Circa 1856

05/12/2025

Hello to all our local friends! It's been months since we left the property on Johnson Road, and our last FB post. It seems many didn't see our post from Nov. 2, 2024, or don't know that we sold the property. We have been getting several FB messages, calls, emails, etc not only with inquiries to book tours and events but also checking in to see if we are OK, or "what's going on". It seems the condition of the property has some local peeps concerned. So, I wanted to make this post to say We are fine! We simply no longer own the property and have no control or insight into its condition. We appreciate your concern for our wellbeing, especially to those direct enough to reach out and ask. To those who were less concerned, and more annoyed by current conditions, "I'm sorry". I can appreciate your frustrations, but your comments need to be directed elsewhere. The Johnson Road property is one of the longest surviving early homesteads of La Porte County and we understand your sentiments that it deserves (and its neighbors deserve) to be properly maintained. Be patient; some adjustments take time. . .it's still early Spring.

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01/01/2025

May the new year bring you Love, Joy & Peace. . .but the greatest of these is Love💗

12/19/2024

Just a few highlights of our staff appreciation cruise. A great time with great people!

11/02/2024

Well guys, yesterday we left the property at 4555 W Johnson Road for the last time, but we did not "leave" Circa 1856. Circa 1856 has always been a place in our hearts, from its inception- to all the blood, sweat and tears of physical labor to pour TLC into the facilities and grounds and the care and attention given to each person who came to tour the venue and especially to those who entrusted their important life events to us. Circa 1856 was and is so much more than simply a location on a map.
The land now has new owners who have spent the last three months harassing and interfering with our business functions. While continuing to serve bridal couples and other clients, we have been fending off their incessant demands and attempts to impersonate us by illegally using the name "Circa 1856". While we made the decision to end our business activities, we did NOT sell our business or any rights to use of the name CIRCA 1856; only the real estate. Do not be fooled by imposters! Circa 1856 and all its activities were/are the making and product and legal entity of Tom & Dana Kutz. Any use of our business name, public or private, in print or verbal communication, (email addresses, websites, etc) is a legal violation.
We will be sure to post more about our closing days and photos of the transition, but it is important that our local community and anyone following a recommendation about Circa 1856 be aware that the property is intact, but the ownership is very different.

10/21/2024

We've had several people ask. . .Yes, we do still have T-Shirts available. If you got married here or have fond memories from your time on the farm, you can get a memento of Circa 1856 and a picture of the big red barn at its finest. We have from sizes Medium to 4XL for just $7 or two for $10. Message us and we will arrange time to stop by before November 1st

10/21/2024

Congratulations Makayla & Tim on becoming Mr & Mrs! Your day was beautiful in everyway. . .weather, Fall colors, The Dress, the love you share with each other and your friends and family; it was simply a beaitiful day! We wish you every good and perfect gift from above to bless your lives together.

10/18/2024

Congratulations to Madelyn & Benny. It was a typical Fall day with lots of weather changes, but what can't be changed is the obvious love the two of you have for each other, and how much your friends and family support you. It was a wonderful celebration that we hope will be your forever memory of your special day.

10/18/2024

Such a beautiful day

10/07/2024

Beautiful flowers, beautiful weather and beautiful people marked the beautiful occasion of Jillian & Kevin becoming husband and wife. Congratulations on a beautiful celebration with family & friends. We wish you a lifetime of continued beauty in your relationship💗

09/30/2024

Congratulations to Ian & Emily on becoming husband & wife Saturday! They are the nicest individuals and a perfect match for each other. We pray for God's very best for you throughout your lifetime together, that it be filled with love to secure you and enough adventures to keep you laughing together.

09/22/2024

What a beautiful day in La Porte! It was a very rare occasion to enjoy something off the farmstead on a Saturday. The Sunflower Fest is a great community event. . .so much fun shopping the crafter and artisans booths, and there was live music and so many different food vendors! My daughter opted for homemade snickerdoodle ice cream (yum!). It was great to see local candidates out talking with voters too. . .staying connected matters. Some people may not understand how special it is to live in small town America, but La Porte is one of the best!

09/17/2024

Sunday was so much fun with Pi Beta Phi on the farm for their annual Barn Dance. There was beautiful weather, outdoor games, music, line dancing and food. Another beautiful sunset to mark our last Sunday event.