Fosterfields Historical Barn

2012

Timbers
Species:  White Oak
Surface: Rough Sawn
Grade: #1 or Better
Quantity: 460 Pieces, 39,853 Board Feet
Interior Finish:  Linseed Oil
Exterior Finish: Sikkens Cedar
Edges: Square
Joinery: Ash Pegs – Proud

This 200 acre property, located in Morristown, NJ, owned and operated by the Morris County Parks Commission, has been a working farm since 1760. Three of the structures, including a stately Gothic Revival house, were built by Gen. Jos. Warren Revere, grandson of Paul Revere. After Gen. Revere’s death, the farm was purchased in 1881 by Charles Foster, a wealthy commodities broker. After his death his daughter, Caroline oversaw the farm operations until her death at age 102 in 1979. She had lived for 98 years at the farm. Wanting others to experience the rich agricultural and cultural heritage of her farm, Caroline bequeathed the entire property to the park commission. Today, the farm operates much as it did during the period from 1918 to 1927, except now the farm is open for tours and demonstrations.

The main barn was built in the 1700’s and was remodeled in the early 1920’s. By 2004 it was determined that would need to be rebuilt. It was also decided the new barn would be rebuilt using the same species timber and in the same structural configuration as the original. The barn measures 36×65, the ensilage and corn crib measure 32×18. Close to 700 rough cut White Oak timbers were needed, six of which were 36’-long 8 x 8’s. The only significant structural alteration needed to secure an engineer’s seal was the addition of wind braces in the roof plane.