Enjoy a FREE day of open houses at 4 locations in Paxton that will share a fascinating look at the town’s past; Paxton Freight House & Caboose, Old Ford County Sheriff’s Residence & Jail, Ford County Historical Society & Water Tower Museum, Baier’s Antique Car Collection. Each of these places have displays and artifacts that will intrigue you and give a glimpse into what like was like in years gone by. All locations are within close proximity to one another. Paxton always has free parking.

10am-5pm • Paxton Freight House & Caboose; 250 N. Market St. Formerly a working freight house, this building contains numerous railroad maps, registers, memorabilia and more. The caboose will also be open to tour.

12-5pm • Old Ford County Sheriff’s Residence & Jail; 258 W. State St. This was a working residence and jail until the mid 1980’s. The jail is in its original state with metal jail cells, beds, mugshot wall and a pass-through window for meals. You can see where Ford County’s only execution by hanging occurred. The home is set up in the 1940’s era with various rooms representing a local physician’s office and school room with authentic antiques and pieces used in Paxton homes and businesses.

12-5pm • Ford County Historical Society & Water Tower Museum; 145 S. Market St. Explore this small but intriguing museum. Stories and artifacts layout the making of Paxton, Ford County and the people that built this area to what it is today.

12-5pm • Baier’s Antique Car Collection; 201 E. State St. Decades of automobiles will transport you to days gone by. Baier’s pristine collection includes numerous Packards, funeral hearses and other fabulous vintage cars.