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SAVE THE BARNS
The significance of the Loren Andrus Octagon House and its surrounding acreage has spanned many decades. In 1860, Loren first used the property for the advancement of agricultural interests. The over 300 acre farm supported a variety of livestock including several types of sheep the Andrus family bred for fine wool. As urban sprawl continues in northern Macomb County, the Friends of the Octagon House feel very fortunate that two of the historic barns have survived along with the house and a few smaller outbuildings. The barns actually have a history all their own! As new owners took over the property, the barns and grounds were used a variety of ways which promoted farming.
From 1945 to 1962, the site became a training ground for future farmers. It had been donated to Wayne (State) University and during this time was known as the “Albert H. Schmidt Foundation Farm.” It became invaluable to World War II veterans who came home from the war with no marketable abilities. The Wayne University programs equipped them with valuable skills including modern dairy, poultry and crop farming and farm management. The lessons learned were then taken to their own individual communities where they were put to good use.
During this time, Parke Davis and Company used the dairy herd to test vaccines intended to control deadly bacterial diseases. U.S. Rubber Company, later to become Uniroyal, experimented at the farm as they worked to build better tires for tractors and other farming equipment.
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Historically speaking, the barns are virtually irreplaceable displays of period craftsmanship. The 5,230 square-foot, two-story barn is a sample of a late development gambrel roofed barn. The barn is relatively sound for its age, but it became imperative that a new roof be put on to insure that the building would remain standing.
In June 2006, with the generosity of many donor contributions a new roof
became a reality! The Friends of the Octagon House were able to hire a |
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barn expert who straightened and strengthened the barn roof. This portion of the repair cost $12,500.00! The expert attached 200 plates with 6 ˝ inch nails and then drove over 400 more nails into the 2 x 6 foot beans to accomplish the task. He also discovered something very unique while doing the work. He wrote:
| "While straightening the barn at the Octagon House, January 2006, I came upon a one of a kind truss system that keeps the trusses together and gives them their structural integrity. This system consists of heavy gauge wire attached to the top of the rafters for extra support. This is a system that in my 32 years of working on barns I have never seen, heard of or even read of. This uniqueness in the trussing system is hidden from view. I’m sure this is why no one has noticed it before. It can be readily viewed from a ladder now that you know to look for it above the rafters system. Pictures by a professional Historical Preservation Photographer should be taken to document this unique feature. This barn must be preserved." |
To further the restoration and preservation of these historically significant structures our efforts are now centered on the inside and outside of both barns. This gigantic undertaking includes: replacing dormers; windows and sashes; repairing cinder block walls; re-grading the perimeter; replacing floor boards and wall panels; updating and installing electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems; and insulating the buildings and clearing the overgrown shrubs and trees.
Once restored, the barns will again become a vital part of our community. They will be used as social gathering places for a variety of social events, exhibitions, seminars, educational events, private parties including weddings, showers, birthday parties, corporate events, family reunions and much more. The possibilities are endless. The revenue generated from these events will insure that this historic treasure will remain intact for many years to come.
None of this can be accomplished without help from supporters like you! We sincerely hope that you will consider becoming a “Save the Barns” sponsor or volunteer your time to assist with the work that needs to be completed. Looking for a unique gift for that special person in your life? Provide them with a gift of sponsorship!
For more information, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Susi DiPace, at volunteer@octagonhouse.org
To become a sponsor, please download our application
below.
Friends of the Octagon House, Inc. is a 501(C) 3 Non-Profit Organization
Donations are tax deductible.
We Thank You for Your Support!
Downloadable sponsor application: Sponsor
Application
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