Tuesday 3 February 2015

Darou barn being dismantled

Darou-McPherson farm house
This is a property that has quite the history. Perth Town Council has been discussing the Darou Farm Property, and its buildings, for years. Finally, they decided to take the barn apart and rebuild it elsewhere. Our local college, Algonquin, is using the project with their students. Algonquin does a lot of restoration work, like stone masonry. Very practical job skills.

Barn board is valuable, some businesses actually buy it up and sell it elsewhere. Many local people make products, arts and crafts, out of it. The town bought the 50 acre property back in 2004 as a buffer to the landfill site, to protect the water table, and in 2009 a consultant said the house and barn had heritage merit. The farm house is pretty uninspiring, to my mind. There is a building behind it, an addition to the house, but it is a common style around here.
farmhouse in spring
We have many fine examples of barns across the province, and the country. I wrote a post about those who recover barn materials , but many are not worth the trouble. There was a wonderful meme, Barn Charm, and falling apart barns are quite common. Now, we have Rubbish by Roan #37 , where you can see lots of old stuff!
Volunteer firefighters used the house it for practice
This building is a place where teens gather behind it, in the dark, on weekends. Without enough OPP staff to patrol, it's been a neglected source of conflict. It is quiet, south of town, and trouble can ensue. Neighbours complain.
before

after

down to the stone, lots of rotting hay

gone!

27 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

lovely old barns. amy b. has started up the barn collective. you might want to join in there with these!

http://rosestreetreflections.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-barn-collective-17.html

Hilary said...

It may not be all that outstanding but I still hate to see a piece of history go. I'm glad they will be giving it extended life elsewhere.

Hilary said...

It may not be all that outstanding but I still hate to see a piece of history go. I'm glad they will be giving it extended life elsewhere.

EG CameraGirl said...

What a lot of work! But it's great that the Darou-McPherson farm house has found a new home.

It's sad that some barns are left to fall apart but GREAT that others can be saved.

Maggie said...

Such a sad end to a once loved building.

Judy said...

Just think of the compost value of that hay!!! The house is a common enough style, but that doesn't mean it should be discarded. I hope someone can repair it and live in it...

William Kendall said...

Strange to see the before and after.

Nancy J said...

Barn boards must be like Rimu recycled timber down here, very valuable and much wanted by craftsmen. Wonderful to think the old barn will be re-located and used for students to train their skills.

Karen said...

Love that shot of the barn's window to the sky.

A Colorful World said...

I am so happy this wonderful old house is being dismantled and moved elsewhere, and not just destroyed. I love its style! Love the barns too! Did you know there is also another barn meme called Barn Collective. Many people who show barns on Rubbish By Roan will connect in to Barn Collective as well since it posts on Sunday, I think. I don't see many barns where I am so you will have to find a connection to Amy's Barn Collective on someone else's blog, unfortunately. It shouldn't be hard to find, though. Have a great week!

Tom said...

Many times the sum of the parts is worth more than the whole. Tom The Backroads Traveller

Red said...

What to save and what to trash are tough questions. Here , I think we tash too many buildings of historical value.

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

That's a good idea to protect the water table near a landfill. Boy, we sure do have lots of old barn wood in this area - many old rotting barns. Have a lovely week!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

At least Im glad they just aren't going to burn it down.. Should be a good learning experience for the students.

Rose said...

These are good for Rubbish Tuesday, but if you have a lot of barns, Amy at Rose Street Reflections has started The Barn Collective that opens on Sunday evening late, and is open for till Wed I believe.

http://rosestreetreflections.blogspot.com/

LV said...

Great post. Enjoyed seeing the different versions of the buildings etc.

Powell River Books said...

At least it will be saved. - Margy

Yamini MacLean said...

Hari OM
My heart always thumps louder when I see derelict buildings which show something of their potential for brighter days... Your photos play their part in preservation... YAM xx

eileeninmd said...

Neat series! I have seen many show on HGTV where the barn wood is being recycled and used.. It does look pretty in the makeovers.. Have a happy day!

21 Wits said...

Wow, such great history. Beautiful captures.

carol l mckenna said...

Lovely barn photos and historical post ~ Love it!

Happy Week to you,
artmusedog and carol

Anonymous said...

So interesting to read about the history. Lots of lovely shots!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Great pictures! I liked Barn Charm.

Amy Burzese said...

I am so glad to see that it will be saved, even if in another location.

Amy Burzese said...

Thanks for linking to The Barn Collective this week!

Anne Payne said...

I know there are times I have seen a barn that is falling down and thought it would be nice to salvage some of the wood. But I always hate seeing these beautiful old barns and houses destroyed. :(

Daniel Roberson said...
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