A Walk Back in Time

Venue Reviews  |  Posted by: Tedd Long  |  06/13/2019

In 1934, Erie J. Sauder founded the Sauder Woodworking Company, today a global leader in ready-to-assemble furniture. Although known as a forward-thinking innovator, Sauder enjoyed a keen appreciation for the past. He always gave credit for his success to the people who had paved his way. He loved the stories of his ancestors who helped settle northwest Ohio's Great Black Swamp. After achieving business success and looking toward retirement in the 1970s, Sauder decided to make a local investment to ensure future generations appreciated the hard work and sacrifices that local pioneers made to settle northwest Ohio. He had dozens of structures, built by hand a century earlier, moved from locations throughout the area to create Sauder Village in Archbold.

Today, Sauder Village draws on costumed interpreters, hands-on demonstrations, and curated exhibits to serve as Ohio’s largest living history destination. Visitors can take a walk at their own pace from the early 1800s through the 1920s as they tour historic homes, working farms, 1920s Main Street, and the various shops that give the village its amiable character. Interpreters and craftspeople stand ready to tell a first-person story, share a trick or two about old-world crafts, or invite you to help shell beans or make butter.

When you look at a map, you might think a drive to Archbold is too far for a simple day trip. Let me assure you, Sauder Village is well worth the drive. You can spend a few hours or a couple of days exploring all it has to offer. Most of the shops offer handmade crafts for sale. Should you decide to spend the better part of a day, don’t miss the homestyle meals at the Barn Restaurant, and homemade baked goods at the Doughbox Bakery, or you can pack a picnic and enjoy it on the Village Green or Picnic Shelter. First-class camping and overnight accommodations are also available.

More information for planning your visit are available at www.saudervillage.org.

Plan Your Visit

What: Sauder Village 

Where: 22611 OH-2, Archbold, OH 43502; 800-590-9755

Hours: Summer Hours: May 27 – September; Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday Noon - 4 p.m.; Closed Mondays (except Memorial Day & Labor Day).

For the Kids: Our grandkids are 4 and 7 and they have a ball at Sauder Village.  The train and horse-drawn carriage rides are clear favorites but so too are the friendly encounters they enjoy with the interpreters. Don’t miss the Little Pioneers Homestead, it includes Mary Ann’s Cabin where the kids can try out life as pioneers. 

Cost: Adults: $18.00, Seniors (60+) - $16.00, Students - $12.00, Age 5 & Under – Special Sunday Rate: Adults $11.00.  Free admission for children 16 and under every Sunday (with adult paid admission). 2-Day Admission Ticket: Adults, $27; students (ages 6-16), $17. Valid for two consecutive days, non-transferable.

Parking: Parking is free and located close to the entrance.

For more local history, check out my history blog at www.holytoledohistory.com.