Started in 1872 and completed in 1874, the Dow House is celebrating its 150th anniversary in June.

The 13-room country home was built by Simeon E. Dow on four acres in the town of Dow City.

The Dow House became the property of the Crawford County Conservation Board in 1970. After a restoration project, it was opened to the public in 1974.

People tour the house to see how prominent upper middle-class people lived in the 1870s, and tours of the house and more will be offered during the anniversary celebration.

From Friday, June 7, through Sunday, June 9, a buck skinner’s rendezvous will be set up on the lawn south of the Dow House to give people an idea of what life was like for those mountain men and pioneers. People will be able to witness hide tanning and craft making and even try their hand at tomahawk throwing.

For an added attraction, people are invited to come out on Thursday evening to see the buck skinners set up their camps.

Pie and ice cream will be served as part of the anniversary on Saturday, June 8, from 1-4 p.m. The cost is $5.

Tours of the Dow House will be offered from 12-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Another part of the anniversary will take place a week later on Saturday, June 15. A meal will be served for $10, accompanied by live entertainment by the Boyer River Band.

The meal of BBQ pulled pork, chips, a drink and dessert will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. People are welcome to bring their own alcoholic beverage. Pop and water will be for sale.

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In case of rain, the event will move to the Dow City Community Room.

The Boyer River Band will play from 6 to 9 p.m.

Along with entertainment, education and fun, people will have a chance to take something else away from the Dow House 150th celebration. Tickets will be sold for a commemorative Henry Golden Boy rifle, a limited-edition Dow House print and over 40 baskets of interesting and unique items.

Steel 150th anniversary cups will be available for purchase both weekends.

Read more about the celebration and buck skinning in next week’s Denison Free Press.

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