Improbably woolly merino sheep wandered by. She noted that Hancock, in its heyday, had 60 buildings and 4,000 acres, while nearby Mount Lebanon had 6,000 acres. This round barn replaced an older barn that burned. By way of ramps, cows or horses walked directly into either of the barn s lower two levels. Walking inside ourselves, we almost gasped.
Stanchions circle a vast open core.
Far overhead, at the building s apex, a cupola acts as a vent. Rafters radiate from the cupola to support the round roof. Sunbeams illuminate an intricate array of vertical masts supporting the floors, the rafters, the roof. But this cathedral was practical. Kennedy described the brothers bringing in their herd for the morning milking.