Barn Believers

Underground Railroad Society of Cass County, Vandalia

While they are called “carriage houses,” in fact, these special structures were barns where both the carriage and the horsepower to use it, were kept in community settings. This 1850-era Gothic Revival barn stands on the James Bonine property, at M-60 in Vandalia. Bonine and others in Cass County created refuge for African American freedom seekers from the south. Today, the Bonine house and carriage house are central to the URSCC and its work to preserve and honor important local and national history, both that of helping freed slaves and area agriculture. Barn Believers’ support purchased a new lightning protection system for the carriage house.

Mason County Historic Society, Ludington

The Society has used its 2021 grant at its Historic White Pines Village to replace 40 faded signs in the Jorissen Barn which was moved and rebuilt on the grounds in 1976. The barn features displays of farm equipment from the 1850-1900 era, a diagram and images showing the process of coopering (barrel-making), and an array of farming tools. The displays are important to visitors from around the world and figure into educational activities for school children.

Bowne Township Historical Commission, Alto

The Commission is raising funds to support the relocation of a barn built circa 1860 to become a Barn Museum of Agriculture. The barn was built by a Civil War veteran, John W. Stone. Current owners will donate the barn and a collection of barn and farm-related tools and implements. Importantly, the barn will be used to host educational events for children. Barn Believers’ support will help with the relocation.

The grant was returned in full to Barn Believers Project Fund. Sufficient support to save this historic barn could not be raised.

Western Michigan Fair Association, Ludington

Known as the Wing Barn #27, this 1900-era barn is the oldest, original building on the Mason County fairgrounds. The dairy barn was dismantled when donated by the Wing family, moved and rebuilt on the fairgrounds to house harness horses. The integrity of its monitor roof was maintained in the move. Barn Believers’ support assisted with restoration and repainting. The Wing Barn is also part of the Mason County Barn Quilt Trail. Fairgoers and Trail followers by the thousands, see the barn each year.

Historic Adventist Village, Battle Creek

A barn with an unusual life will be getting needed repairs at Historic Adventist Village, 480 W. Van Buren Street in Battle Creek. A $5,000 grant from the Barn Believers Project Fund, September 2023, will assist with repairs to doors, water drainage at the barn’s foundation, and paint. Known as the Snow barn, the gable-roof hay barn has been built once, moved, and rebuilt twice in its long life. The English-style barn was first built before 1886 on the Francis Snow property south of Battle Creek. When development encroached, the family donated the barn to the Battle Creek Kiwanis to become part of an intended “Pioneer Homestead.” The barn sat for several years adjacent to Kingman Museum but fearing vandalism when it was not used as planned by the Historical Society of Battle Creek, it was gifted to the Historic Adventist Village. The Village, 480 W. Van Buren Street, honors the early roots of Seventh Day Adventism in Battle Creek and has thousands of visitors from around the world every year who tour original homes including that of Church founder Ellen G. White, an 1852 log cabin, an 1857 meeting house, and other original or replica structures.

The Snow Barn was “flaked” or sectioned when it was moved the short distance from beside the museum to the village. Currently used for storage and occasional special events, when a new storage building is completed, the barn will used for plays, musical programs and prayer gatherings. Adventist history notes that the barn of Adventist pioneer Jonah Lewis once stood close to where this barn has been placed. It also records, “Jonah went to the haymow of his barn three times a day to pray.” Barns are important to Adventism as places to meet, worship and seek shelter.

Also in pursuit of our mission “To inform and inspire” Barn Believers is:

• Disseminating “Saving Heritage Barns.” Copies have been mailed to individuals and groups in more than a dozen states and Canada.
• Responding to inquiries about issues concerning barn owners.
• Making museums and historical societies aware of grant support.
• Teaming up with leaders to consider comprehensive collections work.
• Talking with stakeholders who influence ag education and training.
• Encouraging people who care about barns to work together.
• Getting the word out in a variety of publications and media outlets.
• Offering popular two -hour “barn classes” through the Lifelong Learning program of Kellogg Community College, Battle Creek.
• Responding to media inquiries and assisting with articles for publication.