Save the Barn

When we purchased our property in 2001, we thought we would be able to afford to restore and rennovate the barn.  Unfortunately, after 26 months of unemployment for me and Sally going to school full time, those plans fell apart, the barn goes unsaved, and we are not going to be able to afford anything for it in the near future.  Two separate barn experts in New York examined our barn and come up with the same, indpendent conclusion:  It may be the oldest barn of its kind in New York state.  Here are some of the key points:

  • Gambrel roof (see below)
  • The house was built in 1830-1840 and part of a large farm.  It stands to reason that the barn was built around then, or shortly after
  • The barn is approximately 55' x 40', making it more square than rectangular
  • The roof's unique pitch is shallower than most post-Civil War gambrel roofed barn
  • The main area of the barn is completely open with no posts
  • Many construction aspects of the barn are in a style that was predominately done prior to the Civil War
  • There is a five-sided main beam, apparently made of one solid piece of wood

The experts both agreed (again, independently) that because of the unusual size, the immense open space of the main barn area, the pitch of the roof, and other factors, that the barn could very well have been constructed prior to the Civil War.  If it is, they both believed that it would be the oldest gambrel roofed barn in New York State.  Why? Because gambrel roofs weren't used (so they say) until after the Civil War.  Which means that our barn is of historic interest.  Saving it is a priority for us.  It is missing its main doors, has a large section of the roofing material laid open to the elements, needs sill work, and has a section of foundation crumbling - all of which costs money to repair.

Though you may not know me or Sally from Adam or Eve, we encourage you to donate to our Save the Barn Fund.  A link to PayPal, the world's leading processor of online payments, is provided at the top and bottom of this page for your convenience.  If you would like to donate without using an online service, please contact us via the contact link at the bottom left.

Thank you.

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