The Nilsen barn before relocation
and restoration.   Photo by Henry Vanderwerken
 

The Nilsen family of Johnstown, NY, has always known their barn was a classic. When the family farm was sold, the Nilsons donated the barn to the Schenectady County Historical Society so that it could be preserved and enjoyed by the public. The Nilsen Barn is in the process of being reconstructed at the Mabee Farm. The barn-raising activities began in December 1999.

The Nilsen Barn is a magnificent example of a Dutch Barn. The barn restorer, Steve Swift, estimates the barn was built in the 1760s. Many features make this a true classic. It is a large barn, 5 bays, measuring 51' long by 53' wide, with side walls over 19' high.
The anchor beams are 12" x 22 ½" x 35', with a center bay span of 30'. One bay still has the hay loft floor made of sapling poles. (See top left of photo.) The transverse struts have tongue extensions through the columns, some rounded and some square. Some original floor planks remain measuring 2"-3" thick and 12"-30" wide. Some original siding was also found, covered up by a later addition. There is evidence of pentice roofs and wooden wagon door hinges, both of which will be recreated.
                                                                                         Elements of a classic Dutch Barn - the massive anchor
                                                                                         beam, 12”x 22”x 35’, with wedged tenon extension, and
                                                                                        the hayloft on sapling poles.  Photo by Sally van Schaick

The Nilsen Barn has some peculiar features as well. One sidewall is higher than the other, and the widths of the side aisles are different, so the roof ridge is not at the center of the building. Most peculiar is the left sidewall that is framed differently than the right. This wall has four extra wall posts, whose only apparent function is to receive the upper transverse struts.

THE NILSEN BARN GALLERY

Phase I - Dismantling the barn at original site

South Gable End - facing the Mohawk Valley below, horse barn has been cut away from the right side.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

East Side - some original wide siding was found where the horse barn was attached.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

North Gable End - with view to the Mohawk Valley beyond. A close look will reveal some odd characteristics, the roof ridge is off-center and one sidewall is higher than the other.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

View of the Mabee Farm as seen from front door of the barn
 

View of the Mohawk River as seen from north side of barn
 

                                     Phase II - Erection of the barn at its new site

H-bents on floor deck awaiting raising Two bents up, four to go

The long reach of the boom

The following pictures show progress culminating in last picture of early April, 2001:

                           THE NILSEN BARN PROJECT TEAM DURING CONSTRUCTION, 1999-2002

William Dimpelfeld, Scotia, NY President of the Schenectady County Historical Society

Robert W. Sager, Schenectady, NY, Mabee Farm Project Chair

Scott Haefner, Rotterdam Junction, NY, Site Manager of the Mabee Farm, Member of Mabee Farm Committee, Historian for the Town of Rotterdam

Everett Rau, Altamont, NY, President of the Dutch Barn Preservation Society, Barn Restoration Consultant, Member of Mabee Farm Committee

Keith Cramer, Albany, NY, Member of Mabee Farm Committee, Member of Dutch Barn Preservation Society, Architect for Relocation of the Nilsen Barn

Henry Vanderwerken, Watervliet, NY, Photographer and Photo Archivist, Board Member of the Dutch Barn Preservation Society

Steve Swift, Middleburgh, NY, Swift Restoration & Supply, Barn Mover and Restoration Contractor

Tony DePalma, Niskayuna, NY, Dovetail Woodworking, Carpentry

John DeRuscio, Schenectady, NY, J&P Builders, Masonry and General Contractor

William Larned & Sons, Inc., Schenectady, NY, Site Work

Chris Canestraro, Duanesburg, NY, Barn Door Restoration

The Schenectady County Historical Society
ATTN: Everett Rau, Mabee Farm Project
32 Washington Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12305

Direct comments on web page itself to Ed Reilly of Cybernetic Information Systems

Page last modified 3/28/2007