This Saturday I braved the deary weather to attend that annual Barn Keepers Tour. This organization promotes the appreciation, preservation and rehabilitation of barns. This is no small task in the year 2010 will Morton buildings and urbanization to contend with. This year the tour included eight barns 'locally owned and operated' in Randolf and southern Bloomington, IL townships as well as historical landmarks, including Blooming Grove Cemetery. Blooming Grove cemetery features a four-sided gravestone tribute for three wives of a single man, however, the fourth wanted nothing to do with the other three. She convinced the husband to be buried with her several yards away. One could also visit the Simpkins Military Museum or the historic marker of the first brick house in McLean County.
Nevertheless, the main event was indeed the splendid barns. Most notable was the barn reincarnated from its first life as Sparta Methodist Church. The barn was relocated a fourth of a mile to its current site by teams of mules. Modifications include: raising the original flooring to create a hayloft and replacing the decorative church windows with more practical options. Another interesting barn hosted thousands as headquarters for the famous Kickapoo Creek Rock Festival. Articles on display showed the 30,000 fans that congregated on this farm and the devastation they left behind. All of the barns were exceptional examples of functional architecture.
Furthermore, it's not too late to be a part of this tour! Tour booklets may be purchased at any time for five dollars giving everyone the opportunity to experience these barns anytime. Also, past barn tour booklets from Towanda, IL or Funks Grove, IL may also be purchased. This annual event is always held on the second Saturday in September rain or shine so mark your calendars for next year! Additionally, they host four meetings a year and hold other special events like barn dances. Yearly membership is also available for only $25.00. For more information about this cause visit www.barnkeepers.org.
I am reminded of a favorite childhood television show, Reading Rainbow... so in closing I would like to quote the host LeVar: Burton "But you don't have to take my word for it..."!
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