Grant Awarded to Preserve Southbury Barn

State Representatives Arthur O’Neill (R-69) and David Labriola (R-131) joined First Selectman Bill Davis and Helen Higgins, executive director of the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, Monday in presenting Keith and Jane Bilyard with a $6,500 check to help them preserve an historic barn on their Southbury property.

The barn, constructed in an octagonal design around 1910, is listed as part of the Main Street Local Historic District.

“I’m pleased the Bilyard’s received this grant to help stabilize and preserve their historic octagonal barn,” Rep. O’Neill said.  “The shape of their barn really stands out along Main Street North as a symbol of truly American architectural design.”

Rep. Labriola added, “Preserving local structures like this octagonal bard is important to the historical identity of our community.  The money from this grant will be used to shore up the footings, address water issues and maintain the integrity of the structure for years to come.”

The grant is part of an historic preservation technical assistance and granting program of the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, with funding from the Community Investment Act of the State of Connecticut and the Connecticut General Assembly. The Barns grant is to support efforts to preserve the iconic historic barns of Connecticut.