FAMILY
Clearview Christmas Tree Farm offering
new occasion venue
T
he barn itself is the oldest
surviving structure on the farm
which began as one of the largest cattle
operations in the state of Indiana. It was
operated by Jacob Wissing, a German
immigrant who traveled to America in
the early 1800’s to Ellis Island and then
to Rush County, Indiana. The homestead
began as a small log cabin and as the
family grew, so did the need for a larger
house.
Over the years the farm has gone from
cattle and grain, to a farrow to finish
hog operation. Lora, our daughter Holly
and I (John Norris) came back to Shelby
County from Rockford, Illinois to take up
farming due to a death in the family. We
increased the size of not only the farm,
but also our family, with the arrival of our
son Jonathon.
We raised hogs, corn and soy beans for
12
16 years, and then began a reforestation
program that grew into a family
Christmas tree farm, serving the area
for over 25 years. The first barn on our
property was a small red grain barn, where
we ran the tree farm, but it was my desire
to reclaim the 100 year old white timber
frame barn and utilize it for our tree farm
operation. We maintained the integrity
of the barn inside and out - adding two
hanging gas furnaces and a wall unit for
warmth in the winter.
With the help of some very wonderful
Amish friends, gathering materials from
other fallen barns in the area and many
years of work, I was able to restore this
wonderful venue into the farm showcase it
is today.
Four years ago we added an upper
balcony, providing extra area for vendors
to show their wares at our yearly artisans
festival held during the first
full weekend in December,
Christmas tree season.
With all the lovely
renovations, people expressed an
interest in holding their family
events, workshops and even
weddings in our barn, we have
now become a destination and a
year round venue for weddings,
concerts, bridal showers and
birthday parties. We anticipate
more of the same in the future.
Our focus has always been on
making family memories. We
have served three generations of
families during our Christmas
tree season, and it is these same
families who are returning to us
now to hold their special family
events.
We have a list of specialty providers
such as catering services, florists and
cake decorators whom we recommend
for events. We are currently a “dry barn”
meaning we do not allow alcoholic
beverages to be served on the premises.
We are a smoke free environment for the
protection of our century old structures.
We are constantly changing and
renovating the farm. We recently had an
antique organ revoiced and available in
the barn. The interior of the barn hosts
a small stage area for live performances,
tables that are available for 100 guests
and a round table that has an electrical
unit attached for a specialty buffet table.
We hope with all our hearts that those
in attendance will find this to be a
magical and pleasant place to celebrate
with family, friends and colleagues alike.
Everyone is welcome down at Clearview
Farm!
Clearview
Christmas Tree
Farm
8451 West 100 South
Arlington, IN 46104
(317) 903-9772
chamberchatter
May 2018