A Depression-Era Christmas at Wellington Farm

Dec. 13, 2014

Howard Taylor might not remember how Farm by Lantern Light started, but his historical holiday production has certainly rooted itself firmly in the area’s seasonal traditions.

With a story set during the Great Depression, authentic 1930s surroundings, and actors fully committed to their roles, this annual Christmastime event at Taylor’s Wellington Farm in Grayling is becoming more and more popular.

"I really don’t recall how it started," Taylor pondered. "We wanted to do some sort of a Christmas thing, and a sleigh ride was suggested, but we wanted it to be a bit more than that."

DRAMATIC EFFECT

The catalyst for making it "more" was a real life event that took place at Wellington many years ago. Although the incident–part of the mystery of the show and, therefore, a secret–wasn’t actually a holiday happening, Taylor ran with the idea and wrote a play titled "A Place Called Wellington," which he set just prior to Christmas in the year 1932.

"We then got the idea of lighting the pathways with barn lanterns and having a guide narrate," Taylor explained. "I’m sure that first year was a bit hokey and not very effective, but as we changed it, eventually, it became a pretty good production."

Of course, Taylor doesn’t want to give the story away, which is "pretty difficult to do without revealing the surprise ending," he said. However, Taylor did explain that the play he crafted includes "bits and pieces of the true meaning of Christmas."

"One of the most poignant scenes of the show takes place on a pathway in the woods where the guide talks about her feelings, her beliefs and her philosophy of life," he said.

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE

Today, Farm by Lantern Light includes a sleigh ride in addition to Taylor’s play, plus a scripted trek through the living history museum setting of Wellington Farm. As the audience gathers together in the Visitor Center, a costumed character arrives to start the event rolling.

"Visitors are then invited to board a sleigh, which transports them into the farm where they will visit more buildings. In each building, another scene of the play is presented," Taylor said.

At Wellington Farm, it’s always 1932–the bottom of the Great Depression–which is evidenced around the entire 60-acre complex from the more than 100 kerosene lanterns lighting the way to the actors’ appearance.

"Buildings, props, costumes are all 1932," Taylor confirmed. "As stated in one line of the show, "˜You may ask questions, but remember, these people have no knowledge of the last 82 years.’"

PROMISING FINALE

At the end of the production, guests are returned to the Visitor Center by sleigh, departing with new knowledge of what the holidays must have been like during the Great Depression.

It may sound rather somber, but as Taylor points out, it’s actually a very heartwarming occasion and many people return to see the Farm by Lantern Light show every year.

"This is a story of how people coped with the most difficult economy the country ever encountered and how one act affected the residents of this tiny farming community. Their dealing with that situation was indicative of how those people dealt with life on a daily basis and, even though life was difficult, they never gave up," Taylor said. "And no matter how bad things got, they never lost the true meaning of Christmas."

Wellington Farm is a 60-acre living history museum located 8 miles southwest of Grayling at 6940 Military Road. The next installation of Farm by Lantern Light will be held Dec. 19 and 20. Admission is $12.50 per person. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 989-348-5187 or emailing welfar32@gmail.com.