In about 1830, Conrad Henry Schmidt, a recent German immigrant, settled in what is now Lima Township. He and his family built a hand-hewn log cabin and barn. Conrad also helped build the Lutheran church on Scio Church Road. An addition was made to the original log cabin in about 1870. Conrad had about 6 sons, one of whom was named Ortwin. Ortwin Schmidt lived at the farm when the telephone lines first came to the area. At that time, one had to install the lines oneself. In bringing the line in from Scio Church Road, the telephone pole fell on Ortwin, killing him. The farm was inherited by Albert Schmidt, who died and left it to his widow, Katherine, who later remarried. A second addition was made to the house in the mid 1900's. Katherine died, leaving the farm to her two sons, who sold it out of the family.
Originally a dairy and crop farm, in the 1970's the new owners (Terrel) adapted the facility for equestrian activities under the name Oakwood Farms. In 1988, an indoor arena and observation room were built with an adjoining 12-stall barn. The large red hip barn lower level was re-worked to house 7 more stalls.
The farm's next owner made some improvements to the fieldstone smoke house, silo, and large hip barn, but the farm largely fell into serious disrepair.
The Lundberg family acquired the farm in 2005, and made much needed major renovations to all of the buildings. The observation room was completely re-built, making it wheel-chair accessible, cement aisles were poured, electric and plumbing were re-worked, and restrooms installed. New fencing and shelters were constructed, roofs were replaced. The three-seat out house fortunately found a happy home elsewhere. The log cabin lives on, inside the outer shell of the house.
Many thanks to Richard Schmidt of Chelsea for providing information on his family, who founded the farm. Information has a few gaps, so
IF ANYONE HAS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS FARM, OR IMAGES, PLEASE CONTACT US!
