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Maintaining the Wilder Homestead is no easy feat, but it is one that Buckland Historical Society does with pride. Having been bequeathed the homestead from the Wilder Family, whom decedents occupied the home for over 200 years, we take pride in keeping the history of this home, using it as a means to educate.
The 1779 English barn is in need of some major restoration, to keeps its' legacy going, and to also make the barn weatherized and available for use year-round. The restoration will be taking place over the next few years, to bring the barn into all its' glory. Please watch the video or scroll down to learn more! |
Phase Two Bids- Job Specs, please see below
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Logging Has begun!!!!Our Save The Barn project got underway in mid February by harvesting timber for the restoration, right from the Wilder Homestead property, and using a team of oxen! It was important to the Buckland Historical Society that harvest methods mimic those in use when the barn was built.
Meet Tom Jenkins of Blue Dog Forestry in Westhampton and his team, Timber and Star. As we continue, logs will be milled on site, creating the lumber to restore the barn. Keep an eye here for more visuals as this project unfolds on our Facebook page. |
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LOGS TO LUMBER
Cruckfather, LLC crew getting the job done on site at The Wilder Homestead as the barn restoration progresses.
The Cruckfather LLC of Hawley, MA
The Cruckfather LLC of Hawley, MA
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The Barn is dismantled
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Slate is removed from the barn roof by Cruckfather, LLC crew of Hawley. If you've been following along, the barn will be carefully dismantled piece by piece (which post & beam construction allows for), new foundation put in place, and barn then reassembled. Stay tuned as we process through the project!
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First the slates came off, the roof structure is next! Piece by piece, the barn is being dismantled, catalogued and safely stored while a new foundation is put in place. The English style post & beam barn will then be reassembled upon the new foundation.
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...gone! Labelled and organized under and around the big top for autumn reassembly. Excavation and new foundation next!
RECONSTRCUTION BEGINSMeasure twice, dig once!!!
RECONSTRUCTION has begun! WR Hillman LLC, of Shelburne Falls, is handling the excavation. Check back soon for more action & progress!!! 
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POURING CONCRETE
Here's where the rubber hits the road, folks - or the concrete hits the dirt! The new FOUNDATION is in - kind of the crux of doing this whole project! Thanks to Dave Bernard and his able crew of Bernard Concrete Company - they do great work, and I think Dave is a boy from Buckland! Next stop drainage, backfilling, and then the barn will start going back up!
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WORKING THE TIMBER FRAME
Repairs and replication of timbers are finishing up under the Big Top, by the skilled craftsmen of The Cruckfather LLC. It won't be long now until they begin reassembling the Wilder Homestead Barn on its brandy-new foundation! Stay tuned! Check out previous post to watch video of foundation work moving toward the finish line!
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laying the foundation
Looking plumb and ready for rebuilding to begin. Beautiful stone work by Aaron Rutz, stonemason in Buckland. Keeping it local as with all of this project!!!
Barn raising has begun!!
On November 21st, an intrepid crowd of donors, local contractors working on the restoration project, Buckland Historical Society members & trustees, along with friends and neighbors of BHS and The Wilder Homestead braved a cold and blustery day to witness the first corner post being raised back in to place (see video in previous post). Special thanks to state Senator Paul Mark for joining us - he has been instrumental in helping secure funding for this project
Barn work Video
Check out this great time lapse video by Phillip S Billitz, who captures some terrific local scenes! Here's what he had to say after visiting the job site:
"Wilder Barn Restoration- Dec. 1, 2023
Mortise and tenon, wooden pegs, no nails, 65% of the original components had to be replaced or repaired. The barn was built around 1780, so almost 250 yo. Help them out if you can."
"Wilder Barn Restoration- Dec. 1, 2023
Mortise and tenon, wooden pegs, no nails, 65% of the original components had to be replaced or repaired. The barn was built around 1780, so almost 250 yo. Help them out if you can."
