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On Sept. 11, Friends of the Pemberville Public Library (FOL) will sponsor a tour of a local home with a wealth of history to share.
The Bockbrader home has been owned by only one family since 1858. The ancestral homestead was put on the auction block in April 2000 following the death of the last occupant, Kenneth “Lover” Bockbrader. After many of the family’s accumulated treasures were sold, another family member, as a surprise to family members, purchased the homestead.
The present owners, Judy and Marlyn Bockbrader, have restored numerous aspects of the original home. A replica of the original 1858 log cabin has been replaced with a log cabin hauled piece by piece from Indiana. All facets of the structure were numbered and reconstructed on site.
Thus, after eight years of restoration, the family’s legacy continues to be bolstered by annual reunions. With the restoration completed in 2008, over 38 families attended the annual reunion event established 150 years ago by Frederick and Mary Bockbrader.
The Bockbrader homestead is located two miles east of Pemberville on SR 105. The tour will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. In addition to the tour, ice cream will be served and vintage cars will be on hand for viewing.
Tickets are $5. Admission is free for children under 5. Tickets can be purchased at the Pemberville Library or by calling 419-287-4012.
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