No iPhone or Androids, no Social Media alerts or Zoom meetings! We left the “noise” of the 21^st century behind and took an epic stroll back in time, a time of huge economic, social, and cultural growth unlike any other in history, the Roaring Twenties!  Kiddos welcomed a real adventure, freedom to explore and learn in real-time, this field trip was like none other!!

Sauder Village

Address: 22611 OH-2, Archbold, OH 43502

Phone: (419) 446-2541

Website: https://saudervillage.org/

Hours: May 3rd-27th: Wednesday- Friday 10am-3:30pm and Saturdays 10am-5pm

Summer Hours: Wednesday-Saturday 10A-5P

Admission: Adults: $24, Students (6-16): $18, Children: (3 & under) FREE

2-Day Pass: Adults: $34, Students (6-16): $24, Children: (3 & under) FREE

As we approached 1920 Main Street the kiddos’ faces lit up. They expressed that they felt like we had just experience time travel, like we were literally back in the 1920s, that the only thing that was out of place was us.

Our first stop, Stotzer Hardware Store – Evolved from the general mercantile store and harness shop, the 1920s hardware store offered tools and materials for almost any home or farmstead need. If it was not available, a customer could browse numerous catalogs and order right away.

We were really intrigued by the washing machines; kiddos even recognized one of the brands, Maytag.

Farmers & Merchants Bank – What is a bank bond? How did paper and coin money exchanges evolve over time? This beautiful replica of an original downtown Archbold bank offers insights into the flourishing economic history of our country before the devastating financial Crash of 1929.

It was in the Farmers & Merchant Bank that the kiddos heard about a pretty remarkable robbery and made the connection between 1920s Main Street and the movie, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’. Well, after that they were SUPER excited to visit the Soda Fountain/Pharmacy!

The Soda Fountain/Pharmacy was legit the cat’s pajamas!!

The Soda Fountain/Pharmacy – Liquid carbonic soda fountains became common throughout the United States in the early 1900s due to pharmacist Jacob Baur’s new method of manufacturing carbon dioxide in tanks.

The kiddos decided on a treat and we sat for a spell discussing how awesome the Soda Fountain was and how they wished we had something like this now-a-days where kids could meetup with friends, have a float, and hangout for a bit. Where else would kids from the 1920s frequent?

Candy Store – Indulge your sweet tooth in delectable 1920s era candy brands including, Baby Ruth, Boston Baked Beans, Charleston Chews, Chuckles, Dubble Bubble, Dum Dums, Fruit Slices, Goobers, Sixlets and more!

Also, for the adults, see the shelving to the left? That’s a door that slides open and is the entrance for Speakeasies!!! How cool is that?! Shhhh! 😉

Speakeasy – With Prohibition in full swing, secret illegal pop up bars known as Speakeasies provided an opportunity to enjoy drink and jazz. Located behind the Candy Store, Speakeasy will offer special after-hours events and programming.

After the Candy Store we stopped in the Theater for a quick silent show, though it should be know that the talkies were in the works.

Theater – Engaging local people of all ages, silent films were the epitome of modern entertainment in the 1920s. Stop by to take a peek at what’s playing on the big screen! Beyond silent films, this space may be utilized by the public for special events and conferences.

Restrooms- there are restrooms located in 1920s Main Street, very clean, and there is a changing station available.

Last stop before lunch, the Rich Auto Dealership & Gas Station! Kiddos enjoyed learning about the various cars that were available for purchase in the 1920s. They were surprised to learn that only full-service was available, no self-serving pumps, and their eyes really got big when they realized convenience stores and rest stops like the ones on the turnpike didn’t exist, one had to pull over, unpack their basket, make a fire, and cook.

After lunch at The Barn Restaurant ($4.99 kids’ meals) located on the Sauder Village complex we made our way back to 1920 Main Street!

We hit up the remainder of 1920 Main Street….

Wiederkehr Dry Goods Clothing Store – Moving away from an all-in-one shopping experience, in the 1920s, the Dry Goods store focused on ready-made items and sewing necessities for making clothing at home. Browse off-the-rack clothing, fancy linens, 1927 Butterick patterns and fashion magazines, buttons, stockings, shoes, and more.

Grocery Store – Depicting a “green grocer”, this shop will offer a look at what household staples were commonly sought after to meet every day needs beyond meat and fish. These goods included vegetables, cheeses, and prepackaged foods.

Barbershop – In the 1900s, the barbershop was one of the social centers of the community and provided a place to spruce up from your travels, get a shave or a haircut. Modern public restrooms are included in this building.

Dr. McGuffin’s Office – Dr. McGuffin built this office in nearby Pettisville in 1911. It features many of the medical instruments used by country doctors.

Elmira Train Depot – Trains first appeared in Northwest Ohio in the 1850s. This depot showcases the important role of the rail system.  The depot serves as a physical stop for the Erie ExpressTrain ride.

After the tour we enjoyed a train ride tour of Sauder. We went past the campground and the Inn, which, I would highly recommend getting a two day pass, camping or staying at the Inn, going swimming enjoying the Splash Pad, and then being able to see the remainder of the Village the next day. There is just SO MUCH to see, do, learn, shop, & eat; you can’t do it all in a day! Though we did try….

Rural 1920s…

We shopped at the Lauber’s General Store & Herb Shop…ladies, this is where ALL the fall flavors live!

There was so much to see and learn at 1920 Main Street that we really didn’t make it beyond, or should I say further back in time. However, on the way home the kiddos were already planning out our next visit, like legit, they had the map in the backseat, pen, and were placing arrows in the direction we would be going for our next visit, lol!