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The Wilder Homestead Barn Returns in 2024!!!
Keep an eye on the progress!
We are so grateful to local, yet world famous glass artist Josh Simpson for donating handblown bulls eye glass panes to grace the transoms (donated by Hamshaw Lumber), which provide natural light above both large barn doors. Also thanks to Rich Larson & Mike McCusker for glazing and the Franklin County Jail and House of Correction for for priming and painting the sashes.
It's coming together! Take a stroll inside the Wilder Homestead Barn restoration. You can see the blend of old and new - any new wood member is an exact replica of the original it replaces, and is crafted from lumber cut off the Wilder Homestead forest land last year. We can still use your help to get the finishing touches in place and welcome your donations in support of this local preservation project.
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Tah DAH!!!! Transom Raising accomplished today!
Kudos to volunteer craftsman Jim Bonham and Nevan Carling to execute this fragile task, with BHS Pres. Michael McCusker as their laborer! Showing up to watch were barn restoration supporters state representative Natalie M. Blais & Margaret Payne. Kudos to Josh Simpson Glass for providing the beautiful hand blown bulls eye glass - 32 panes worth!!! 
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THE BUCKLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC. is a 501(c)3 non-profit. Donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law. You may pay using credit card or by mailing your tax deductible donation to:
Buckland Historical Society, Box 88, Upper St., Buckland, MA 01338. |
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Read this recent write up in the Greenfield Recorder, thanks to Senator Adam Hinds!!
-Wilder Homestead in Buckland gets $75K for historic barn restoration-
-Wilder Homestead in Buckland gets $75K for historic barn restoration-
Thursday, March 3, 2022
By MARY BYRNE
Staff Writer
BUCKLAND — Fundraising efforts are underway for the proposed reconstruction and restoration of the historic barn on the property of the 1775 Wilder Homestead.
State Sen. Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield, hosted a small event at the Wilder Homestead on Route 112 on Wednesday, where he formally announced the allocation of $75,000, to be combined with private donations, toward the restoration of the historic barn.
"Our small contribution is just that — a small piece of a big project, with a lot of generous folks helping out," Hinds said in front of a small group of Buckland Historical Society members and project donors. "I just want to make sure we are continuing to bring attention to this project."
Michael McCusker, president of the Buckland Historical Society, said the entire restoration project — which will help address issues with the barn's roof, foundation, siding and interior timber frame, as well as improve the overall weatherization to allow for year-round use — is estimated to cost about $500,000. The restoration, McCusker explained, would allow for the continuation and expansion of workshops and classes. In particular, the interior of the barn features antique looms used for teaching and production.
The $75,000 grant, which comes from American Rescue Plan Act funding, is expected to be part of the required match for a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council the society is in the process of applying for. "We're ramping up for that," McCusker said, noting the maximum grant award would be $200,000. McCusker said he expects to hear about whether the Historical Society received the grant in May, which will come shortly after the society launches its public campaign to raise the rest of the matching funds.
To date, money has been raised through membership donations as part of the campaign's "quiet phase." Capital Fund Chair Sue Samoriski said she wanted to thank donors for their pledges, donations and matches. "Everybody has played an important role," Samoriski said. "I've worked on several capital campaigns in my life and this is the most exciting. This is something that is generating a lot of historical and educational activities, opportunities for the community and for local education." She told Hinds that the $75,000 grant was a "cornerstone" to the society reaching its goal. "We're so grateful for Sen. Hinds and the state money that is coming this way," Samoriski said. "We appreciate your local support and the support for the state, and all you're doing for this community." Hinds, who is running for lieutenant governor, said between the historic and agricultural significance of the Wilder Homestead, as well as the educational element and potential tourism draw, it was a "no brainer" for him to offer his support for the cause.
"There's something about spending my entire life driving by this building that really pulls at your heartstrings," the Buckland native added. "Of course, we're going to make sure every aspect of this property is where it needs to be."
