The Farmhouse is owned by Delta College, which they acquired after the last generation of the Bauer family passed away. Don and Betty decided to convince the Board of Trustees to let them fix it up and make it the presidential house, and in 1980 they moved in. The original house was built in the 1860's and had additions added with the last being before 1908. The original house is estimated to be around 130 years old, with no major structural changes having been made. Many of the furnishings in the house were from the original structure and still used.
Betty and Don biography, Farmhouse Folder, Series 2, Donald J. Carlyon Papers, President's Office Record Group, Delta College Archives, University Center, Michigan
Haynes, Jessica (2011, October 1). Little farmhouse on the campus. The Delta Collegiate
Not only was the Farmhouse Betty and Don's home, but it was a location of many gatherings. Betty chose to stay in the background and as part of their presentation to the Board of Trustees for renovating the Farmhouse was the possibility for entertaining. She enjoyed taking on that role, and the entertaining became her career in a sense and she loved it. Over the years they lived in the Farmhouse they entertained what was probably thousands of guests, comprised mostly of colleagues and friends. They held receptions for various organizations and occasions, holiday parties, gatherings for international students, gatherings for sports, commencement receptions, and plenty others.
Betty's Speech, President Carlyon. Retirement Speeches Folder, Series 2, Donald J. Carlyon Papers, President's Office Record Group, Delta College Archives, University Center, Michigan
Farmhouse Activities, Farmhouse Records Folder, Series 2, Donald J. Carlyon Papers, President's Office Record Group, Delta College Archives, University Center, Michigan
Donald Carlyon was a well-known animal lover and over the years at the Farmhouse he owned many animals including a llama, sheep, donkeys, a pony, and dogs. In the 80's there was a llama craze sweeping the nation, the lovable llamas, and Don Carlyon, the animal lover he was gave into the craze and got a llama himself. He was also known for his lion collection that consisted of lion figures in all shapes, sizes, and materials. He would also board animals for the Saginaw Children's Zoo in the winter, one winter it was a donkey, and during the winter of 1985-1986 he cared for a llama and donkey named Petulia and Tony.
Betty and Don biography, Farmhouse Folder, Series 2, Donald J. Carlyon Papers, President's Office Record Group, Delta College Archives, University Center, Michigan
City of Saginaw Contract, President Carlyon. Farmhouse Animals Folder, Series 2, Donald J. Carlyon Papers, President's Office Record Group, Delta College Archives, University Center, Michigan
Winter Boarders Memo and call memo, President Carlyon. Farmhouse Animals Folder, Series 2, Donald J. Carlyon Papers, President's Office Record Group, Delta College Archives, University Center, Michigan