
wholesale warehouse which supplied goods to free labor stores. Group Tours
can be arranged by Appt. Leave a voice message at The Levi Coffin Museum
Office at (765) 847 -2432.
