Upper Level of the Barn

The front ramp led to the part of the barn associated with the Farm Yard, while the lower section belonged to the Barn Yard. The upper portion was used to store straw and hay, thresh oats and wheat, and keep important farm equipment. Two areas on the west end of the upper level may have been used to store grains such as wheat and oats, either loose or in sacks. The Barn Yard contained the buildings that sheltered farm animals, one of the primary sources of farm income, including the Hog House, Sheep Shed, the lower level of the barn for milk cows or cattle, and the Stables/Chicken Coop portion of the Carriage House. A fence ran from the northeast corner of the barn to the southwest corner of the Carriage House, with a water trough set half on either side so animals on both sides could drink from it. A wide, sturdy farm gate in this stretch of fence provided access from the Farm Yard to the Barn Yard, and the fence continued to form an enclosure that included the Hog House, Sheep Barn, and lower level of the barn.

Michigan · United States