Sunday, September 6, 2009

Big John Limestone Bank Barn

Big John Limestone Barn is located approximately one mile East of Council Grove, Kansas.  The barn was built by Seth Hays in 1871.  The farm was known as "Big John Farm" at the time it was purchased by Hays.  Big John Creek runs through the property.
Chuck peers inside the Big John Limestone Bank Barn.  Bank barns are commonly associated with Amish farms in Pennsylvania.
 
A bank barn is a style of barn noted for its accessibility, at ground level, on two seperate levels.  These barns are often built into the side of a hill, or "bank". On this barn, there is a ground level entrace to the second story on the North side (not pictured).
The barn is 40' x 76' with a 40' tall peak.  The native limestone walls are two feet thick.
The barn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The barn is the only remaining building of the "Morris County Poorfarm"  which existed on the site from 1889-1945.
Back of the Barn.

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