Preserving Oaklawn Farm's Historic Percheron Heritage

Preserving Oaklawn Farm's Historic Legacy

We are a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to preserving the historic buildings, barns and artwork of Oaklawn Farm, once the largest Percheron importing and breeding operation in the world.

1934 & today: Solomon Dunham Home and Later the Sales Pavilion.

Oaklawn Farm

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Historical Building Preservation

Dedicated to the restoration and maintenance of the iconic barns and buildings of Oaklawn Farm for future generations.

Art & Documents

Currently undergoing conservation

Our 47 acres of barns and buildings is dedicated to the preservation of open space in an rapidly shrinking world.

Open Space Conservation

Historic Preservation

Explore our gallery showcasing Oaklawn Farm's rich heritage and legacy.

Buildings

Grounds

Art & Artifiacts

A remarkable place dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Percheron horse and the history of equestrian sport in Wayne, Illinois.

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Preserving Oaklawn Farm's historic legacy for future generations.

THE MISSION OF THE OAKLAWN FARM HISTORIC FOUNDATION IS TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT THE BUILDINGS, GROUNDS, PHOTOS, AND ART THAT ILLUSTRATE THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS SITE THAT IS ALSO ON THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES. THE BUILDINGS AND ARTIFACTS BEING PRESERVED BY THE FOUNDATION DATE BACK TO 1836 WHEN THE ORIGINAL HOUSE WAS BULIT BY SOLOMON DUNHAM. THE SITE BECAME A WORLD FAMOUS IMPORTING AND HORSE BREEDING ESTABLISHMENT THAT ATTRACTED NOTABLES FROM ALL PARTS OF AMERICA AND EUROPE. IT lS THE PRESERVATION OF THIS 43 ACRE PROPERlY AND ITS VERY RICH HISTORY THAT DEFINES THE FOUNDATION'S FOCUS AND COMMITMENT.

ADDITIONAL PURPOSE: ADDITIONAL PURPOSES FOR THE CORPORATION INCLUDE PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO THE PUBLIC TO VISIT AND VIEW THE HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT GROUNDS AND STRUCTURES AND ALSO TO PRESERVE THE OPEN SPACES OF THE VILLAGE OF WAYNE AND TO ENHANCE AND PRESERVE THE RICH EQUESTRIAN HISTORY OF THE PROPERTY AND THE SURROUNDING AREA.