History of Castle Farms 

1918 To 1924

• Built by Albert Loeb, the acting President of Sears, Roebuck, and Company.
• The Castle was built in 1918 as a model farm on which prize-winning livestock were raised, as well as where Mr. Loeb showcased the newest farm equipment sold through the Sears and Roebuck catalog.
• Castle Farms was designed by architect Arthur Heun. The buildings were designed based on the stone barns found in Normandy, France.
• Local field stone was used in the construction.
• When construction was completed, the farm was opened to the public. Cheese and ice cream were sold and spectators could watch the local baseball team play.
• Castle Farms employed 90 people in its prime.
• In 1924, Albert Loeb died, leaving his son, Ernest Loeb, to run the farm.

1924 To 1927

• The United States was in the midst of an agricultural recession, which preceeded the Great Depression.
• The Loeb family sold off the livestock and the farm was then rented out for storage during the next 30 years.

 

Mid 1960's

• John Van Haver bought Castle Farms and changed the name to Castle Van Haver.
• The property was used as an art gallery and an art studio.
• Mr. Van Haver cleared the caved in roofs and added Renaissance touches to the property.
• Castle Van Haver was opened to the public for tours.

1969 To 1999

• The property was sold to Arthur and Erwina Reibel.
• The Reibels changed the name back to Castle Farms, and had plans to set up a center for the arts, as well as a medieval tavern.
• During their ownership, Castle Farms, was host to many rock concerts.
• In 1999, Mr. Reibel died, and the property went up for auction.

 

2001 To Present

• The property was purchased by Linda Mueller, the current owner, whose intentions were to restore it for future generations.
• An extensive restoration of the buildings and grounds began in 2001.
• The restoration of Castle Farms was completed in May 2005. 
• Today, Castle Farms is open year 'round for weddings & receptions, festivals & shows, corporate & social events, and castle & garden tours.

For more history on Castle Farms, take a tour and stop in at our gift shop for your own History Booklet!

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