CIRCLEVILLE, OH – July 25, 2025 — Families and history lovers are invited to enjoy a day of tradition, heritage, and hands-on fun at the “Down on the Farm” event, happening Saturday, July 26 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the historic Mount Oval Farmhouse & Grounds, located at 3601 Emerson Road, just off US Route 23 South.
Admission is free to this celebration of rural life in a peaceful, historic country setting.
🎉 Highlights Include:
- Timed house tours of the historic Mount Oval farmhouse (donation of $5.00 requested; children free)
- Live dulcimer music from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
- Francis Farm animals from Londonderry, offering a chance to meet friendly goats and more
- Flea Circus shows by Drew Hall from Ross County Historical Society at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM
- Antique farm equipment and demonstrations, including tractors, tools, and engines
- Interactive exhibits with the Boy Scouts, DAR, SAR, and wildlife experts
- Displays on butterflies, geology, fossils, and local wildlife
- Historical Cabin has been moved and is being displayed on the property now also
In addition to the educational exhibits, guests can explore a farmers market by Tim Cook and Meat sales hosted by Henderson Farms, treats from the Dairy Shed, indulge in Amish-baked goods and fresh donuts, and other fun foods!
Whether you’re curious about Ohio farm history, looking for a fun outing with the kids, or just craving a good donut in a scenic setting, Mount Oval’s “Down on the Farm” event offers a little something for everyone.
Built in 1832 by prominent cattle farmer William Renick, the property sits on an oval-shaped knoll, which inspired its name. The deed for the property, purchased in 1806, was signed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, suggesting a link to the early American presidents. Mount Oval was a major center for cattle farming in the region, and the Renicks were the first to supply cattle to the East Coast from there. The house even includes a dedicated “drover’s room” with a separate entrance for cattlemen, highlighting the property’s connection to this historical industry.
The area where Mount Oval now stands was previously home to land of the Shawnee Native Americans. Villages and their council house, situated on the same oval-shaped knoll close by. This region was home to Cornstalk Town, named after the famous Shawnee chief, and Grenadier Squaw Town, named for his sister Nonhelema, known as the “Grenadier Squaw” for her imposing height. The Shawnee people referred to the area as the Pickaway Plains or Moguck, and it was a site of major tribal councils and alliances of various tribes, including the Delaware, Miami, Ottawa, Wyandotte, Illinois, and other western tribes. The famous Logan Elm, where the eloquent speech attributed to Chief Logan was delivered, stands nearby.
