On Saturday, October 4, Iron Work Farm (IWF) hosted an Open Air Tap Room and Annual Meeting at the colonial-era Faulkner Homestead on High Street in South Acton. Even though there was a conspicuous focus on libations — wine, hard cider from Pony Shack, and beer on tap from Dirigible Brewing Company, including their Isaac Davis Brown Ale — the event was advertised as family friendly.
IWF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides preservation, educational, and promotional stewardship for the two important historic properties they own, the Faulkner Homestead and Jones Tavern. The organization is making a concerted effort to reach a younger audience and so, this year, provided games, face painting, an egg hunt, bobbing for apples, and a low-tech “teddy picker,” a collection of stuffed animals tucked into the cracks and crevices of the old stone foundation of a barn, that kids were invited to adopt and take home.
Families were also able to roast popcorn and make s’mores at the fire pits, and everyone was entertained by live music played by the band Babylon.
As with every year, the Acton Minutemen were on hand to offer periodic musket salutes, and the horse and rider who reenact the Robbins Ride each Patriots’ Day also attended to interact with kids and grownups alike. The day was sunny and hot, so the late afternoon event was well attended by folks who wanted to extend the experience of an outdoor day of “perfect weather.” They gathered under tents, eating sandwiches, burritos, and cupcakes at tables, and lounging in rocking chairs and on rugs laid out on the lawn. The number of tents at this year’s event was larger than in previous years, with the non-profit organization taking advantage of an opportunity to peddle some new wares: t-shirts with the IWF logo, handmade jams and pickles, and commemorative pottery made by an Old Sturbridge Village artisan.
The next IWF event is scheduled for Sunday, October 26, from noon to 5 p.m., during their “4th Sunday” open house. Anne Forbes, historian and IWF board member, will speak on “Medicine, Women and Witchcraft” at this family-oriented, fifth Living History event supported by the Acton Boxborough Cultural Council. According to the program description, “The Faulkners had a direct connection to the Salem Witch Trials.” Forbes will share the story of Abigail Faulkner and her salvation. Costumes are welcome, and refreshments will be served!
Alissa Nicol often writes about community events for the Acton Exchange.
