OUR ROOTS AT ERIN HILL ACRES
The land that Erin Hill Acres calls home has a rich heritage dating back to 1846, when Donald Robertson and his wife Lily MacDonald Robertson emigrated from Islay, Scotland to settle in Erin Township. Speaking only Gaelic, they cleared this land by hand, built a cozy log home and barn, and raised a family of nine children.
The original 100-acre farm was solid forest – maple, birch, elm, and cedar. Over time, it was transformed into fertile farmland through determination, grit, and community spirit. The Robertsons lived simply but fully – spinning their own clothes, baking in a stone fireplace, and building a life from scratch in a new world.
In 1879, a devastating fire swept through the area, destroying the original barn and livestock. But the family remained resilient – rebuilding, expanding and staying rooted on the land. Over generations, the farm evolved with the times, welcoming modern barns and even one of the first self-binders in the area.
Today, the same barn stands as a symbol of that enduring legacy – now home to our shoppe, kitchen and the heart of life at Erin Hill Acres. The timber beams were originally cut from trees right here on the property. Renovated in 1911, again in 1993, and most recently in 2021, the barn continues to tell its story.
As a tribute to the past, the original barn doors were preserved and now stand proudly along our trail entrance, marked with the message: “Welcome to The Great Outdoors.”
Sunday traditions, community generosity and strong faith were pillars of life here. The farm became known for its warmth, hospitality and deep local ties – a spirit that continues at Erin Hill Acres today.