Gilfillan Farm Opens Doors to the Community

The Historical Society of Upper St. Clair gave residents a rare look inside the Gilfillan Farm during Community Day.

The farm is only open to the public on Community Day. Families enjoyed a petting zoo, house tours, sheep shearing, wagon rides, crafts and more at Saturday's open house. More than 650 people toured the property.

"This is the best turnout we've ever had," said Bruce Fife, member of the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair.

The Gilfillan Farm was built in the 1850s and is still a working farm today, thanks to volunteers.

The Gilfillan descendants continued to live and work on the farm until the last Gilfillan died in 2001. Margaret Gilfillan left the property to the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair along with a trust fund to maintain it.

"It's a beautiful farm," said Rachel Heins Carlson, member of the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair. "I've heard people today say they've lived in Upper St. Clair their whole life and didn't even know this farm was here."

"We didn't realize it was back here," said Cheryl Anderson, of Upper St. Clair.

Anderson took her family to the open house on Saturday because they love farms and wanted to see the farm equipment and animals.

"The kids' favorite part of the open house are the horses. They love animals," said Anderson. "And the house is just beautiful." 

Click here for the Historical Society of Upper St. Clair's Facebook page.