![]() Susan Pocklington, Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear Frederick and Fredericka Dechow purchased the farm and built a log cabin in 1857. Sons John and Charles built the barn around 1890. This farm has some of the best soil in Port Oneida which explains why it was one of the most productive farms. Grandson Fred built the new house about 1910 which was a showplace of modern style. A few years later, he was able to buy the neighboring farm from the Behrens just to the east of his original farm and add it to his land. The house and other buildings were removed, but the barn remains in the field to the east of the main Dechow buildings. ![]() Susan Pocklington, Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear This farm is a good example of a working farm of the late 1940s with old structures adapted for new methods. The concrete silo and milking parlor indicate a commitment to dairy production. The large granary building and the small corn crib are typical for farms this far north. These farmers grew less corn because of the short growing season. A large chicken coop for raising fryers for market and another coop for a laying flock round out the barn yard buildings. ![]() Kerry Kelly 2006 ![]() Kerry Kelly 2006 This view of the Dechow barn and silo from the fields shows a typical cement stave silo for storage of corn and hay silage which was used to feed the cattle during the winter. ![]() Kerry Kelly 2006 ![]() Kerry Kelly 2006 ![]() Kerry Kelly 2006 ![]() Kerry Kelly 2006 This picture is taken from M-22 in front of the Dechow farm. It shows the pasture barn of the farm, which is located in the middle of a field to the east of the farm. |
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Last updated: August 24, 2021