Charlotte, a retired teacher, describes ink wells in this 1898 school house which cost $687 to construct new.  It is now one of 40 buildings, described on the site map for Sauder Village. They have been transplanted largely from surrounding northwest Ohio communities and fully restored on the village site near Archbold, OH., a small segment of which is pictured below.   

HISTORIC SAUDER VILLAGE--
Ohio's Largest Living History Destination

Erie J. Sauder (1904-1997) had a dream which led to his company now being the world's leading manufacturer of ready to assemble furniture.  His dream continued to grow when he drew plans on the back of an envelope for a museum that would one day tell of the challenges of early settlers in the Great Black Swamp of Northwest Ohio during the period from 1803 to 1920.

His dream further blossomed when he purchased 17 acres on SR 2 near Archbold in 1969 then started purchasing, moving and renovating historically significant local buildings to his new site which formally opened in 1971.  The village now sits on 235 acres.

Today, artists, craftsmen and re-enactors lead 100,000 visitors annually through the magic of experiencing colonial life from that time when Ohio became a state--like Judy (right) describing the life of the Jacob Eicher family of the 1850s. 

In addition to the more than 40 buildings the village includes nearly countless displays like the replica of a pioneer's covered wagon (left) used to bring settlers across the Appalachian mountains in pursuit of their own dreams.

Craft buildings and studios are home to several nationally recognized artists working with traditional materials such as wood, tin and glass.

Richard in the wood shop.

Rich in the tin shop.

A tourist in a native home.

Johanna in the Wabash RR depot.

Thank you Mr. Sauder and to all who have contributed to this marvelous jewel.  Your dream certainly is alive and well.
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www.saudervillage.org