Don't fret, this is not my soap box, this is my creative writing. Once I wrote a paper (no, Bill. Not the Christopher Wren one) on historic round barns. I remember it was for my Vernacular Architecture class (try taking a test on that!) and my professor's name was Daves. And I was attending art school (I like to provide you background in case someone doesn't know these facts). I figured I could get pretty creative with this paper and once I started on the "ethereal" feeling of the first round barn I ever walked into, there was no stopping the artsy creativeness that was flowing. Looking back, the paper was probably pretty bad, but all I remember is being very proud of what I had written. I do have a love for round barns and walking into any kind of structure like that is indescribable. Or I can try to describe it by saying, for me it was the most spiritual experience I have ever had (I reserve the right to change my mind if I ever get to visit the Sistine Chapel or St. Paul's in London, sadly visiting St. Paul's in Venice was not spiritual due to the mass tourist crowds and noise, maybe it was Mass, I don't remember).
Writing that took me in a different direction than I had planned. I'll go with it.
This leads me to the September/October issue of Preservation magazine that I am just now getting around to reading (click
here, I discuss my magazine "problem"). There is an article on a "spectacular" landmark.
Shelburne Farms in Vermont.
I imagine the photos in this article only begin to capture the shear beauty of this magnificent place. One of the photos is of the breeding barn and in this photo I am transported back to that round barn experience. The glorious silence, the dust floating in the light pouring through the windows, the smells of leather, wood, hay and manure.
We have to go there.
On top of the historic architecture, which of course is going to draw me in, is the fact that this landmark has become sustainable. It's a teaching farm with many educational programs. And it's beautiful; it sits on Lake Champlain at the base of the Adirondack Mountains. It starts to remind me of Biltmore, only less French influence and more English. And you can stay there, it's an Inn! (Gilmore Girls)
From this article it seems that a visitor can wander around and go to any part of the farm. It really bothers me when I go see a historic building and I'm not "allowed" to see part of it. When it's the offices or under construction, I can understand. And truthfully it's probably due to cost/maintenance. Or, in the past, no one has known how to "deal" with some of the spaces. Should the tour include the kitchen or the basement? Especially if it's the staff kitchen. But there have been a couple of places I've toured where I have been allowed to see the construction with photos of what it looked like before, and a description/photos/drawings of what they hope to restore it to.
In the end all of it is part of history. Open the closed door to see what's behind it. But if they tell you not to touch anything, you really shouldn't touch anything! Even the tapestry hanging in the hall. It may get you kicked out or arrested. Or at least a dirty look from every docent in the vicinity.
