If you live in Lake Township, you probably use Lake Center Street as a bypass for Route 619. One of the interesting things about traveling this road is the Miller farm located at the corner of Mogadore Avenue. 

The Millers' unique menagerie of animals has included an ostrich, llamas, white tailed deer, turkeys, cows, peacocks, a skunk, a few ducks, a sheep, goats and several pot-bellied pigs over the years. The Millers have a new arrival on their farm this spring.

He is a colt named Stormy. 

“He was born on a stormy night about a month ago,” said Ada Miller. 

The colt is owned by the Miller’s son, Duane, 19.

“Duane bartered his labor at a neighboring farm to purchase the colt. It was a difficult winter for the Millers. They lost several llamas and their ostrich. 

“We think they may have contracted pneumonia,” Ada sadly informed. When the weather transitions from cold to warm several times during a season, it is very hard on the animals.  It is better for them if it stays cold. There is an adjustment period to colder weather, but once they adjust they get used to it. It is much harder on their bodies, especially their lungs, when the weather varies.

The Millers not only work this dairy farm, but they open the farm up to young visitors. 

“We host preschool classes,” informed Ada. “This is a great way for youngsters to experience petting and feeding animals and even milking cows,” said Ada. 

The children who visit the Miller farm also feed bread to the goats and deer and get to pet a skunk. 

“We give them the opportunity to see a working farm and enjoy a variety of animals, too,” she smiled. 

The children must enjoy it. There has been a steady path of visitors to their farm for more than 31 years.