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Historic Barns and
Farmsteads
In recent years, historians and
preservationists have given increasing attention to barns and
buildings related to agriculture. Some people have long been interested in
barns and are saddened to realize how quickly they are disappearing from the
rural landscape. At the beginning of the 1990s, virtually no factual
information existed about the number and general condition of structures still
standing on Michigan's rapidly dwindling farmsteads. As a result of
interest, the Michigan Barn and Farmstead Survey was introduced and piloted in
Isabella County. Since then, many more communities are investing time and
energy to help survey each county in Michigan.
The purpose of this survey is to identify
and document rural buildings and farmsteads that contribute significantly to the
unique character of a community or illustrate its agricultural
development. For more information about the purpose of this survey, please
click here.
In Otsego County, Michigan State
University Extension partnered with the Otsego County Historical Society to
identify and document the historic barns and farmsteads. Volunteers from
the community were invited to a training session where they learned how to
survey and photograph barns and other farmstead structures. The
photographs that were taken can be seen below, divided up by each
township. For more detailed information, please visit the Otsego County
Historical Society, or contact Michigan State University Extension at
989-731-0272.
Other
Photos Related to the Historical Barn and
Farmstead Survey of Otsego County
© 2004-2005 OCHS
Page designed by Matthew Pearson
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