ABOUT US

Our Family would like to invite your family to visit us at "This Old Barn". After being dairy farmers for 18 years we sold our rural farm and cattle in 1993 and moved to our Tomah location, where our farming became very diversified with beef cattle, horses, sheep, and pigs. In the fall of 1994, our family suffered a tragedy when the father of 4, my husband John was severely injured in a Horse Riding Accident. John spent a significant amount of time in the hospital and came home needing 24-hour care. With 4 children to raise, I knew that we needed to come up with a solution for income. Our first craft sale was held in the basement of our home, which brought about the idea of remodeling the barn and starting a craft and gift shop. It was a lot of hard work, but with the help of many friends and family, This Old Barn opened in July of 1995 with just the bottom section of the store filled with crafts.

By January of the following year, we had outgrown our space, so we closed the barn for 6 weeks, and cleaned out the hay loft and remodeled. At this point, John had recovered from his injuries and helped with the expansion. Two years later, we added another addition to the back of the barn to host more crafts and collectibles, and to have a special room for our tour bus visitors for entertainment and luncheons. At that point, our diversified livestock also expanded to include sheep, goats, horses, miniature donkeys, a pot-bellied pig, and llamas. We purchased our first llamas as guard animals and from there fell in love with them. Our many visitors love to visit our llamas and for kids, its love at first sight. We now show our llama's nationally. Our herd consists of 25-30 quality llamas. We specialize in preparing llamas for shows at the 4-H level, and also at the ALSA Shows. We enjoy working with and teaching children with their 4-H projects.

We also host several events throughout the year. In June, Our "CountryFest and 4-H llama fun day". In September, we fill up the fields with crafter's and vendors for our Barnfest. We also host two special Christmas Events. We offer sleigh rides, Christmas carolers, and a visit with Santa for the children.

Actually, we find animals and crafts are a great mix year round. We host several tour groups that come for a day of fun in the country. Besides shopping, the guests can see films on agriculture, learn about wool processing, or watch our llama's run an obstacle course. We also offer a wide range of rustic décor and floral accents. Since I love Flower arranging, I make many of our Christmas Wreaths, centerpieces, and swags myself.

It has been so rewarding to open our Farm and country craft barn to families from across the United States . We value all of the friendships that we have made.

Many families and friends have helped to make This Old Barn successful - especially my children. Carrie (30), Amanda (26) and her husband Craig, John Jr. (28), and Kelly Jo (22). They all help to make our special events run smoothly.  In addition, Amanda is our Office Manager/Website technician, while Kelly helps out as a sales clerk, and our top llama handler.

Most recently, my daughter Amanda has taken over the store and is now fully operating, while I spend most of my time with the Llama's and working with the fiber.

Thank you so much for visiting our site, and we hope that if you have not already checked us out in person, that you will stop by and see us soon !!

The coffee's always on !

Email us now for more info !

                        The Ollendick Family

                        John and Marcia

                        Carrie and Mya

                            John P, Kelli, Carter and ?? 

                         Amanda,Craig, Taylor and Jacob

                         Kelly Jo, Todd & ??