“Some people might agree that the physical aspects of a barn possess spiritual qualities similar to those of a church. Indeed, while standing in a barn one does get a sense of quiet reverence as light filters through the narrow spaces of the boards.”
Mary Keithan, author, Michigan Heritage Barns
For more information
- Jan Corey Arnett
Coralan Communications
2444 Halbert Road
Battle Creek, MI 49017 - email address
Barn Preservation Resources
There are many organizations around the country involved in barn preservation. Some specialize in a particular type of barn such as Dutch barns, round barns or Mail Pouch Tobacco barns. Other groups are defined by a county or region and are interested in documenting the history of the farms only in that area. Still others are statewide with the better established organizations providing quality conferences, barn tours, consulting services and grants. Additionally, there are dozens of private companies specializing in dismantling, rebuilding, restoring, moving, adapting, and salvaging barns. Grants can sometimes be a challenge to access. The keys are perseverance and persistence, well mixed with creativity and confidence. Some extraordinary things have happened because people who believed something could succeed, did not give up and did not accept, “But we’ve always done it this way,” as an answer.
Grandpa's Barn
This tiny log barn in Michigan's Menominee County was built by my Grandpa Palmer at the turn of the last century on the farm where my mother was raised, some 12 miles or so from where Dad grew up. The barn needs a loving home because it is falling into severe disrepair and the man who now owns the farm has no interest in it or its history. I'd adopt it and bring it to Lower Michigan if I could. There are many wonderful memories associated with this barn... hugging calves, catching chickens, and walking across the driveway from the barn to the old farmhouse at night holding Grandpa's hand feeling safe, secure and loved. The barn is featured in the 2011-release book by Jerry R. Davis, Michigan Barns, Et Cetera, Rural Buildings of the Great Lake State.