Old Joe Homestead Tour
Individual Tickets School/Group Reservation
In 1877, Joe E. Wilshire (“Old Joe”) purchased hundreds of acres of Oak Glen farmland for a saddle, a jug of whiskey, and a chicken. Your family, friends, and students might be surprised to know that much of that farm land is still, well…farmland! In this tour, we explore the crafts and skills of a homestead farm family. Spend a few hours with us, before the era of traffic jams, learning the simple home arts of 19th century farm life.
Look on our Itinerary page to see some of the activities offered.
FAQ
How much does it cost?
Tour pricing depends on group size and season. See our pricing page for details.
When should we arrive?
At least 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour.
What is the maximum group size?
It takes a minimum of 25 guests to schedule this tour. Once that is met, any number can add on to our maximum of 350 people.
Can we buy food?
There is on site food at the Bakery and Restaurant which can be ordered or purchased throughout the day.
Can we bring our own lunch?
Most schools bring lunches for the students, and they you will have access to a picnicking area for lunch.
How do we get there?
See Map for driving directions.
What is the typical age group for this tour?
This program is best suited to primary grades, but we welcome anyone.
Do I need to teach my students anything particular before our field trip?
Not at all. Like our Colonial Farm Life tour, this program emphasizes interactive activities more than anything else. Just be prepared to enjoy your time here!
Do I need to group my students a specific way before our field trip?
This program operates ideally with group sizes of roughly 25 each, simply to accommodate everyone on the hayride. If you wish, you can do this before the date of your trip, but it isn’t necessary. All of our tour leads are prepared to greet and assist you when you arrive. They will provide you with all necessary paperwork and directions, and assist your students with lining up into your group(s).
Do I need reservations?
Large groups need reservations, but individuals may join a tour in progress if space is available.
Testimonials
My compliments on the superb “American Revolution School Tour” that John Muir Middle School experienced on Wednesday. You, Sgt. Major Harmon, Master Villareal, Master Drazin, and Miss Shaddix all played your roles brilliantly. I’ve been teaching American History for over thirty years, and have visited Williamsburg, Jamestown, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Mystic Seaport and other “living history” sites as a tourist, so I feel qualified to give you an enthusiastic “thumbs up” on the quality and quantity of information that was entertainingly presented at each of the rotation sites. You certainly make effective use of the three-and-a-half hours!
–Glen
Burbank, California!
Thank you for a wonderful field trip yesterday! Since I am New England born and bred, I wondered how you could live up to my Revolutionary War expectations. Well I must say you surpassed them! Thank you from the entire 5th grade class at the Academy of Academic Excellence! We had a great time! All of you did a bang up job and we plan on returning next year. Thanks again!
–Donna
Academy for Academic Excellence
Our 8th graders had a superb field trip to your Revolutionary War session in December. I was truly impressed with the professionalism, dedication, authenticity and true-life experiences the students enjoyed. (I was a docent for Massachusetts historical sites, as well as for the Ventura County Historical Society.)
–Judith Nelson
Riverside, California
It goes a long way when you show a child a book with information about the history of the world they live in. When you give that same child the opportunity to see it first hand, hear, and feel the sounds of the past now you have given that child a lesson that will last a life-time. God Bless You!
–Paul Francis
Oceanside, California
I would just like to thank you immensely for the wonderful adventure you and your staff took my students on yesterday. They came to school today with a true love of the country and a renewed love of history. They read a story in class today called, “…If You Lived at the Time of the American Revolution” and as soon as the story was over, the talk about yesterday began. They loved every minute of their time there…Thank you once again for all of your hard work in bring this period of
history to life for my students.
Lisa Digrado
Linda Vista Elementary
Pasadena, California
My class chaperones and I really enjoyed your reenactment of the Revolutionary War. All Day long I heard comments such as: “wow, this is fun,” “I’m learning something new,” “I never knew that,” “Now I understand…”
Our trip was excellent and I know my students learned more than what I had been teaching from our textbook. Thank you for making history come alive for my students and me.”
–Rhonda
Arroyo Verde School
“I was at the farm on Friday March 22nd with my daughter’s school. I’ve been a mom for 22½ years and have been doing field trips for over 17 years, and yours is by far the best one EVER!!! And it’s not just because our last name is Riley. Everyone was so nice, knowledgeable, polite, professional and in character most of the time. I seriously loved it and will be back with my husband and the rest of the family. Thanks for everything.” –Debi Riley
Bellflower, California
“My class just had its field trip today and it was fantastic! All of the kids thoroughly enjoyed it and really experienced the Colonial Life we have been studying. Thank you so much for this wonderful experience. This was one social studies lesson that even my most fidgety pupils did not consider “boring” even for a moment! Well done!” — Carmella Danella
Santa Ana, California
“We are looking forward to visiting your farm again. It is our school’s favorite fieldtrip. After two years, we have students asking when we are going and signing up early!”
– Shannon Cabanas, Cobalt Middle School
Victorville, CA
“To all the folks at Riley Farm–Thanks for all the great work you do! All the best,” –Walter Fay,
Executive Producer “The Patriot”
“We just attended with our Charter school, Gorman learning center. My 13 year old Stephen, and 7 year old Jessica really enjoyed the interactive/reinactment of the Revolutionary War. But to tell you the truth,I think I enjoyed it just as much. I only wish I could have brought the other sons, age 15..Mark, and 17…Luke. They would have loved it also. So, we will attend future engagements if possible. Thank you so much again. We had a WONDERFUL time!!!” –Diana Spink, Panorma City
“A touch of Colonial America on the West Coast. The Rileys have done their research! The authenticity of food, clothing, sharing of colonial trades, shelter and surrounding environment is truly remarkable. Participating in a battle … was a definite highlight…”
Pam Combs, 5th Grade Teacher
Bryant Ranch Elementary School, Yorba Linda
“A visit to Colonial Chesterfield…is the perfect way to start our year. As we study the Revolutionary Period and pioneer days…I often see students’ faces light up as they recall adventures (“we shot at the British from behind that stone wall”) and other lessons learned “out at the farm.” You make history “come alive” …thanks!
Ted Campbell, 5th grade teacher
Pachappa School, Riverside
“Thank you for the most wonderful field trip I have ever hosted for children. Your knowledge of history, the authenticity of your facilities, the beauty of the surroundings, and the love of history that you shared with the students are very much appreciated. All 112 students and teachers from Discovery Elementary School thank you!
We are already planning our next visit. We never thought it would be possible to take the children back in time, but you have done just that! What a priceless opportunity. Thank you again for the experience.”
Mary Dougherty
Fifth Grade Teacher, Discovery Elementary
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed my visit to your farm yesterday with my daughter’s Girl Scout troop. It was a wonderful, peaceful day, as well as educational. Smelling the clean air, hearing the birds chirping, seeing the lovely countryside and feeling the warm sunshine was so relaxing. And watching your beautiful children playing in the tall grass
was enchanting. I felt like a guest at your home rather than a visitor at a tourist location. And by the way, the apple pie was one of the best I’ve ever had!
Thanks for the great day!
Sincerely,
Nancy
San Fernando
Reservations
For groups smaller than 15 persons, please choose the “Family/Individual” option.
