Noden-Reed Museum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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David Pinney House and Barn
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 Location in Connecticut
Location in the United States
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| Location | 58 West St., Windsor Locks, Connecticut |
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| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1840 |
| NRHP reference No. | 77001415 |
| Added to NRHP | July 25, 1977 |
The Noden-Reed Museum is a cool historic place located at 58 West Street in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. It includes the David Pinney House and Barn. This museum helps us remember what the town was like when farming was a big part of life. The local historical society takes care of it, and it's even listed on the National Register of Historic Places because it's so important!
Contents
A Look Back: History of the Museum
How Windsor Locks Began
The town of Windsor Locks used to be part of a larger town called Windsor. It became its own separate town in 1854. For a long time, farming was the main way people made a living here.
The Importance of the Canal
The Enfield Falls Canal was a big deal for the area. This canal helped boats move goods past some fast-moving water on the Connecticut River. It made it easier to transport things, which helped the town grow.
Who Was David Pinney?
David Pinney was a farmer who owned land near the river. We don't know a lot about him, but he built the brick barn in 1826. Later, in the 1840s, he built the house. It was very unusual to build a barn out of brick back then because it was expensive. Most barns were made from cheaper materials.
From Farm to Museum
In 1974, the Reed family, who later owned the land, gave it to the town. Most of this land is now a public park for everyone to enjoy. The old house and barn are now the Noden-Reed Museum. It's a small museum complex managed by the local historical society.
Exploring the Buildings: Architecture
The David Pinney House
The house is made of wood and has a special "L" shape. It has a sloped roof and its outside walls are covered with wooden boards. On the right side, it has a pointy front. On the left, there's a part that sticks out a bit. A porch with round columns runs along the front of this section. The house is a good example of its time, but it's the barn that's truly special.
The Unique Brick Barn
The barn is very rare! It's one of the only brick barns known in Connecticut and is still in great shape. It has two floors and a sloped roof with a small tower on top. This tower has openings to let air in.
On the front of the barn, there are three large, slightly arched openings. These were for wagons or other vehicles to drive inside. There are also two smaller doors for people to walk through. These doors and windows aren't placed perfectly evenly, which gives the barn a unique look.
Inside, the barn is divided into three parts. One side had stalls for large animals, and the other side had stalls for smaller animals. Today, the barn also displays old farming tools from different time periods. It's like a trip back in time to see how farmers used to work!
See also
