Build it and they will come...eventually

As we celebrate our 40th year anniversary of education, enlightenment, and entertainment on Amish Acres Historic Farm and Heritage Resort, I am often found reflecting. Yesterday among the dozen school buses from Gary and Marion, Indiana were several from South Bend. I smiled because when Amish Acres first opened for school children to come on field trips to the farm, a South Bend teacher who had made a reservation called to say she had to cancel because the PHD for field trips said the 50 cent admission was excessive.

I called him and he offered 25 cents. I said, "No, thank you." I've lost track, but likely the next twenty years passed before South Bend School Corporation school buses joined the caravans of other yellow buses who make annual pilgrimages to Amish Acres each spring and fall for Maple Syrup Days, Theatre for Young Audiences, Fall Harvest Days and other special events. Don't know what changed; perhaps the Doctor of Field Trips moved or retired. Do know that at least two generations of South Bend students missed out on memories of visiting Amish Acres. Last night one of our Girl Friend's Weekend girls from neighboring Mishawaka was fondly remembering her childhood visits. And so it goes.