Schumacher Homestead hosts final 'Second Saturday'

BLUFFTON — The Swiss Community Historical Society of Bluffton and Pandora will host its third and final Second Saturday event of 2025 at the Schumacher Homestead from 1-4 p.m. Saturday. The special activity will feature Van Risser demonstrating and sharing some examples of hearth cooking, in the summer kitchen. During the early years, Swiss Settlement cooks used a back fire and pulled hot coals forward under a cast iron pot. They learned to control their fire and plan what kind of heat was needed for different tasks — roasting, boiling, frying, stewing, heating water for washing, etc. A steady supply of firewood was essential and was probably logged, cut up, and carried into the house by the men and boys. The public is invited to attend the event. Period-costumed docents will be on hand in the air-conditioned house, as well as the garden, workshop and nearly complete Heritage Center. Private tours may be arranged for Mondays through Saturdays by contacting Susie Gratz at swisshistorical@gmail.com or calling 419-358-4822 and leaving a message. The Schumacher House is located at 8350 Bixel Road, Bluffton. Admission is $5, and free for members and anyone under age 17.