On Saturday, September 20th, 2008, Roger, Rachel, Katie and James took a trip to the Johnston farm in Piqua, Ohio. Back in 4th or 5th grade, Roger went on a field trip there with his elementary school in Vandalia to the farm. Ever since he has wanted to go back but not found a good time, until Saturday!

The family got to the farm just before the first canal boat ride began and had a very nice trip up the canal to the now defunct lock just north of the farm. Then back to the dock. The ride was very fun and the historian was very good at his speech, providing information that had not been heard about the canals and farm before.

It so happened that we also timed our day at the farm on the same day as the dedication of the Ohio Historical Society Marker for the Johnston’s 200 year-old log barn! We heard that the logs for the barn were taken from old Fort Piqua, back in the early 1800s when the fort was being taken down. If true, that means there are some 250 year-old tree trunks holding that barn up!

For some photos of our day at the farm and the nearby Lockington, Ohio town that has 5 old Miami and Erie canal locks in it, check out the photo album at this link.