Barn Restoration Workshop June 28-29, 2008

Date: June 9, 2008
Contact: Kimberly Mann, 231-326-5134

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore will be hosting its annual barn restoration workshop June 28-29 in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District. The workshop will be held at the Lawr Farmstead on M-22 and Basch Road, approximately 5 miles north of Glen Arbor. The Lakeshore and the Michigan Barn Preservation Network are providing the instructors for this workshop. 

How many of us have had someone back into a post in their garage or barn? The workshop at the Lawr Barn will focus on assessing and repairing structural damage caused by an unexpected event such as an accident or natural disaster. The course will include 1) assessing the damage, 2) installing temporary supports to keep the building from collapsing, 3) hiring the correct personnel for the job, 4) repairing and reconstructing damaged or missing structural components, 5) returning the structure to pre-accident condition, and 6) equipment safety. The course is set up so participants receive “hands on” training of all techniques. The workshop begins at 9:00 a.m. each day. There is no cost to participants. Tools and materials will be provided. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and gloves and bring a sack lunch for each day they attend. Campsites will be provided for those workers who request it.

Workers are not required to be skilled in the building trades, though experience will be helpful and appreciated. The purpose of the workshop is to teach the techniques and train owners and interested members of the public how to do restoration work on timber and frame structures. Past workshop attendees have ranged in age from 7 to 70, with each contributing their own unique skills to the project.

This highly successful series of public workshops started in 1997 at the John Burfiend Barn in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District, with subsequent workshops at the Burfiend Barn, Brunson Barn, Lawr Barn, Klett Pasture Barn, and at South Manitou Island’s August Beck Farm. Last year’s project restored the Miller Barn in the Port Oneida Rural Historic District. Approximately fifty people from the public and other national parks attend this workshop each year.

Interested parties should contact the park historical architect, Kimberly Mann [phone] ext. 501, to sign up for the workshop. Campsites may be arranged for you at the D. H. Day Group site near Glen Haven, as needed.