James Wimer Octagonal Barn facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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James Wimer Octagonal Barn
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The barn in 2010
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 Location in Oregon
Location in the United States
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| Location | 1191 Coos Bay Wagon Road Lookingglass, Oregon |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1892 |
| Built by | James Wimer, et. al |
| Architectural style | Octagonal barn |
| NRHP reference No. | 85003039 |
| Added to NRHP | December 2, 1985 |
The James Wimer Octagonal Barn is a very special barn located in Lookingglass, Oregon, in the United States. It was built way back in 1892. This barn is unique because of its eight-sided shape. It's so important that it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on December 2, 1985. This means it's recognized as a significant historical building.
Contents
What Makes the James Wimer Barn Special?
The James Wimer Octagonal Barn stands out because of its unusual shape. Most barns are rectangular, but this one has eight sides. This design was quite innovative for its time. It shows how builders in the past experimented with different ideas.
A Unique Design: Why Eight Sides?
You might wonder why someone would build an octagonal, or eight-sided, barn. There were several good reasons for this unique design. An octagonal shape can offer more usable space inside compared to a square barn of the same perimeter. It also uses less material for the walls.
Another benefit was its strength. The circular-like shape made the barn more resistant to strong winds. This was important for protecting crops and animals. Farmers like James Wimer were always looking for the best ways to build.
Built to Last: The Story of James Wimer
The barn was constructed in 1892 by James Wimer and his team. James Wimer was a farmer who wanted a practical and sturdy barn for his property. Building such a large and complex structure would have been a big project. It shows the hard work and skill of the people who lived in Oregon during that time.
The barn has stood for over a century. This proves how well it was built. It has seen many seasons and changes in the area. It is a lasting reminder of early farming life in Oregon.
A Piece of History: National Register of Historic Places
The James Wimer Octagonal Barn is not just any old barn. It is officially recognized as a historic place. This honor helps protect it for future generations. It teaches us about the past and how people lived.
What is the National Register?
The National Register of Historic Places is a list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. When a place is added to this list, it means it has special historical, architectural, or archaeological value. It's like a hall of fame for historic sites.
Being on the National Register encourages people to preserve these places. It also helps protect them from being destroyed or changed too much. The goal is to keep these pieces of history alive.
Why This Barn is Important
The James Wimer Octagonal Barn is important for a few reasons. First, it's a great example of an octagonal barn, which was a popular but less common design. Second, it represents the agricultural history of Douglas County, Oregon. It shows the farming methods and building styles of the late 1800s.
It also tells a story about the people who settled in Oregon. They were creative and resourceful. The barn stands as a symbol of their hard work and ingenuity. It helps us understand the challenges and triumphs of early settlers.
