The Barn at Werner Woods

Yesterday’s column reveled in the trails, and Shawnee the bald eagle, nestled at the . This peaceful and remarkable site is available to us all, for free, because someone else paid it forward.

Specifically, in the Last Will and Testament (1964), of Flora Werner, she gifted the property to the state of Connecticut. And, she was very clear about her intentions:

 It is my desire, as it was the desire of my departed brother, Maurice Werner that said real estate be called “The Werner Woods” and that it be kept in a natural and wild state so that all who enjoy solitude and the beauty and inspiration of noble trees and sparkling water may enjoy the area as we have enjoyed it; that the area be maintained as a refuge and sanctuary for wildlife; fishing in the ponds and brooks on the property be permitted but that the waters be not artificially stocked; and that no concessions be permitted on the property.

Werner also set aside funds that were to be used exclusively for the natural preservation, `development and maintenance’ of this property. Thank you Ms. Werner. 

So, here we were snowshoeing on the Hillside Trail, when we happened upon an architectural marvel; the Werner Barn. It was just there, boom, at the end of a large open, snow covered field; kind of tattered; weathered and boarded up. I was intrigued. What was the story behind this unique building that had clearly seen better days? How did it fit into the overall preservation of the Werner Woods refuge and sanctuary?

Werner Barn Bio

The Werner dairy and fruit farm consisted of a house, the barn and additional out buildings. By the 1970s, the farmhouse and out buildings had deteriorated to the point that they were destroyed by the state Department of Environmental Protection. So, the barn stood alone.

The remaining Werner Barn measures 2,230 square feet and was built in 1948. This is not the original barn. There was actually another barn on the site, purchased in 1873. Lighting got that one.

The unique style of the Barn is called Grambrel Bank. Both the roof and the structure, whose lower level is built into the hillside, are distinctive. The GB style allows a person to enter two different levels of the building from the ground floor. 

Over the years, the Barn has suffered significant damage due to water. Currently, in this deteriorating state, it remains locked off and closed to the public.

The Department of Environmental Protection is the chief gatekeeper for Werner Woods and is responsible for managing and maintaining the site, including the Barn.

It has exclusive access to the Flora Werner Investment Fund which, as of December/2009, is worth approximately $424,550.

So, you have to wonder why this Barn, which played such an integral part of this property and of Canton’s agricultural history, sits there in such a neglected state.

It turns out that a group calling themselves the 'Friends of the Werner Woods Barn,’ have been asking the same question. They have already conducted a number of studies on the overall condition and structural integrity of the building. The news isn’t good. The Barn apparently feels as bad as it looks.

However, there was also good news in the conditions and assessment survey. The Barn is, according to the architect and engineer hired by the Friends to conduct the survey, not so far gone that it is beyond repair; assuming the DEP acts fast. The survey was conducted in 2008.

Preservation is a tricky business; especially when you are dealing with the State, an estate and a passionate group of locals. The DEP is responsible for the entire 100 acres that make up the Werner Woods site. The Friends want to more fully integrate, a restored, Werner Barn into the Roaring Brook Center’s environmental and educational programming.

I’m easy. When I approach that open field on the Hillside Trail, I want to see this Barn; especially now that I know it’s one of the last vestiges of an original Canton farm that sold quince and pears. And, it was Ms. Werner’s wish.  

Here’s the Deal

Roaring Brook Nature Center, 70 Gracey Rd, Canton; 860-693-0263: www.roaringbrook.org.