Heavy snow has taken its toll on many parts of the world this winter, and recently it wreaked havoc on a 180-year-old barn associated with the legendary trotter Hambletonian
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The roof of the barn, which is located in Sugar Loaf, New York, collapsed due to the weight of heavy snow which fell in the area last week. It was believed the barn housed grain in Hambletonian’s day. The famous trotter spent a winter in a barn across the street, but that barn suffered no damage from the storm. Both barns were built with rare and valuable woods including American chestnut.
A number of local historians and preservationists have recently called for the barns to be rescued from development plans in the area. Their efforts could involve the barns being moved to another location.
The Chronicle has complete details on the story.
I certainly hope that this
I certainly hope that this old barn will be saved from the wrecker's ball . Old barns are as significant as old houses in preserving history . I was also interested to hear that this barn contains American chestnut, a species of tree that disappeared from our landscape a hundred years ago .A devestating blight infected all chestnut trees across the land, eventually claiming virtually every one . Today efforts are underway to restore this tree .
As a "lover" of vintage barns and also one who has taken an interest in the revival of the once mighty Chestnut I hope this barn will continue to live on .