Following his stop in Buckland, Hinds went to the Hilltown Mobile Market on Sawyer Road in Worthington to announce a $50,000 allotment of ARPA funds, according to Hinds' office. The grant aims to improve food access for residents and support western Massachusetts farmers. Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at [email protected] or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.
By MARY BYRNE
Staff Writer
BUCKLAND — Fundraising efforts are underway for the proposed reconstruction and restoration of the historic barn on the property of the 1775 Wilder Homestead.
State Sen. Adam Hinds, D-Pittsfield, hosted a small event at the Wilder Homestead on Route 112 on Wednesday, where he formally announced the allocation of $75,000, to be combined with private donations, toward the restoration of the historic barn.
"Our small contribution is just that — a small piece of a big project, with a lot of generous folks helping out," Hinds said in front of a small group of Buckland Historical Society members and project donors. "I just want to make sure we are continuing to bring attention to this project."
Michael McCusker, president of the Buckland Historical Society, said the entire restoration project — which will help address issues with the barn's roof, foundation, siding and interior timber frame, as well as improve the overall weatherization to allow for year-round use — is estimated to cost about $500,000. The restoration, McCusker explained, would allow for the continuation and expansion of workshops and classes. In particular, the interior of the barn features antique looms used for teaching and production.
The $75,000 grant, which comes from American Rescue Plan Act funding, is expected to be part of the required match for a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council the society is in the process of applying for. "We're ramping up for that," McCusker said, noting the maximum grant award would be $200,000. McCusker said he expects to hear about whether the Historical Society received the grant in May, which will come shortly after the society launches its public campaign to raise the rest of the matching funds.
To date, money has been raised through membership donations as part of the campaign's "quiet phase." Capital Fund Chair Sue Samoriski said she wanted to thank donors for their pledges, donations and matches. "Everybody has played an important role," Samoriski said. "I've worked on several capital campaigns in my life and this is the most exciting. This is something that is generating a lot of historical and educational activities, opportunities for the community and for local education." She told Hinds that the $75,000 grant was a "cornerstone" to the society reaching its goal. "We're so grateful for Sen. Hinds and the state money that is coming this way," Samoriski said. "We appreciate your local support and the support for the state, and all you're doing for this community." Hinds, who is running for lieutenant governor, said between the historic and agricultural significance of the Wilder Homestead, as well as the educational element and potential tourism draw, it was a "no brainer" for him to offer his support for the cause.
"There's something about spending my entire life driving by this building that really pulls at your heartstrings," the Buckland native added. "Of course, we're going to make sure every aspect of this property is where it needs to be."
Following his stop in Buckland, Hinds went to the Hilltown Mobile Market on Sawyer Road in Worthington to announce a $50,000 allotment of ARPA funds, according to Hinds' office. The grant aims to improve food access for residents and support western Massachusetts farmers. Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at [email protected] or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne.
Michael McCusker, president of the Buckland Historical Society, said the barn restoration project is estimated to cost about $500,000.
STAFF PHOTO/MARY BYRNE
Highlights of the Wilder Homestead
Weaving in Our History
The barn has been the focal point for the Buckland weavers, a longstanding local tradition of Buckland women who keep alive the handspun fiber art. Our long-term goal is to enhance the weaving space where we produce rag rugs on our antique barn looms. Restoration of the structure of the barn will help us continue this living history.
Public Education
Every year the Buckland Historical Society works with the Mohawk Trail Regional School District to provide learning opportunities about local history in and around the barn. A hands-on educational Colonial program has been running for more than 25 years at the Wilder Homestead and has served 1,000 elementary students.
The Barn Restoration Project
Today we face a major challenge with the preservation of the barn. With grant support from the Massachusetts Cultural Commission, in 2020 we conducted an architectural study with the assistance of Stevens and Associates from Brattleboro, Vermont. The study identified key deficiencies in the foundation, the siding, and post and beam components that will need to be replaced. Our goal is to raise $150,000 that can be used to match other grant funders to complete the structural restoration.
