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A generation and more ago, barns were found throughout the Moosehead region, confirming the importance of farming and animal husbandry in the local economy. But in the 21st century, it's becoming increasingly more difficult to find barns in the area. To that end, the Moosehead Historical Museum is undertaking a survey of barn structures in the northern half of Piscataquis County, with the idea of creating a computer information and photograph database of these often unique structures. In additon to northern Piscatquis County (from Shirley to the Aroostook County line), the survey will include northeastern Somerset County, including Rockwood and the Pittston Farm area west to Long Pond. The total area encompassed in the survey will be nearly 5,000 square miles, which is the area served by the museum's archives. William Reidenbach of Harfords Point, a long-time summer resident and retired attorney, will conduct the barn survey with help from Wilson "Bea" Sawtelle of Shirley. Training to conduct the survey was provided by Maine Historic Preservation in Portland, and information gathered will be shared with that agency as well. "The purpose of the survey is to preserve the historic character and resources of our area barns," Reidenbach said. "All information collected will be assembled into a database constituting a permanent part of the museum's archives." He added that many local barns, as well as throughout Maine, are being lost since they are no longer part of working farms. The structures are succumbing to neglect, decay and demolition. Having photographs and basic information about the buildings will help preserve their memory for the future. The survey will be conducted throughout the summer months. The surveyors will travel along all of the area's roads in search of barns. They will photograph the structure, and if the owner permits, will ask for information about when it was built, its size and construction details. "Even if people don't wish to participate in the survey by providing information, it would be very helpful if they would at least allow our survey people to take photographs," said museum executive director Dr. Everett L. Parker. "Timing of this project is critical. Even if we wait one more year, some of the barns that exist now will be lost." If you would like to schedule a visit from the surveyors, call the Moosehead Historical Museum's office at 695-2909. The office, located in the Carriage House on the Pritham Avenue campus, is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday year-round. If no one is in the office, leave a message on the recorder. |