Many Putnam County residents and visitors went on an exciting outdoor adventure on Oct. 29, enjoying a bright palette of fall colors and experiencing life the way it was a century ago. Stepback, located on a 116-acre property off Dennis Station Road in Putnam County, replicates a self-sufficient, 1920s village and opened its doors for the area’s Fall Festival celebration.
Built by property owner Roger Pierce and friends, Stepback includes 26 buildings representing the farms, church, school and general store of the old days, fully equipped with tools and machinery, many of which are in good, working condition.
Pierce initially opened Stepback to visitors in 2007, when Putnam County was celebrating its bicentennial anniversary. It’s open for the public to visit just once a year.
“People have been coming ever since," Pierce said. "No charge for anything. It's just free things for the folks to enjoy."
He also mentioned he does occasionally open the doors to school groups, college students, and even private visitors at other times upon request.
Stepback docents, costumed for the occasion, told stories about the use of their respective buildings in the past. People of all ages and walks of life could find something to their taste. Kids had plenty of space and opportunity to explore and be active, as well as try some farm work, such as cutting wood or feeding chickens with corn meal made in one of the mill buildings.
Kids and adults alike could observe a blacksmith working metal in front of them, see how a 1930s-era Belsaw circular sawmill cut wooden planks, watch the watermill powering various equipment such as corn shellers and pea thrashers, and learn the process of making cane syrup followed by tasting a finished product.
“It’s the time of the year when the leaves are changing and you don't have to worry about the rain too much,” Pierce said of why he chose the fall season to open his grounds to the public. “I built (Stepback) because I am fond of the old times. “My granddaddy ran a grits mill and I used to follow him around when I was small. And I liked country folks. We used to take [corn] meal to country stores and I enjoyed going to the stores. I just fell in love with the old stuff and country life.”
Pierce said he found many of the old machines exhibited at Stepback by doing “a lot of riding and going in antique shops.”
He bought most of the machinery, but some pieces were donated, he added. The docents in every building were volunteers comprised of family and friends.
“They come every year. They like to come,” Pierce said. “I don't have much trouble getting folks to help.”