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Barn Preservation Barns are scattered throughout the U.S. countryside. Most of them are rarely noticed. Perhaps we are oblivious to them because we have seen so many, or maybe we just don't realize what natural treasures our communities possess. Sometimes, however, we are persuaded
to recognize the true beauty and history of
the land. That is The Barelman Barn, just three and a half miles south of Wakefield, is being restored and preserved by students and community members for future generations to enjoy its splendor. Frank Hanson had the barn built around 1915 with the purpose of auctioning sows. This time period was rough on many families. The heartland was ravaged by drought and declining livestock prices. Frank Hanson was forced by necessity to take out a $1,000 mortgage every year for farm improvements, which he continued to do as long as he had possession of the farm. Henry C. Barelman bought the land in 1936. The land was passed to Edna Barelman, after which Eldon Barelman gained possession in 1973. Currently, Ward and Laura Barelman own the land. In the short time that we have been
involved in this project, we have not only learned about round barns but
about our history and heritage. Through researching information for this
project and actual manual labor, the community of Wakefield has learned
a great deal about the lives of those in our past. Hopefully, with more
hard work we will be able to turn this building into an entertaining and
educational tool for our future.
-- Tim Bendt, Ryan
Carson, John Danforth, Zach Dolen,
Lori Fendrick, Michelle McQuistan, Cory Nicholson, David Petersen, Tri Tran, Andy Jensen and Mr. Smith of Wakefield Community School Restoring the round barn began as a historical and architectural project for art students in Kirby Mousel's class at Wakefield Community School. They launched a search for unique buildings in northeast Nebraska, beginning in the Wakefield area and eventually finding 12 barns to research. Of all the old barns, the best example of agricultural architecture was right in their own backyard -- about three miles outside Wakefield.
A barn restoration plan was developed, and students presented it to the school board, the Wakefield Community Club and local educators. They also received funding from the School at the Center, a division of the University of Nebraska that provides community improvement grants to rural schools.
Eventually the restoration group grew from eight high school art students to 120 students grades seven through 12, six teachers and six local farmers.
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what happened to the community of Wakefield, Nebraska,
upon discovering a piece of our heritage.
Art teacher Kirby Mousel (in doorway) addresses students, teachers and community members in an opening ceremony before restoration begins. |
Cement floor is removed in preparation
for moving.
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Appearance of barn when new in 1915. |
Students remove two layers of old shingles. |
Students apply a new coat of red paint and remove old shingles. |
Students paint trim, replace rotten wood and install temporary roof. |
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The Wakefield Heritage Organization
is now accepting donations to its round barn restoration project.
For every donation of $150 or more, donors will receive a hand-cast, hand-painted resin replica sculpture of the Barelman Round Barn. Orders are now being taken. With a donation, your name will go on a waiting list. Each sculpture is made to order, numbered and includes a certificate of authenticity. When your sculpture is ready, you will be contacted to pick it up. If you want it to be mailed, include an additional $15 for shipping and handling. Mail donations to: Wakefield Heritage Organization
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Knuthes practice
practical preservation
Five farm families nationwide won the 1999 BARN AGAIN! Recognition Awards and $250 cash prizes. Among the winners were Earl and Delyce Knuth of Cairo, Nebraska. The barn built by Earl Knuth's grandfather and great-uncle in 1919 still serves the family today. Earl uses the huge haymow to store hay and grain. The lower story is used for calving, processing cattle and storage. The barn had been well cared for through the years by the Knuth family, but when Earl and his wife, Delyce, moved to the farm in 1991, they decided to invest in the barn's future with 65 gallons of paint and new asphalt shingles. Earl invested $12,230 in the old barn and figures he saved $40,000 over the cost of a new building, and saved a family landmark, too.
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Phone 402-474-2131 or e-mail nhc@nebraskahumanities.org |
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