The History
Polen Farm boasts a history that spans nearly two centuries. In 1813, the land on which Polen Farm now sits was awarded to John Bigger, Sr., for his service in the Revolutionary War. His grandson, Joseph Bigger, built the farmhouse and barn in 1854 and named the estate White Oak Farm.

The property remained in the Bigger family until 1940 when Russell V. Polen, a General Motors executive and philanthropist, purchased it. Mr. Polen made many changes to the property in the 1940s, adding the banquet room, enclosing the sun porch and adding the Georgian-style porch to the front of the estate. In the early 1970s, Mr. Polen approached Kettering to sell the farm to the city through a "life estate." Upon his death in 1979, the city assumed ownership of the property.

Since 1982, the City of Kettering Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department has operated Polen Farm as a rental facility for social and business occasions and as the site of several communitywide special events. The city has made many improvements to Polen Farm, including a major renovation and facelift in 1996.

Groups may rent portions of the farm or the entire facility, depending on the number of people involved and the type of event. Ample parking is available.

The House, Banquet Room and Patio
The Polen Farm House includes a full-service kitchen, a roomy living room with a large picture window, a dining room and a sun porch. The Polen Farm House can accommodate up to 70 people, making it ideal for small parties.

Attached to the house is the Banquet Room which features a small service kitchen and handicap-accessible restrooms. Three French doors on the west side of the Banquet Room can be opened to allow guests to flow onto the beautifully landscaped, 3,000-square-foot brick patio with a seasonal tent creating the perfect outdoor setting while still being sheltered from the weather. The Banquet Room has a capacity of 60 people.

The Barn
Through renovation, the two-story Polen Farm Barn has become the ideal setting for square dances, craft shows, company picnics, family reunions, and wedding receptions. The lower level, which features a small service kitchen and restrooms, will accommodate up to 125 people and is useable year-round. The upper level is roomy enough for as many as 175 people.

The Gazebo
A brick path leads from the patio outside the Banquet Room to the Gazebo, a lovely structure so popular for outdoor weddings that it was selected for use in the Polen Farm logo. The white iron benches that face the Gazebo provide seating for 208. The use of the Gazebo is included in all rental prices or can be rented separately for wedding ceremonies.

The Grounds
The Polen Farm Grounds have been preserved to a large extent in their natural condition. In addition to large, stately oak and evergreen trees and expansive grounds, the site features picnic areas and a fitness course.

For more information on Polen Farm, call (937) 435-5787 or e-mail to polen@ketteringoh.org.