After the monumental move of the barn out of Narada Lake, our volunteers took up the next phase of the restoration project in summer 2024.

West Wall Restoration
A project to replace a good amount of missing barn siding morphed into replacing the entire west side. Upon further inspection, the board ends were in poor condition. Over the years, siding had weathered to half the thickness of the original. Milled hemlock transported by volunteers, arrived just in time. The preservation team of six, seamlessly and efficiently executed the project completing the job in just two days with the help of a rented lift.

Old Foundation Fence
The now-exposed lower level where the barn originally stood, was an unsightly mess of mud, lumber, and old pallets. Stones that fell off the 100-plus year foundation wall were salvaged for possible re-use on the new concrete block foundation. Though crumbling, the old stone foundation walls stand defiantly as a reminder of the barn’s original history. For safety and aesthetic reasons, part of the project was to install a wood fence in front of the old foundation drop-off. Next year, an interpretive wayside panel will be mounted on the fence. It will tell the barn’s history and nature’s forces that led to its move 80 feet forward. Now on higher ground, its prognosis is good for another 100 years.

Barn Ramp
The barn was moved, now how to get into it! The old ramp was too short for the barn’s new higher elevation. Though not historic, we salvaged it, and doubled the length of the ramp to provide appropriate incline for entry. The wood for the new joists and the fence came from a donor who offered us black locust from his property. Our incredible volunteers actually cut the trees and transported them to the mill! Hopefully, the barn will soon welcome people in once again.