Greg and Debbie Bernitt have sponsored Shawano County’s 397th barn quilt that is on display on a barn on their 20-acre farm at 542 State Road in Birnamwood.
Even prior to the Bernitts purchasing the farm in 2014, it was known as Mallard Acres, so that is what they named their quilt pattern. The quilt, which features a mallard duck in the center, was painted by Judy Kunst, who is the grandmother of one of Greg and Debbie’s sons-in-law, Shane Schmidt.
After living in Galloway for 36 years, Greg and Debbie thought about moving to the Appleton area, but Greg was not excited about the idea of living out his retirement years in a subdivision, so when he heard about the property in Birnamwood coming up for sale, he contacted the owner to see if they could come and see it. Although the buildings, especially the house, were not in great condition, Greg, who has worked in construction for 37 years, thought it had potential, so they made the purchase.
Immediately upon moving in, reconstruction of the house was started. During the construction, the Bernitts tried to preserve the integrity and charm of the farmhouse and the property. The house was almost completely gutted, plumbing and electrical wiring were updated, and a new master bedroom, master bathroom, entry, and laundry were added. Demolition of the lower level created an open concept kitchen, dining area and living room.
To preserve the barn, a metal roof was added, windows were replaced and a potting shed was added to the barn’s east end. Since completion of the farmhouse, Greg and Debbie have enjoyed working the land to add a variety of food plots, a garden, an apple orchard and a pumpkin patch to improve the quality of the soil and preserve the land. They also cleaned and enlarged the existing pond, adding huge rocks as the border.
Greg and Debbie raised four daughters, three of whom are married and have six children among them. The girls bring their families to the farm often and the grandchildren treasure their time there.
The Bernitt property was established in 1857 and exchanged hands several times until Leonard and Mary Opper purchased the house in 1963. Leonard farmed the property with six dairy cows and fields of corn, oats and soybeans. They raised 11 children in the house that had five bedrooms and one bathroom. After Leonard died in 2014 at the age of 87, Mary moved into an apartment in Birnamwood in September that year and still resides there. She enjoys visiting the farm from time to time.
Latest barn quilt has a fowl theme
