America 250- History Lives Here | October 2026
In 2026, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States by exploring the many ways Ohio and Seneca County have contributed to U.S. History. Each month, a new theme will highlight Ohio’s unique and lasting contributions. Learn more about the 2026 Celebration Themes here.
For 250 years, the story of the United States has been deeply rooted in the soil, cultivated by generations of families who built communities, sustained economies, and preserved the land. In Seneca County, Ohio, this agricultural heritage remains a vibrant, living testament to the American spirit. As the nation reflects on its rich history through the America 250 celebrations, Seneca County’s local farms exemplify how time-honored traditions continue to adapt and thrive. Through multi-generational stewardship, innovative sustainable practices, and engaging agritourism, farms like Riehm Produce Farm, Clay Hill Organic Farm, and Arlington Acres bridge the past and the future, showcasing the enduring power of family, community, and agriculture.
Riehm Produce Farm
A family legacy spanning five generations, Riehm Produce Farm remains deeply rooted in tradition. What started as a modest operation quickly blossomed into a community staple. The farm’s signature roadside stand first took root when a neighbor encouraged the young Riehm brothers (Phil, Jeremy, and Cliff) to sell tomatoes in the front yard to earn Boy Scout badges. Though Diane, John’s wife, was skeptical at first, she encouraged their ambition anyway. To everyone’s delight, the stand was an instant success, quickly expanding its offerings to include peppers and a variety of fresh produce. Over the years, that humble front-yard table evolved into a pop-up tent, eventually transforming into the thriving roadside stand customers visit today.
Innovating for their community, the Riehm family introduced a popular Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farm Box program. This service offers locals a convenient way to bring farm-fresh food straight to their tables, allowing members to easily customize their boxes online for pickup across the Greater Toledo Area, Findlay, and Tiffin.
Beyond fresh produce, the farm brings families together every autumn with Barnyard Fun Adventures. Featuring hayrides, pig races, a corn maze, and fall festivities, it has become a cherished seasonal tradition in Seneca County.
Riehm Produce Farm is an inspiring story of continuity, family, and adaptation. It proves that with dedication, a small family venture can grow into a cherished, lasting local tradition.
Clay Hill Organic Farm
Clay Hill Organic Farm is a certified organic farm owned and operated by Kristy and Aaron Buskirk. Grounded in sustainable agricultural practices, they prioritize long-term soil health, natural pest management, and environmental stewardship by avoiding synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Their growing operation begins early in the season inside their greenhouses, where they start seeds to cultivate healthy seasonal vegetables and vibrant cut flowers.
Clay Hill connects directly with consumers through regional farmers markets, with Tiffin being one of their primary stops. Beyond weekly market stands, they offer farm-fresh CSA opportunities and local pickup options, providing Seneca County residents with direct, reliable access to locally grown, healthy organic produce throughout the harvest season.
Arlington Acres
Arlington Acres holds one of the strongest connections to local historic heritage in Seneca County. Named after Civil War veteran Arlington Dunn, who built the property’s original barn in the late 1800s using timber harvested directly from the farm, the land is currently operated by John and Sarah Bolte.
While continuing to cultivate traditional row crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat, John and Sarah expanded the business into a thriving agritourism destination. Following a comprehensive restoration project that preserved its authentic 19th-century frame, the historic barn now serves as one of Northwest Ohio’s premier event and wedding venues.
As Seneca County looks toward the future during the America 250 milestone, these three farms demonstrate that the heart of American agriculture lies in both preservation and progress. Whether by operating both a working farm and a scenic wedding venue at Arlington Acres, sustaining a five-generation legacy at Riehm Produce Farm, or pioneering organic methods at Clay Hill Organic Farm, each operation plays an essential role in the local fabric. Together, they prove that agriculture is more than just an industry, but a shared story of endurance, innovation, and community that will continue to nourish Seneca County for generations to come.
