Goffar Farm

NEWS ALERT!

The Goffar barn is in in danger of being lost! Water levels primarily caused by beaver activity has left the barn standing in water and mud. The National Park Service has asked us to take on this project of moving the barn forward to save it from the beavers.

Update August 13, 2023:

We are raising $50,000 for the project and need to raise a remaining $12,000. Please help us get over the finish line by donating here!

The two story barn’s framing, wall girts and bracing are all hand-hewn.

History:

This farm located on Narada Lake (Or Lake Narada as it was once called) was established around 1870. A log cabin – and we presume the barn also –  was built at that time. Eventually, in the 1880s, the current house was built. The original owners, Alexis Goffar Jr. and his wife Catherine were from Belgium. His parents first came to the area when Alexis was just 17. Alexis farmed the land but was also a shoe and boot maker, served as North Unity village postmaster, and North Unity School Superintendent among other occupations. The farm was later sold to Julius Prause in 1893. By 1912, Julius’ son Albert and his wife Ida owned the farm. Read more about the farm in our 2022 Clapboard newsletter.

In 2023, the National Park Service completed rehabilitation of the house to be used as seasonal employee housing. The Farm is on M-22 and the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, on the east side of the boardwalk.