Tour the Stein Family Farm in National City!

Do you love history? Would you like to tour a historic, over hundred-year-old farm that still stands in the heart of National City?

You should visit the Stein Family Farm!

I published a blog post in early 2021 that included photographs from the street of the farm’s exterior. I detailed the history of the Stein family. Their farm dates from the early 1900s. You can read what I wrote by clicking here.

The farm is presently owned by the Community Development Commission of the City of National City and operated by the National City Living History Farm Preserve. Visitors to the old farm can see what rural National City was like many years ago.

Last Saturday I stepped through the front gate of the Stein Family Farm and received an amazing tour by historian and caretaker Christopher Pro.

We walked through the farmhouse and I learned about its antique furnishings. We peered into the old barn at a horse-driven carriage. We walked through the property and met a surprising variety of domesticated animals that seemed pleased to meet visitors, then we took a look at the farm’s orchard where many different fruit trees provide a living classroom for student arborists.

I saw parents with young kids rambling around the grounds, enjoying the animals and an inviting butterfly garden. One family soaked in the Southern California sunshine while sitting at the picnic benches near a big vegetable garden.

A visit to the Stein Family Farm is free, although donations are welcome. The farm is located at 1808 F Avenue in National City. It’s open every Saturday, from 10 am to 2 pm.

Do you love animals and/or gardening? They welcome new volunteers!

I should have written down notes during my amazing tour. I’ve tried to remember a few tidbits of interesting information, so read my photo captions. I welcome comments, as usual!

Look for this sign!

Some old farm machinery parked near the orchard.

The front of the Stein farmhouse.

The front porch.

Inside the farmhouse. Portraits of Charles and Bertha Stein on their wedding day.

School kids visiting the Stein Family Farm on field trips can see what life was like a century ago.

I learned this was Charles Stein’s saddle. Some of the antique furnishings aren’t originally from the farmhouse.

Looking back from the dining room, which was a bit too dark for taking sharp photos with my old camera.

In the early 1900s, fancy teacups probably arrived from the east by train.

A look at the Stein farmhouse kitchen. That green thing is a breadbox.

I turn my camera to the right.

I learned some of these tins and boxes represent local businesses from the past.

The farmhouse’s original stove. On top I see an iron, washboard and sausage maker.

Porch on the south side of the farmhouse appears very inviting!

We walk a short distance to the old barn.

The hand-cranked device on the left is for sheep shearing. On the right is an antique device for separating cream.

An old carriage inside the barn.

That strange cow near the barn once stood at the Purple Cow Dairy Store.

Heading toward the many farm animals!

A turkey wonders who I am.

We pass a beautiful little butterfly garden. School kids like it, too.

Butterfly knowledge on a sign.

Yes, it’s an emu!

Two pigs digesting their breakfast.

Hello!

All the animals are very friendly.

This chart shows the animals of the Stein Family Farm. Each has been given a name. A Polish Chicken with a crazy hairdo is named Phyllis Diller! The different animal breeds have origins around the world.

Gazing west toward the lush orchard. Many different fruit trees were mentioned.

A fun stage or photo backdrop. Weddings are sometimes held here.

Lots of inviting picnic tables.

A well-tended vegetable garden.

Looking back toward the old farmhouse. That big tree on the right is a Torrey pine.

A great place for meetings. Scouts and local clubs often gather here.

An Eagle Scout project resulted in this long, rustic table.

Tour’s almost over.

…

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I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter)!

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Richard Schulte

Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography.

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