The barn has been the focal point for the Buckland weavers, a longstanding local tradition of Buckland women who keep alive the handspun fiber art. Our long-term goal is to enhance the weaving space where we produce rag rugs on our antique barn looms. Restoration of the structure of the barn will help us continue this living history.
Public Education
Every year the Buckland Historical Society works with the Mohawk Trail Regional School District to provide learning opportunities about local history in and around the barn. A hands-on educational Colonial program has been running for more than 25 years at the Wilder Homestead and has served 1,000 elementary students.
The Barn Restoration Project
Today we face a major challenge with the preservation of the barn. With grant support from the Massachusetts Cultural Commission, in 2020 we conducted an architectural study with the assistance of Stevens and Associates from Brattleboro, Vermont. The study identified key deficiencies in the foundation, the siding, and post and beam components that will need to be replaced. Our goal is to raise $150,000 that can be used to match other grant funders to complete the structural restoration.
Report from the barn restoration committee
The Wilder Homestead Barn, circa 1798, is one of the few surviving English style barns located on a colonial era farm. The Massachusetts Cultural Council matched the funding of a Feasibility Study, supporting the planning work necessary to restore the barn, support the mission of the historical society, and expand programming to the regional and broader community.
With the Mass Cultural Facilities Grant this Feasibility Study was completed in 2021. Stevens and Associates of Brattleboro, Vermont conducted the architectural study that identified deficiencies in the foundation, the siding, and timber frame components.
With the Mass Cultural Facilities Grant this Feasibility Study was completed in 2021. Stevens and Associates of Brattleboro, Vermont conducted the architectural study that identified deficiencies in the foundation, the siding, and timber frame components.
Three site visits and structural inspections were made to assess the condition of the barn to confirm the suitability of lifting the barn in place. It would then sit on cribbing during the construction of a proper foundation. Disassembly of the barn was considered, although later ruled out, when the structural integrity was determined sufficient to utilize the much less costly lifting in place approach. The lower 12 to 24 inches of the siding are deteriorated where the lack of foundation leaves the boards touching the ground. Virtually all of the base plate timbers have to be replaced, along with many of the lower portions of the posts. With a new concrete foundation, concealed by a fieldstone veneer, the sill plates will be out of the dirt and protected from rot.
The structural assessment report, along with the photographic survey, describes multiple deficiencies requiring attention. Existing heavy timber framing members will be repaired whenever possible. Hemlock harvested on site and milled locally, will be utilized for replacement timbers. Traditional mortise and tendon joinery will be used where posts or beams are replaced. Temporary shoring now in place at the hayloft and an area of roof framing failure will be replaced when the original post and beam structure is restored.
Maintaining the historical integrity of the barn will be a primary objective while concurrently functional improvements and handicapped accessibility will be provided. The uneven asphalt floor will be replaced with wide pine planks cut from trees on the Wilder Homestead hillside.
Antique barn looms, similar to the ones used by Eleanor Wilder Clark and “The Buckland Weavers,” will remain on display and in use at the weaving room. The framing of the ceiling in the weaving room will be raised slightly to increase ceiling height, and will be strengthened to support loads of the loft above. The weaving room will be finished with barn boards and a wide plank floor.
Many thanks are due to Greenfield Savings Bank, Greenfield Northampton Cooperative Bank, and Peoples United Bank for their support to the successful completion of our Feasibility Study.
The structural assessment report, along with the photographic survey, describes multiple deficiencies requiring attention. Existing heavy timber framing members will be repaired whenever possible. Hemlock harvested on site and milled locally, will be utilized for replacement timbers. Traditional mortise and tendon joinery will be used where posts or beams are replaced. Temporary shoring now in place at the hayloft and an area of roof framing failure will be replaced when the original post and beam structure is restored.
