Jan Corey Arnett

2 months ago | farmprogress.com | Jan Corey Arnett

It sounds more like a term reserved for prehistoric creatures, but to be a dodecagon is to have 12 sides rather than 12 toes. A barn, visible on the south side of M-79 near Nashville, Mich, is just such a structure and an historic one at that. Soon to mark 110 years atop Oversmith Hill where it has witnessed endless change, the barn is popular with barn enthusiasts and photo buffs.

Nov 6, 2024 | farmprogress.com | Jan Corey Arnett

Louis Wierenga Jr. was sitting with his right foot up, resting a sore toe, when my husband and I arrived at his Hastings, Mich., farm in late October. Still, he quickly went to a bench near the back door of the more than century-old farmhouse he shares with his wife, Mary, on Maple Knoll Farm. As he laced up leather work boots, I was awash in memories of my own father doing exactly the same thing, even when his feet and everything else ached from farm work. I lost my dad in 1995.

Jul 17, 2024 | farmprogress.com | Jan Corey Arnett

In 1955, at the peak of institutionalization for alleged mental illness, the nation had some 600,000 people confined to what were often huge, grand, brick and stone facilities. Michigan alone had 16 state institutions. The Traverse City State Hospital, also known as the Northern Michigan Asylum, opened in 1885. Until 1989, it housed residents whose diagnoses included dementia, depression, grieving, mood swings, polio and even menopause.

Mar 20, 2024 | farmprogress.com | Jan Corey Arnett

We were doing what curious travelers often do, following a road to see where it led, as we drank in the exquisite scenery and view of Lake Superior along H-1 north of Marquette, Mich. We came on signage, “Bay Cliff Health Camp,” and to my great delight, a large building resembling a barn. I had to know more. Soon, John Webb, activities coordinator at the camp, treated my husband and me to a personal tour of this amazing place, describing its founders, mission and impressive purpose.

Dec 21, 2023 | farmprogress.com | John Sandbakken |Ron Smith |Jan Corey Arnett

Midwest homesteaders, whether by law or common sense, often quickly planted fruit trees to ensure an excellent source of vitamin and fiber-rich food. Even if the buildings are long gone, gnarly old apple trees may be evidence of where a home or farm once stood. Explore the Leelanau Peninsula and you will find fruit trees have become big business, as miles of orchards are well nurtured by the perfect lake-assisted climate.