SAUDER VILLAGE

Sauder Village’s Newest Addition Opening May 6th

By Mary Kay McPartlin

TIRED OF LIVING A MODERN LIFE IN 2021?

This spring make a visit to Sauder Village in Archbold, Ohio, and experience life on Main Street in the 1920s. The historical village offers a Walk Through Time experience beginning in the 1800s and ending with life in the second decade of the 20th century.

The creation of the 1920s Main Street was completed in August 2020 after several years of planning and building. The era was a natural addition for Sauder Village and its ongoing depiction of life and craftsmanship in this area of the United States.

“It was an exciting time with lots of advancements. This is a time period that people are a little more familiar with versus the 1800s which is so long ago,” says Kim Krieger, media relations manager for Sauder Village. “We were able to look at lots of buildings that are still in place to draw from that architecture and utilize parts of those buildings. We wanted the buildings to be accurate representations. The architect firm that we worked with did a lot of research.” The buildings on Main Street are all new construction but utilize pieces of actual stores from northwest Ohio. “The families and the businesses were excited to have them used,” Kim says.

On a walk down the west side of Main Street, visitors can stop in at the Livery, followed by Fire Station #1, Wiederkehr Dry Goods Clothing Store, Grocery Store, Theater, The Broken Barrel Speakeasy, Main Street Confections, and soda fountain/ pharmacy. The walk back up Main Street on the east side features Dr. McGuffin’s Office, Rich Auto Dealership & Gas Station, Ohio Farm Bureau Office, Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Schuck Jewelry Store, Stotzer Hardware Store, Barbershop, Elmira Train Depot, Caboose, and the Community Plaza and Bandstand.

Each store and business offers a glimpse of life in a 1920s small town. Visitors can enjoy seeing what is playing on the big screen, look at the popular items found in a hardware store, and investigate a Model T parked at the service station. Cherry phosphate and milkshakes are available at the soda fountain and candy can be purchased at Main Street Confections. The finest of 1920s fashion is on display in the dry goods store and the small details of the other businesses are designed to captivate guests of Sauder Village.

On the right day and time with the right password, visitors age 21 and older can visit the speakeasy and sample beverages and entertainment that were part of pop-up bars that existed during Prohibition.

Both the Broken Barrel Speakeasy and the theater are available for special events to provide an interesting atmosphere and a memorable gathering. Parking for Main Street special events is conveniently located nearby and there is a gazebo designed as a beautiful backdrop for weddings. A full banquet kitchen makes meal preparation easy. “The theater was built with special events in mind,” Kim says. “We wanted it to be available for special programming, weddings and events. It can turn into a beautiful venue for weddings and special gatherings. There is a secret speakeasy that’s open for special programming. It’s not open to the public every day. Our guests learn about the differences between whiskey and bourbon. They are able to enjoy a Prohibition cocktail.”

Part of the excitement for the Sauder Village team was offering a unique historical experience not available anywhere else in the country. The 1920s Main Street was recognized in national media last year, including Martha Stewart Living Magazine, making the expense and hard work all worthwhile.

Sauder Village opens for the season on May 6. The historical village is open in May, Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In June through October Sauder Village is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Opening weekend features the annual Quilt Show, which was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. With all there is to see and do, a membership is an excellent option for many families. “We hope that people become members,” Kim says. “It’s a great way to visit as often as you like.” n

For more information visit saudervillage.org, follow the museum on Facebook or call 1.800.590.9755 22611 State Rte 2, Archbold, OH

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