Historic Barns of Connecticut

Designations

n/a

Historic Significance

This large three-bay, square ruled New England barn (the more easterly of the two on the property) is traditionally thought to be from the second quarter of the 18th century or earlier.  The gable entry form suggests that the barn may have been built closer to ca. 1810.  In addition to this the barn contains two interesting features.  It is scribe-ruled, making it one of only a handful of barns found during the intitial survey to be layed out in this manner.  It is also assembled in an unconventional way.  It appears to be an example of what English architectural historians call “reverse assembly.“Regardless of its age, it is an important example of a surviving barn complex in an area where this type of survival is relatively rare.

Field Notes

n/a

Use (Historic)

• unknown

Use (Present)

• storage

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Exterior Visible from Public Road?

Yes

Demolished

n/a

Location Integrity

Unknown

Related features

• Complex
• Garden

Environment features

• Commercial
• High Density
• Residential

Relationship to surroundings

The barn complex, along with the associated mid-18th century house, is a potent remnant from Wethersfield’s past.  While the complex is now on much diminished land, surrounded by more recent development, it still retains many elements of a working farm.

Building Typology

• New England

Materials

• Fieldstone
• Vertical Siding

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Structural System

• Post & Beam

Roof materials

• Asphalt Shingle

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Roof type

• Gable

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Approximate Dimensions

38x57

Date Compiled

Compiled By

James Sexton, PhD