Program Focus: Tollgate Farm

Adolph M. Meyer purchased, in 1951, from the Bassett family what had been an original 160 acres land grant in 1831. To Mr. Meyer it was a reflection of "the early pioneer days of our country" and "some evidence of the historical features and assets which Michigan is noted for - namely the abundance and quality of its natural resources...which are disappearing".  The restoration plan and educational opportunities for the site which Mr. Meyer fostered were based on the belief that "new buildings or ideas will never replace the essential and proven prime need for a farm - food and the natural environment."

Tollgate Farm, NO.VI on the toll road to Lansing, remains the home of the Americana Foundation and a major recipient of grants through Michigan State University which operates and manages the site. As part of a rapidly changing community, the Trustees of the foundation have witnessed the loss, through fragmentation of the land base, of what were once the highest producing agricultural lands in Michigan.  The Americana Foundation supports the maintenance of the historical buildings and grounds at the Tollgate Farm as well as educational programs conducted on site.