Grandmother’s Flower Garden

The story

In 1950, Jan and Ruby Lagerwerf purchased this farm
from Donald H. McGregor. On this farm, they raised two
daughters, Janet and Joan. Initially, they farmed with
horses for the first couple of years until a tractor was
acquired in 1952.
Part of the original barn is still in place, and since
Lagerwerf’s bought the farm, they have added 2 silos, a silo room and a shed. After
milking cows for many years, they switched to cash cropping to make their lives less
demanding. Early on, Jan and Ruby diversified by acquiring bees and producing their
honey. They were active members of the Ontario Bee Keepers Association for many
years. Jan and Ruby love a challenge and continue excelling at whatever they choose.
They won many ribbons for their bee-keeping adventures. They also raised and trained
greyhound dogs for many years, then moved on to growing pumpkins, entering the
well-known Port Elgin Pumpkinfest. In 1990, they placed 4th, quite an achievement,
given the huge number of entries this event attracts yearly.
Jan was a member of the Bluewater Shriners, attending several parades with his miniature
fire engine! Whenever extra hands are required, help is still given with Shriner events.
Ruby remains active with Lambton Quilters Guild and Zurich’s Guild. Her quilting efforts
have won many prizes. The most recent award was winning 4th prize for her “Snowflake”
quilt at the Owen Sound Fair. Her prize-winning quilt design, “Grandmother’s Flower
Garden,” is proudly displayed on the Lagerwerf barn.
This couple have surely lived life to its fullest and are well respected in the community.

Location

Grandmother’s Flower Garden

See the barns on google maps