Castle Farms
Castle Farms is one of Michigan’s largest special events facilities, and it is located in Charlevoix, Michigan. It was constructed in 1918 by Albert Loeb, who was the Vice President of Sears, Roebuck and Company, and it was designed by Arthur Heun. Albert Loeb, in addition to being a wealthy businessman, is the father of infamous murderer Nathaniel Loeb - known for the famous defense closing statement of Clarence Darrow - which is longer than any closing statement in the history of the United States Courts at any level of court. Darrow choose to defend both Leopold with lover and schoolmate Richard Loeb of a Chicago youth in 1924 - known as the Leopold and Loeb murder. Before his exploits into crime, homosexuality and murder, the younger Leopold was also a child prodigy, supposedly talking at 4 months of age and having an IQ of 210 (when a functioning average IQ is considered to be at a minimum, average of an 85-105. Additionally, during his stays in Northern Michigan while Nathan was attending the University of Michigan, Nathan Leopold, had, with fellow University of Michigan classmates, first identified and labeled the Kirtland Wharbler and Nathan became what was to be the world's authority on this unique songstress of a bird [1] Loeb built Castle Farms as a model farm to showcase livestock in addition to new farm equipment that was sold by his company.[2] In 1927, the farm was closed and rented out for storage until 1965. It was then turned into an art studio by John Van Haver. In 1969, it was sold to Arthur and Erwina Reibel and was mainly used for rock concerts.[3][4] Some of the more notable acts include Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, and The Beach Boys.[5] In 2001, Castle Farms was sold to current owner Linda Mueller who finished restoring it to its original condition by 2005. Today, it is open year round, and is primarily used for weddings and receptions. However, Castle Farms is also used for other various festivals and social events, such as the Charlevoix Renaissance Festival.[6] In 2008, a model railroad was added that provides a scenic journey through Charlevoix’s history.[7]
References
- ^ http://www.law.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/leoploeb/LEO_ORNI.HTM Retrieved 24 November 2010
- ^ http://www.castlefarms.com/about%20us/history/
- ^ http://www.castlefarms.com/about%20us/history/
- ^ http://www.dupontcastle.com/castles/castlefa.htm
- ^ http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/MICHARLE/2002-05/1020824485
- ^ http://www.northernexpress.com/editorial/features.asp?id=3174
- ^ http://www.tv7-4.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=158648
External links