A Pleasant Township couple rolled up their sleeves to preserve part of Marion County’s past.
“For my last birthday, my family got me a chain saw. I do a little bit of everything!” said Donna Mattix.
From laying stone to building using reclaimed wood, Donna and Dennis Mattix work to restore Marion’s history.
“I love masonry work!” Dennis said. “I just love history. I want people to be able to see what this area used to be like.”
Owens Station Started in the 1800s
John Owens started Owens Station in the late 1870s. Immigrants came to work at the Owens Quarry. A small community popped up including a boarding house, a two-room schoolhouse, a post office and a general store.
The railroad tracks came through in 1871, bringing entertainers to the Opera House. Later, it showed silent pictures. Time took its toll on the structure, along with many others of that era.
“As a kid, Dad would buy more farm fields and tear down old buildings. I thought, ‘We are losing a piece of history,’” Dennis said.
Restoring the Opera House
In 1971, Dennis Mattix and his brothers bought the Owens Farm at 1674 Owens Road. The Opera House was nearly falling over. While some recommended tearing it down, the Mattixes took on the daunting task of restoring it.
“The ceiling was ready to cave in. It was dangerous. We spent years this old building. It took a lot of elbow grease!” Dennis said.
Once complete, Donna scoured antique stores to furnish it. Visitors can see a cannonball from the War of 1812, McGuffey Readers, historical maps and flags. The walls feature art, historical local photos, and drawings of area landmarks from Donna and local historian and artist Carroll Neidhardt.
“It was a lot of work. Our kids love it. We do it for a hobby and they enjoy it,” Dennis said.
Local residents have shared family memories of their grandparents and great-grandparents graduating from Owens Station School at Opera House. When that restoration was complete, the Mattixes found new projects to tackle.
Restoration Expands
“My wife told me not to buy an old barn that was leaning over…. Well, I went and bought it,” Dennis said.
Rebuilding the barn on the farm was not easy.
“When you do these old barns, sometimes you have to wrestle to put it back together!” Dennis said. “You have to tag and number each piece.”
The Mattixes built a covered bridge with hand-cut stones from the old schoolhouse. Visitors can see a gristmill with a waterwheel.
A blacksmith shop includes hand-hammered metal, an anvil, a Huber hay rake and a horse-drawn sleigh. They are also working on a one-room schoolhouse to open next summer.
Nature and Natural History on Display
They hope visitors will find a trip to be a step back in time. Dennis loves to share his passion for the history, from the glaciers to today.
“We have archeology, nature, and natural history,” Dennis said. “In the 1800s, workers at a nearby gravel pit found bones from a 16-foot-long prehistoric creature. It was sent to a museum.”
The Mattixes also restored the headstone of one of the first settlers to move to the land in 1820.
“Pioneers came here when the Northwest Territory opened up. There was a lot of hardship,” Dennis said.
Today, visitors can enjoy wandering by the creek and seeing ducks, deer, and other local wildlife. Friendly cats and a dog also roam the farm.
Free Tours Offered
Groups or individuals can take free tours during the summer. Marion Noon Kiwanis held a meeting there in July 2023. Members were amazed.
“He’s done so much work since I saw it last!” Ron Cramer said.
“It’s a memory that they take home with them. It’s like the old days with hospitality. It’s just being friendly,” Donna said.
Those memories endure. Kiwanis President Christy Neff recalled bringing children tour the Opera House years ago.
“Some children call me up and say they took their children to the Opera House because it’s such a neat spot,” Neff said.
For more information or to schedule a tour:
Visitors are invited to call the Mattixes at (740) 387-6754.
MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.