Maintaining the historical integrity of the barn will be a primary objective while concurrently functional improvements and handicapped accessibility will be provided. The uneven asphalt floor will be replaced with wide pine planks cut from trees on the Wilder Homestead hillside.
Antique barn looms, similar to the ones used by Eleanor Wilder Clark and “The Buckland Weavers,” will remain on display and in use at the weaving room. The framing of the ceiling in the weaving room will be raised slightly to increase ceiling height, and will be strengthened to support loads of the loft above. The weaving room will be finished with barn boards and a wide plank floor.
Many thanks are due to Greenfield Savings Bank, Greenfield Northampton Cooperative Bank, and Peoples United Bank for their support to the successful completion of our Feasibility Study.
Applying for A Reconstruction Grant
Following the attainment of the Feasibility Study, we are now eligible to apply for a Reconstruction Grant under the second phase of support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. We hope to be able to raise $150,000 to qualify for a one-to-one match that would fund a reconstruction and preservation project. We have submitted our Final Application which was due by January 15th.
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BHS Trustees, Barn Committee members, Selectman Barry Castillo, and Town Planer Heather Butler greeted Senator Hinds.
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Senator Hinds was thanked for his support in the attainment of the Mass Cultural Facilities Grant. He spoke of how he and Representative Natalie Blais can continue to support BHS.
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Steve Howland’s talk described the features of our 1790’s English Barn construction.
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BHS Trustees & Barn Com. Commemorate the day.
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The Barn Committee and the Trustees are excited to embark on the restoration of our classic 1798 English barn, an extraordinary three bay structure replete with an authentic grain threshing bay and hayloft. This English style barn is a rare cultural resource that reflects the family subsistence farming and grain threshing practices of that era.
Early farmers grew wheat for flour, but the process of turning harvested wheat stalks into edible grain was time consuming.
Threshing is the process used to separate the chaff, the protective covering around the grain, and the kernel of grain used for food, from a plant’s stalk. The wheat was laid out on the floor of the threshing barn. Next, the farmer with a large flail would swing it down onto the wheat, releasing the grain from the stalks and cracking open the chaff.
Hand threshing was laborious with one bushel of wheat taking an hour. A quarter of agricultural labor was devoted to threshing.
Winnowing is the action of separating the grain from the chaff- the inedible covering found on the grain. After flailing the grain, the farmer puts the wheat in the winnowing basket or tray.
Threshing is the process used to separate the chaff, the protective covering around the grain, and the kernel of grain used for food, from a plant’s stalk. The wheat was laid out on the floor of the threshing barn. Next, the farmer with a large flail would swing it down onto the wheat, releasing the grain from the stalks and cracking open the chaff.
Hand threshing was laborious with one bushel of wheat taking an hour. A quarter of agricultural labor was devoted to threshing.
Winnowing is the action of separating the grain from the chaff- the inedible covering found on the grain. After flailing the grain, the farmer puts the wheat in the winnowing basket or tray.
On a breezy day, the threshing barn doors in the eaves side are opened. This allows the wind to blow through and across the threshing floor. Using a winnowing tray, the farmers would toss the mixed chaff and grains repeatedly into the air. The wind would blow the chaff away, as the good kernels of grain fell into the tray. This was a very dirty, dusty job. During the winnowing, boards were placed at the bottom of the open doors to block the wind from blowing away grain that fell to the floor. These were called thresh holds.
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Restoration of the English Barn will enable the Society to expand educational programs to the public. We hope that you will respond enthusiastically to our Capital Campaign and help preserve our iconic Colonial farmscape along the Route 112 Scenic Byway.
UPDATE!!
Jack Sobon, an architect and builder specializing in timber framed buildings, has come on board as our Project Manager for the Barn resoration!
Buckland Historical Society — Box 88 — Buckland, Massachusetts 01338 — (413) 625-9763 — Copyright © 2019