Historic Barns of Connecticut

Designations

n/a

Historic Significance

Architectural description:

This is a 2 ½ story gable roof barn structure oriented with its ridge-line parallel to Neck Road, which runs approximately east-west.  The east gable-façade of the barn appears to have an entry door on the south half of the east façade and a one-over-one sash window on the north half of the east façade at the main level.  There appears to be a one-over-one sash window located in the center of the east façade on the second level and a one-over-one sash window in the gable attic.  The north eave-side of the barn has a row of three one-over-one sash windows on the main level and a row of three one-over-one sash windows on the second level.  The west gable-end of the barn has a picture window on the north half and a small one-over-one sash window on the far south half of the façade on the main level.  A small one-over-one sash window is located on the north half of the façade on the second level of the west gable-end of the barn.  A one-over-one sash window is located slightly to the right of center on the façade on the second level of the west gable end of the barn.  The south eave-side of the barn has a row of three one-over-one sash windows on the main level and a row of three one-over-one sash windows on the second level.  The barn has unpainted board and board siding.  The roof has a projecting overhang and appears to be asphalt shingle.  A metal chimney is located on the west side of the north slope of the roof.

Historical significance:

Known as the shop, workshop, carpentry shop, toolshed, blacksmith shop, or machine shop, these small, well-lighted buildings provide a heated space for making and repairing furnishings, tools, and equipment, as well as for earning outside income through various trades. Typically 1 1/2 stories with a gabled front, and easily accessible doorway, and windows all around, most shops have a chimney for venting a cast iron rood or coal stove.

Field Notes

Only one of its kind in town. Built for constructing small boats. Large doors in the west end were for removing boats when completed. Iron artifacts have been found in the yard. Converted to living quarters.

Use (Historic)

• workspace

Use (Present)

• residence

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Exterior Visible from Public Road?

Yes

Demolished

n/a

Location Integrity

Unknown

Related features

• Stone Walls

Environment features

• Residential
• Rural
• Woodland

Relationship to surroundings

The barn is to the north of the c. 1830 Colonial-style house it is associated with. The ridge-line of the house is perpendicular to the ridge-line of the barn.  A garage , swimming pool and yard are to the south of the barn and north and east of the house. To the north of the barn is the Neck River.  Extending further to the north is woodland. The total size of the site is 1.10 acres. The area surrounding the site is residential and woodland.

Building Typology

• Other Shed

Materials

• Board & Batten

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Structural System

• Wood Frame

Roof materials

• Asphalt Shingle

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Roof type

• Gable

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Approximate Dimensions

35 x 20 ft.

Date Compiled

02/18/2011

Compiled By

A. Ehrgott & T. Levine; reviewed by CT Trust

Sources

Field notes and photographs by Warner Lord date 04/26/2009.

Town of Madison Assessor’s Record
http://data.visionappraisal.com/MadisonCT/findpid.asp#closest
Parcel ID: 00087200

Aerial Mapping:
http://www.bing.com/maps accessed 02/17/2011.

Sexton, James, PhD, Survey Narrative of the Connecticut Barn, Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, Hamden, CT, 2005, http://www.connecticutbarns.org/history.

Visser, Thomas D., Field Guide to New England Barns and Farm Buildings, University Press of New England, 1997.