The Lima Historical Society is proud to host what has proven to be a very popular presentation on historic Wells Barns, sometimes known as “Country Cathedrals.“ These represent a very special type of barn unique to western New York. In 1899 John Talcott Wells patented a new method of barn building that provided more open interior space than traditional post-and-beam construction. About 200 of these barns, some in Monroe and Livingston Counties, were built between 1886 and 1942, but only about 50 of them survive today.
Speaker Barb Chapman will set the stage by providing historical background and biographical information on John Talcott Wells. Next Katie Andres will present vintage photos and drawings illustrating the architectural features of the barns’ construction—which included laminated trusses that balanced inward and outward forces, creating high, majestic open spaces. Photographer Dick Thomas will follow up with excellent photos of a number of the barns that are standing today and discuss the architectural and historical importance of the Wells Barns to the rural landscape of western New York.
The presentation will take place at 7pm on Tuesday, September 17th at the Lima Court House located on East Main Street (next to the Town Hall). The program is free and open to the public.
