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Endangered Barns: The View from One Town, Woodstock

Between 1976 and 1978, Old Sturbridge Village conducted a survey of barns in central Massachusetts, northwest Rhode Island, and northeast Connecticut. The study appears to have focused on larger dairy barns, but included some smaller barns, and some identified as "modern."

The Sturbridge study covered 176 barns in Woodstock, more than any other town included. The Woodstock Historic Properties Commission has recently undertaken a windshield survey to see how those barns have fared. So far, the Commission has determined that about 30% of the barns from the Sturbridge survey had been lost (the work is not yet completed). In addition, they have found barns that Sturbridge missed, particularly those on smaller roads or set back from a road.

Commission chair Jean McClellan, a former CTHP Trustee, writes, "It appears to me that weather and fire have been equal partners in the demise of Woodstock barns. While all areas of town have been affected, the greatest losses seem to be in the areas of poorest soil and least affluent population. Barns on small holdings that have fallen into disuse have been especially vulnerable, unless rescued by creative re-use or enthusiastic new owners. Barns on active farms with good soils generally have strong roofs and structures, though they may not be painted. Farmers have sometimes built new barns and sacrificed the old; but many of the older barns are lovingly maintained and in active use."