Turkey Tom pardoned one day prior to Thanksgiving

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ohio
For the first time, Slate Run Living Historical Farm has pardoned a turkey for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Turkey Tom was pardoned, Wednesday, by the Columbus and Franklin County Metropolitan Parks and 10TV, along with special guests Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther and Ohio Rep. Joyce Beatty.

Tim Molone, who is the executive director with Metro Parks, says the decision was easy since turkey egg production was down in 2016.

"Today, we're going to give amnesty to one of our toms here so he can stay around for another couple years to help us with our egg production," Molone said.

Turkey Tom will now be charged with helping increase egg production in 2017.

"[Tom's] grown fast," a farmer said. "He looks healthy. He has a nice body shape, meaning he's got good meat on him. So, he should have children much like him."

Slate Run Living Historical Farm offers a look for tourists who wish to see what farming in central Ohio would have looked like in the 1880s. On the farm, people can tour the farmhouse, watch people make home cooked meals and help farmers with barn work and chores. You can also see animals from that time period including pigs, geese, turkeys and horses.

The farm was built in 1856 and was restored by Metro Parks. Those who volunteer at the farm dress up in handmade, historically accurate time period clothing and operate the farm 365 days out of the year.

For more information on tours and hours of operation, log on to www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/slate-run-historical-farm.


This article first appeared on 10TV's website on November 23, 2016.