Why save the barns?

            As a professional in the field of Historic Restoration, my eyes are always drawn to the historic architecture of every area of the country I pass through or visit.  Many urban areas, such as Boston, Newport, RI, or Savannah have large, successful, and well funded preservation organizations.   While I would in no way intend to belittle the achievements of these, it seems to me that most historic restoration tends to focus on some of our forefathers loftiest, and originally most expensive structures.  I fear that too often complexity of ornament is equated with architectural significance.  Here in Vermont, shouldn’t our choices for preservation efforts reflect the values of the people who gave us these buildings in the first place?  A quick browse through our state’s history presents an individualistic culture with a righteous pride of all things practical, humble, thrifty, and therefore, ethical. 

Unfortunately, a drive through nearly any historic farmland readily shows us the American barn in a dire state of disrepair.  Though some efforts are being made, and some organizations do exist, each winter with a decent snowfall brings countless barns to the ground.  Others wither away for lack of upkeep funds on the part of their owners.  Most frustrating are the numerous barns which are leveled by landowners or developers who fail to realize the importance of historic preservation.
            We need to do more.  We cannot sit idley by while our heritage is consumed by the moss and ferns.  If we do, our children will inherit a land where curious formations of rubble pose the question,“What was that?”
            The first step is to agree on the problem and the importance of fixing it.  That is where Save the Barns. Org begins.  Becoming a member makes you a part of a new voice.  Speaking out is only the first action we’ll take.  Participating by adding photos and/or info to the “Historic Barn Index,” will give weight to the voice, as well as preventing some of the most quickly disappearing barns from being forgotten altogether.
Finally, contributing financial support will make the realization of historic preservation in Vermont possible.

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