The Grand Opening of The Barn at Stratford and Meeker Home on February 18-21 welcomed over 1350 visitors to the historic Garth Oberlander Barn, now The Barn at Stratford event venue, and Meeker Home. Over three days the property, at US 23 and Stratford Road in Delaware Ohio, welcomed guests from all over Central Ohio. They joined the Delaware County Historical Society in celebrating the opening of this gateway historic property, six acres at the entry to Delaware City. The festivities included an invitation preview party and two days of community open houses at both The Barn at Stratford and Meeker Home.
Gala Preview Party
Museiac serenades
The evening culminated years of work to bring to the public Tom and Carolyn Porter’s gift of this wonderful property. The Porters lived on the property and operated the Garths Auction house for many years. Their gift ensures that their home will benefit Delaware and central Ohio for the future. Amelia Jeffers, who with her husband own Garth’s Auctions, joined the celebration.
Beautiful and Delicious
The raised stage presented silent and live auction offerings which were sold later in the evening. The stage presented tables decorated to show guest illustrations of style in event decor and a charming musical duo. Guests had a wide selection of food and beverages at caters’ tables surrounding the gallery with beautiful and great tasting displays. The evening was grand opportunity to show off the Barn at Stratford’s Service Partners’ outstanding quality and creativity.
The Preview Party opened with a Welcome from Delaware County Historical Society Board President Brent Carson. Jack Hilborn informed the assembly of a new Development Capital Campaign. The campaign seeks to raise funds to equip the society’s historic properties to fulfill their role as Ambassadors of Delaware County History.
Auctioneer Dan Boysel
Garth’s Auctions owner Amelia Jeffers, Donna Meyer, Brent Carson
The program proceeded to a live auction by Dan Boysel where lively bidding helped elevate prices. The program ended with the awarding of the silent auction items to the winning bidders.
Community Open House Days
Following the amazing Preview Party, A Free Community Open House was held at The Barn at Stratford and Meeker Home on Saturday and Sunday. Clear warm weather encouraged Delawareans and visitors from all over Central Ohio to come visit. A photo article in Sunday’s Columbus Dispatch reminded many to get in the car and join the Gala Grand Opening.
View from the Dias
In place of the auction items, guests found the stage lined with information about Delaware County Historical Society programs, projects, and events. Volunteers and board members of the Delaware County Historical Society mingled with the visitors, answering questions and discussing the historic house and barn. Everyone was treated to fine foods and beverages provided by Barn Partners including Weiland Markets, L.A. Catering, and City BBQ.
Board Member Lynn Foreman welcome guests to Meeker Home
Guests were invited to tour the Meeker Home, one of Delaware County’s oldest, where they learned about the society’s plan for future exhibits.
A Glorious Grand Opening
The Grand Opening of The Barn at Stratford and Meeker Homestead was the culmination of years of work. The Society, its dedicated board and volunteers, along with Garth’s Auction brought reality to the Delaware and Central Ohio community the wonderful gift that Tom and Carol Porter gave to us all. The festivities hosted over 1350 people over the festive days. Through the generosity of our guests and Barn Partners, the Society was able to raise over $5000 toward bringing Delaware County’s past to life in our historic buildings.