Castle Farms
Albert Loeb built Castle Farms as a model farm to showcase livestock in addition to new farm equipment that was sold by his company.[2] The original estate covered 1600 acres, and included the Loebs's summer home, caretakers houses, fields, orchards, and this livestock barn complex. Loeb hired Chicago architect Arthur Heun to design the buildings on the estate, including these farm buildings. During the farm's operation, Loeb bred prize-winning stock of Holstein-Friesian cattle, Duroc-Jersey hogs, and Belgian horses. The farm also established a premium-quality mail-order business in butter, syrup, honey, poultry, eggs, and other products. Albert Loeb died in 1924, but his son Ernest continued the farm for a few years until financial difficulties forced its closure in 1927.[3]
After the farm ceased operations, the buildings remained in the Loeb family and were rented for storage space until 1962, when it was purchased by John Van Haver, an executive who restored the facility and opened it to the public.[4] In 1969, it was sold to Arthur and Erwina Reibel and was mainly used for rock concerts.[2][5] Some of the more notable acts include Iron Maiden, Metallica, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, AC/DC, and The Beach Boys.[6]
In 2001, Castle Farms was sold to current owner Linda Mueller who finished restoring it to its original condition by 2005. Today, it is open year-round, and is primarily used for weddings and receptions. However, Castle Farms is also used for other various festivals and social events, such as the Charlevoix Renaissance Festival.[7] In 2008, a model railroad was added that provides a scenic journey through Charlevoix's history.
If you ever get a chance do go and visit. Will not disappoint in anyway.
Castle Farms
Albert Loeb built Castle Farms as a model farm to showcase livestock in addition to new farm equipment that was sold by his company.[2] The original estate covered 1600 acres, and included the Loebs's summer home, caretakers houses, fields, orchards, and this livestock barn complex. Loeb hired Chicago architect Arthur Heun to design the buildings on the estate, including these farm buildings. During the farm's operation, Loeb bred prize-winning stock of Holstein-Friesian cattle, Duroc-Jersey hogs, and Belgian horses. The farm also established a premium-quality mail-order business in butter, syrup, honey, poultry, eggs, and other products. Albert Loeb died in 1924, but his son Ernest continued the farm for a few years until financial difficulties forced its closure in 1927.[3]
After the farm ceased operations, the buildings remained in the Loeb family and were rented for storage space until 1962, when it was purchased by John Van Haver, an executive who restored the facility and opened it to the public.[4] In 1969, it was sold to Arthur and Erwina Reibel and was mainly used for rock concerts.[2][5] Some of the more notable acts include Iron Maiden, Metallica, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, AC/DC, and The Beach Boys.[6]
In 2001, Castle Farms was sold to current owner Linda Mueller who finished restoring it to its original condition by 2005. Today, it is open year-round, and is primarily used for weddings and receptions. However, Castle Farms is also used for other various festivals and social events, such as the Charlevoix Renaissance Festival.[7] In 2008, a model railroad was added that provides a scenic journey through Charlevoix's history.
If you ever get a chance do go and visit. Will not disappoint in anyway.