In the 1800's thousands of these out buildings dotted the country side. In early times, they were used for hay and grain storage, and to house a few cows or oxen. By the end of the nineteenth century, the demand for dairy products in the cities was growing, and the use of machinery allowed farmers to work more productively. Many were converted to accomodate mechanized hay tracks and dairy herds. During the first half of the twentieth century, many smaller buildings were incorporated into larger barns as herds grew, and more storage for baled hay was needed.
Todays highly automated farms require much more spacious buildings.
Some threshing barns are still used for hay and equipment storage, or space may be rented out for winter storage of boats or RV's. But increasingly, these old timber framed structures are finding new lives as homes, offices, or retail shops. Here is a comprehensive list of links related to preserving and restoring old farm buildings. Weekend tours of the Farmstead and Depot begin on July 7. Depot Friday Night activities begin on July 21.