Sauder Village
Pioneer Settlement, 1834-1890
Fact Sheet

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What is Pioneer Settlement?
This nearly 5-acre expansion to Sauder Village shares the “real stories” of the early pioneers who came to the Great Black Swamp from Europe, forged a life and founded a community in what was Ohio’s last wilderness. Guests step into the daily lives of the pioneers as they visit historic homes, community buildings, farms and gardens. Visitors are able to smell the foods cooking, experience historic farming demonstrations and try hands-on activities.

What will I see?
At Pioneer Settlement guests have the chance to experience the daily lifestyle of the early settlers while visiting places like . . .

·      Lauber Hill Settlement – where time is frozen in August 1834 when the Lauber party first arrived. The area features a covered wagon and a representation of the first structure built at Lauber Hill, the place two miles from current day Sauder Village where the first European immigrants to this area settled.

·      Log School House – a representation of an 1840s era school that showcases the importance of education to the new immigrants.

·      Witmer-Roth Home – original home of Anna Sauder Witmer Roth where she gave birth to 10 of her 15 children. c.1844.

·      Eicher Cabin – the original home of Jacob & Barbara Eicher who arrived in Fulton County in the 1850s, at about the same time that the railroad made travel to the area much easier

·      Jail – an original 1860 building from Edgerton, Ohio

·      Peter Stuckey Farm – A recreation of the 1870s era farm of Peter & Catherine (Yoder) Stuckey lived and farmed. Their farm prospered as a result of the drainage of the swamp and Peter was able to find time to have a wagon making business in addition to being a farmer.

·      Holdeman Church – The congregation of the Pettisville Holdeman Church (officially named The Church of God in Christ Mennonite) was formed in 1865, after hearing the preaching of John Holdeman, the founder of this branch of the Mennonite Church.

·      New Train Stop – Guests can take a ride on the Erie Express Train and get off at this new train stop to visit the Pioneer Settlement Area.
 

How much does it cost to get into Pioneer Settlement?
There is no extra charge for admission to Pioneer Settlement; the cost is included in general admission to Sauder Village.

What will I learn from Pioneer Settlement?
The opening of Pioneer Settlement is happening at a time when our country is facing many challenges not unlike those experienced by our ancestors. Financial insecurity and uncertain job situations are nothing new. Guests to Pioneer Settlement will hear about our ancestors who worked together through tough times to build a community in the wilderness based on ingenuity, creativity, hard work and perseverance. As guests hear stories of their journey, their struggles and their joys they’ll be inspired with the messages of hope as they learn how these early settlers not only survived but thrived!

What are some highlights of this exhibit?

·      Historic homes, community buildings and farms from 1834-1890

·      Historic cooking demonstrations – baking in an outdoor oven, hearth fire cooking and cooking on a wood-fired cookstove

·      Gardens and fields with heirloom vegetables, herbs and historic crops

·      A rotation of demonstrations including farming with oxen, gardening, spinning, rug hooking and more!

·      Hands-on activities - Throughout the season, guests will have the chance to try their hands at a variety of opportunities such as candle dipping, rope making, old fashioned games, hauling ‘water’ with a neck yoke, walking the fields with a harrow, gardening, spell downs and more!

How do I find out more about Pioneer Settlement?
Call Sauder Village at 1-800-590-9755 or discover more on our Pioneer Settlement Webpage.