Star News, 5/26/2004

	Oxen grazed in the background as a 6 year old member of the Living History Society of Minnesota pumped water from a well during Saturday's Kelley Farm Preservation Day festivities at the Minnesota Historical Society site in Elk River. Asked if it was hard work, she said: "It's actually pretty easy. I'm here to act like a girl from the mid-nineteenth century." Many other children and families tried their hand at the well.
	Musicians filled the peaceful air with a variety of music.
	A couple from the Living History Society of Minnesota took a leisurely stroll Saturday on the grounds of the Oliver H. Kelley Farm in Elk River.
	Civil War regiments marched and performed at the Preservation Day festivities.
	Children chased the rooster, but could not catch it during the daylong event.

More than 1,100 people turned out Saturday for the Oliver H. Kelley Farm Preservation Day, despite wet and windy conditions.

Even though temps dropped to the 40s, the evening barn dance attracted more than 150 people. Those in attendance helped raise $9,600 as of Monday morning, with more funds still flowing into the farm. That figure will easily top the $10,000-mark.

"We had over half as many people as last year and raised two-thirds the amount of money," said site manager Bob Quist, referring to the 2,100 who turned out for last year’s Save the Kelley Farm Day. "Our staff is really pleased. If the weather had been nicer, we know there would have been more people."

The money raised at the event, which was organized by Friends of the Kelley Farm, will be doubled by a matching grant from an anonymous donor. For more info or to donate, visit www.friendsofthekelleyfarm.org.

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