One of the most modern conveniences delivered the opportunity to jump backward in time. The call on my cell phone invited me to the grand opening of the Carmel Clay Historical Society’s exhibit remembering a grand Carmel farm with a very rich history. For those who remember the Lynnwood Farm on the east side of Carmel, the grand opening was a chance to gather and reminisce about the agricultural jewel’s glory days.
In 1934, Charles Lynn started buying land, amassing 623 acres where Plum Creek Golf Course, Northview Christian Church, the Carmel water treatment plant and hundreds of homes now stand. Lynnwood Farm was established as a place to breed horses and hogs. But it was more than just a farm; it was a farm ahead of its time.
There were 54 buildings on the property, and the horse barn, show barn and farm office still stand today as part of Plum Creek Golf Course. The only corncrib left standing can be seen on 126th street just east of Hazel Dell. The “dry barn” is used by Northview Church for youth programs. Twenty-four full-time employees worked the farm year-round, and in the summer months the workforce swelled to 60.
Purebreds and Percherons: The Legacy of Lynnwood Farm is now showing at the Monon Depot Museum, 211 First Street SW. Admission is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. “This look back at Lynnwood is amazing and something I think all of Carmel will enjoy,” said Executive Director Katherine Dill. “We are very lucky to have so many pictures and artifacts as well as firsthand accounts from people who lived there.”
Ann Peterson Day of Day Furs on Range Line Road grew up on Lynnwood Farm because her father, Bob, was the third farm manager of Lynnwood. “It was such a wonderful place to grow up,” said Day. “I have great memories.”
Eventually Lynn donated the farm to Purdue University to provide a teaching and research environment for students. Even now, Lynnwood Farm continues to inspire young and old alike. Stop by the Monon Depot Museum and be inspired by for yourself.