An important piece of the area’s past is preserved for future generation.
The Ellis Barn was dedicated during a July 25 ceremony at Springfield Oaks County Park, ensuring the story behind the barn lives.
‘I would like to thank the Ellis Family for having the vision to assure the preservation of a rare piece of Michigan history,? said Tim Birtsas of the Friends of Ellis Barn in a press release from Oakland County Parks.
Dorothy Ellis, the great-granddaughter of Norman J. Ellis, the barn’s builder, reflected on the barn and her family.
‘The neighbors teased him that his home was so much bigger than his barn. He remembered a barn he had seen in Maine on his travels. All the lumber was cut in Maine and shipped to Michigan by railroad. A crew of 18 lived with the family while they build the barn in 30 days,? said Ellis in a press release from Oakland County Parks.
John Noyes of Oakland County Parks said the ceremony provided memorable features including people dressed in clothes of the time period, examples of breeds kept in the Ellis Barn, shoeing demonstrations and Dorothy Ellis? appearance.
‘It was a very nice event and a neat way to give everyone an opportunity to visit the barn before the fair. It was great to get some recognition to the people involved? There were about 120 R.S.V.P.’s and we attracted additional folks from the 4-H who were showing animals at the time,? said Noyes.
Birtsas commented on the importance of preserving the barn.
‘I think because we’re growing so much and developing land, we’re losing barns and the history that goes with them. I think that’s important to pass on to the story of sacrifice and commitment made by past generations,? said Birtsas.
Even with the dedication complete much work needs to be done. Reconstruction of the 14,000-square-foot barn will continue for several months.
‘Now that the barn has traded spaces, the journey has really begun. I encourage you to become a ‘Friend of the Ellis Barn? by supporting this very important historic American symbol so that it may continue on through the next generation,? said Parks Commission Chairman Pecky D. Lewis, Jr in an a press release from Oakland County Parks.
To contact Friends of the Ellis Barn, call 248-620-2248.