Wilson Barn facts for kids
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Wilson Barn
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | NE corner of Middlebelt and W. Chicago Rds., Livonia, Michigan |
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| Area | 4.8 acres (1.9 ha) |
| Built | 1888 |
| Architect | John H. Paterson |
| Architectural style | Bank Barn |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000962 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 12, 1973 |
The Wilson Barn is a historic building in Livonia, Michigan. You can find it at the corner of Middlebelt and W. Chicago Roads. It's also known as the Ira Wilson Dairy Barn.
This barn is very important! In 1973, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. It was also named a Michigan State Historic Site. This barn was the start of the Ira Wilson & Sons Dairy Company, a big dairy business in its day. The company even had famous cow head sculptures around the Detroit area.
History of the Wilson Barn
Ira Wilson was born in 1867. He started working on his family's farm when he was young. His family had owned the farm since 1847.
Ira built the first barn on this spot in 1888. Sadly, that barn burned down in 1919. But Ira didn't give up! He built the barn you see today on the old foundations.
Ira Wilson grew his business into a very successful dairy and trucking company. It was called Ira Wilson & Sons Dairy. He also served as the sheriff for Wayne County for two terms. Ira Wilson passed away in 1944. That same year, the lower part of the barn was changed to be a stable for horses.
Today, a group of volunteers called "The Friends of the Barn" takes care of the Wilson Barn. They work hard to keep this historic place special.
What the Barn Looks Like
The Wilson Barn is built in a special way called "post-and-beam." This means it has strong wooden posts and beams that hold it up. The outside is covered with wood siding.
The barn sits on a strong stone foundation. It also has a unique "gambrel roof," which has two different slopes on each side. Next to the barn, there is a tall silo. This silo is made of dark brown, shiny tiles.
