Recently a group of volunteers from Deer Park and Barrington helped Jonathan Coath, a member of Boy Scout Troop 927, as he completed the final steps of his Eagle Scout project—the restoration of a 1920’s bobsled donated to Deer Park by the Willoway Farm. As volunteers lifted the custom made, solid oak passenger box, Jonathan inserted the Forster Tools-made metal pins in the undercarriage 

Starting his Eagle Scout project a year ago, Jonathon researched the bobsled’s 1920’s construction by talking with historical organizations, contacting John Deere, studying library information, and exchanging letters with a Vehe descendant who described riding to school in a similar horse-drawn bobsled. He also received counsel from parents, Joe and Celine, both architects, to ensure the quality of his restoration efforts.

The biggest restoration challenge was designing and building the passenger box, since that was a missing piece of the un-restored bobsled. In order for the box to fit properly, it had to be built directly on the undercarriage. Other challenges included restoration of the undercarriage, sled rails, and horse poles. Weeks of sanding, priming, and painting were involved. One significant goal achieved was protecting the original John Deere stencil and serial number.

The bobsled will be protected at Vehe Farm during this winter, but next spring it will be brought outdoors for the public, especially children, to see. As part of the Leave No Child Inside initiative and the Village of Deer Park’s goal to preserve local history at Vehe Farm, children will be able to learn about Deer Park’s farming heritage and that of the Midwest.

Vehe Farm is a centennial farm built in 1866 and continues to be one of the most intact farms in Lake County. It is open year round to the public, and now serves as the village community center. To learn more about Vehe Farm go to www.vehefarmfoundation.org.