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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Eckhert House
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Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Eckhert Farm

The Eckhert Farm is located at the corner of Kelderhouse Road and Basch Road.

Henry and Catherine Eckhert immigrated from Bohemia to the U.S. between 1850 and 1855, arriving in Michigan in 1857. In 1862, the Eckherts purchased and settled on their farm in Port Oneida. Their original log cabin is now owned by the A.I.R. Foundation and has been moved from its original location near the farm. Mr. Eckhert was listed as a farmer as early as 1860 on the manuscript schedules for the federal population census. Henry's brother, George was married to Catherine's sister Mary, and they farmed on Baker Road just northwest of this farm. There are no buildings remaining at George's farm. Catherine served Port Oneida and the surrounding area as a midwife.

Their farm has been described as an "excellent example of an historical farm" and was the site of many dances enjoyed by community residents. The Baurs bought the farm around 1940 - 1950.

 
Eckhert Farm

Kerry Kelly 2005

Eckhert Farm

According to Elsa Eckhert Barriner, her father, Henry Eckhert Jr., grew corn, potatoes, and a variety of grains.  The family also raised cows, pigs, chickens, and ducks.

 
 

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Pitcher's Thistle

Did You Know?
The Pitcher's thistle is an endangered plant species that is native to the dunes around the Great Lakes. You will find many of them as you hike through the dunes or along the Lake Michigan shores at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
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Last Updated: October 06, 2011 at 09:18 MST