PEORIA MAGAZINE July 2023

Knox County Drive to Wood, their family, and the “Barn Pals.” “We’ve coordinated and established some really good net working and relationships,” Wood said. “We couldn’t do any of this if we didn’t have a family. The Barn Pals are vendors or good friends. And they do it because they just love doing it.” One of those friends is Amanda Chavero. Her mother and stepfather were married at the farm and became friends with Wood and King. Chavero now lives in Colorado but still loves Walnut Grove Farm. “I’m the oldest of five, so all of us kids were just out there as often as we could be. I really loved Jan, and for an 11-year old to be empowered with responsibilities and tasks, I just thrived. Every single day I walk out into my yard, there’s something she taught me that I think about when I’m looking at the flowers.” Chavero continued to help at Walnut Grove Farm through her college years and eventually was married there. The barn was bursting with peonies for her wedding. She said King’s guidance helped make her floral-filled vision a reality. And Wood was right beside her, taking photos and performing other tasks. ‘THIS FARMSTEAD BELONGS TO THE COMMUNITY’ When not working on weddings, the two open the farm up to the community. Thirty-five years ago, they hosted their first barn fest during the Knox County Scenic Drive, held the first two full weekends in October. “We started it as a traditional craft

showcase because Knox County Scenic Drive is supposed to be about preserving the historic buildings and sites in the county. It was about traditional craftsmanship and doing demonstrations,” said Wood. “We thought that was appropriate, and so we did an open barn. We’ve been doing it ever since. They added Christmas at Walnut Grove Farm over Thanksgiving weekend a few years later. “Folks can always depend on the Barn for a great experience,” said Barn Pal Blanche Shoup. “Many times at the Scenic Drive event, I hear folks talk about their annual pilgrimage to meet siblings from across the country …” The events are immersive. King sells dried designer wreaths, swags and everlasting florals. Artisans pack the barn with handmade soaps, loom-woven rugs, woodwork and other creations. Guests and vendors alike snack on preserves, stews, sandwiches and specialty drinks as they listen to live music or book readings. Families have made it a tradition to get photos on hay bales or with an 1800’s-era Santa Claus. Wood said he enjoys the stories people have shared with him. “I came to realize very quickly that this farmstead belongs to the community. People take pride in visiting and being a part of things and having weddings here. People say ‘my dad or my grandpa brought me here when the Charles family had an orchard. They came and got apples or skated on the pond before the interstate went through.’ There are a lot of stories where people put hay

in the barn or did things on the farm. Those stories have always been really fun to hear.” ‘A VERY SENSORY PLACE’ To many, the farm is the perfect escape. That’s why the Walnut Grove Farm Guest House is available for bed and break fast rental. The Victorian bungalow has two bedrooms, modern amenities, and a country decor. Guest reviews note the peaceful area and well-stocked kitchen. King said they’ve collected some regular visitors over the years. “It’s a very sensory place. You can hear the birds and feel good just going out and getting in the midst of the plants. Everybody comes and says there’s an emotional connection. We treat people well. We hope that they feel comfortable being here.” To learn more about Walnut Grove Farm, visit www.walnutgrovefarm.com.

Laurie Pillman is an author and freelance writer/editor, based in Peoria

JULY 2023 PEORIA MAGAZINE 11