Weathered by time and softened by the sun, old barns stand as silent witnesses to generations of hard work, love, and life. Within their creaking beams and worn floorboards are stories of early mornings, harvest seasons, and children’s laughter echoing through the rafters. Families once gathered under their roofs to work side by side, stacking hay, tending animals, or seeking shelter from a summer storm.
These rustic structures are more than just buildings; they’re living pieces of history, holding onto secrets of simpler times, whispered traditions, and a way of life that shaped the heart of rural America. Each nail, board, and faded paint stroke tells a tale of resilience, connection, and the quiet beauty of things built to last. This is the story of one such barn in Topeka and how it was lovingly restored.
On a mild and sunny Friday afternoon, several past residents of Cedar Lawn Farm gathered to see the newly renovated barn. They sat around a large round table sharing stories about the property. Marsha Ericson recalled that her great-grandparents, William D. and Carrie Butner, bought the property in 1898. In 1910, they purchased a home from the Sears Roebuck & Company catalog, had it trucked in, and assembled it on the farm where it is still in use today.
At the age of 95, Naomi (Tabor) Hepworth shared how her future father-in-law, Earl Hepworth Sr., bought the property in June of 1946. She and her husband, Earl Hepworth Jr., moved there in 1949 after he returned from the Navy. “We had cattle, pigs, goats, and chickens, and we grew milo and alfalfa for the animals to eat,” Naomi remembered. She operated a beauty parlor, The Green Door Salon, out of the home for thirty years. “The property got its name from a windbreak of cedar trees planted on the north side of the house,” she shared.
Naomi’s daughter, Nancy (Hepworth) Ferrell, fondly recalled her grandpa milking goats in the barn and the family’s affinity for pug puppies. Earl farmed the land until 2000. In 2002, he sold most of the original farm to the current owners, the Higgins family.
Hearing these stories, it’s clear that all of the families feel a special bond, evidenced by the fact that they gathered, brought timeworn black-and-white photos to share, and thoroughly enjoyed reminiscing. They were all genuinely excited about the barn’s transformation and thrilled to know that Cedar Lawn Farm would continue to collect memories, record history, and connect future generations.
“It was my Dad’s idea to renovate the barn,” said Tricia Novak-Higgins, Mike Higgins’ daughter. “He’s always working on a project, and this one turned into a real labor of love.” His goal was to preserve as much of the original barn as possible, so he sourced all the original barn wood siding and even used the original nails. It took over two years to complete.
From the moment they walk under the 100-year-old timbers that support the original sliding barn doors on rollers, visitors will feel the historic charm. Its Kansas limestone and wood walls encompass a large reception area, an elevated stage with built-in speakers, a catering kitchen, and two private lounge areas. Outside, guests can enjoy a large stone patio, lawn games like cornhole and horseshoes, and s’mores around the fire pit. This historic venue has been reimagined as a contemporary event space for up to 150 guests, and its modern amenities blend seamlessly with its old-world warmth.
“It’s the perfect space for so many celebrations,” Novak-Higgins shared. Cedar Lawn Farm is ideal for a wide range of events, from large gatherings such as weddings and proms to smaller celebrations like birthdays, graduations, showers, gender reveals, celebrations of life, and corporate retreats. “We focus more on quality than quantity,” Novak-Higgins added. “We will tailor the event to fit your needs and create an unforgettable experience.”
An integral part of that tailoring includes decor. Cedar Lawn Farm and The Beacon have teamed up to create Flourish Design and Decor. Tricia Novak-Higgins and Shelby Irick are excited to infuse vibrant energy into the decor industry, making it effortless for you to elevate your event experience! True to their slogan, “Where Your Vision Becomes Our Passion," they bring your ideas to life with every detail meticulously curated.
Cedar Lawn Farm also hosts public events throughout the year, including Easter celebrations with annual egg hunts, local craft and vendor fairs, fall flings, and Christmas parties with Santa.
For more information on renting this one-of-a-kind event space or the farmhouse, please visit www.cedarlawnfarm.com or call 785-559-8451. Follow them on Facebook at Cedar Lawn Farm for upcoming events.
“From black tie to country chic, we can create the perfect atmosphere for your event.”
“It’s a way to honor the past and create a space to make new memories.”