One of the more interesting festivals that my wife and I attended last year was the Homestead Harvest Days, held at the Louis Latzer homestead. This is traditionally held during the second weekend in September. We found that this three-day event is packed with activities including demonstrations of threshing, old time crafts, gas and steam engines, antique tractors and tours of the most modern house around in the early 1900s. We were especially interested in seeing the old threshing machines from the late 1800's.

This homestead is of significant importance as it was the home of Louis Latzer, and the site of the Helvetia Milk Condensing Company that he began in 1885 (the name was later changed to Pet Milk). This house had one of the first telephones in the community and was one of the first houses with running water. Other modern features not often found in homes at the time included a manufactured gas light system and speaking tubes between many of the rooms. During the festival, one can see the homestead in its original state.

This is such a popular festival that you may have to park along the side of the narrow-laned road that leads to the homestead site. There could be as much as a two-mile walk to get to the site. However, the activities and the old-fashioned charm will be worth the effort.

This homestead is available for group tours at other times of the year by contacting the Highland Chamber of Commerce at 618/654-3721.