Mindy Pheiffer, program coordinator gave us background history on the site and information about what the site offers. It was a great experience.
Pheiffer said that in the 1800s Horn Field's property was apart of the first land grant deed from the war of 1812.
"This land was granted to Lieutenant Colonel Bacon," Pheiffer said, "Bacon's grandson was the first doctor in Macomb and he used to breed horses on this land."
Horn Field replanted plants to show what the property used to look like.
In 1945 Bacon sold his land to Frank S. Horn. Horn was a philanthropist and Coke bottle distributor. He took care of the land for 20 years and in 1965 he donated half the land to Western Illinois University and WIU bought the other half. Hence the property name "Horn".
"The intent of the property is to be used for recreation, out door education, and agriculture," said Pheiffer.
She said an example of outdoor ed would be people coming out building fires and learning how to roast marsh mellows. She said someone came and didn't know how to do it so people at Horn were willing to teach her.
Horn operates from self revenue. They get no state operating dollars but if there is a problem like pluming the WIU Physical Plant has to come and fix it.
She said that students from all different majors come out here and help plant and keep the property up. The agriculture department helps keep up a part of the property as well.
A person cannot just come to Horn Field and walk the trail or anything, they have to call Pheiffer first and let her know they are coming.
Pheiffer said that Horn has a five point full value contract to their visitors. Number one is safety. They always wants to make sure everyone is safe while visiting. The second step is commitment. Third, Horn employees will not disrespect anyone and visitors should not disrespect each other either. No put downs is fourth which ties into no disrespect. Lastly, everyone at Horn will be positive.
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