Where Is This Uniquely-Shaped Vermont Barn?
Vermont is full of barns.
This barn is well known for its unique shape.
The Joslyn Round Barn was built by Clem Joslyn in 1910. It was used as a dairy barn from 1910 to 1969. The barn changed ownership and was transformed into an inn in the 1980s. In 1988 it was registered in the National Registry of Historic Places. Today it is called The Inn at Round Barn Farm.
The concept of the round barn came from the Shakers, according to the barn’s website, which says the Shakers preferred the round shape so “the devil can’t catch you in the corners.’’ The shape also proved efficient because the farmer could work in a continuous direction, didn’t have to back farm equipment out of corners, and dairy cows could be herded in and out in a circle.
At one time, there were 25 round barns in Vermont. Today, there are just five, according to the barn’s website. This particular barn is an ideal place for skiers and riders to stay while visiting nearby Sugarbush or Stowe.
New England photographer Jane Ogilvie is passionate about Vermont barns. She devotes an entire page to them — 27 images — on her photography website (including the image above). Why does she love them?
“They are part of our heritage and they are disappearing faster than you think,’’ she told Boston.com.
According to Ogilvie, Vermont has approximately 12,000 historic barns and loses about 1,000 barns every 10 years. Barns are lost when they are not being used or maintained. Saving barns depends on individual action funds and barn preservation grants by the state, which assist about 25 barn owners each year.
She captured this image while touring the area with friends. She remembers it being a very cold day.
“We stopped in at the Inn and had some cookies. Every afternoon they serve cookies and tea,’’ said Ogilvie.
The historic barn, which is surrounded by 245 acres of mountains, meadows and ponds, plays host to weddings, art and photography exhibits, meetings, retreats, and conventions throughout the year.
Thanks to Ogilvie for sharing this lovely image of the historic Vermont barn.
Do you know what town it sits in?
Check back with us tomorrow for the answer. And get travel inspiration every Tuesday on Twitter using the hashtag #TravelTuesday.
The answer: Waitsfield, VT
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