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Historic Barns Reveal Easton's Past

EASTON, Conn. – A person can live in a house and his or her occupation probably has nothing to do with Easton's history. But a barn existed for a use tied to the land and to the town, said Lisa Burghardt of the Historical Society of Easton.

"The barns tell you about the history – about the town's agricultural history. When you look at a house, it tells you about the people who lived there," said Burghardt.

On Sept. 25, visitors will have the opportunity to go inside and check out five or six barns in Easton during the historical society's Barn Tour.

Docents at each barn will describe the architecture and history while showing tourists how a barn can still be used rather than be dismantled. One barn on the tour has been converted into a house. Another, which was once a dairy barn, is now used for storage.

"We want to show how barn use changed over time," said Burghardt. One barn was changed to a boarding house and at another time was a gas station. Another barn on the tour is near one of the highest elevations in Easton – Powell's Hill Point – which Connecticut considers a mountain, said Burghardt. Docents will provide information and a brochure will be available, detailing the histories of the barns and the properties. Two barns on the tour border two towns – one with Weston and another with Fairfield.

The architectural features of the Bradley-Hubbell barn will be detailed because the structure will be under construction. The proceeds of the Barn Tour will benefit its restoration.

More information about the barns will be available closer to the event date. 

A wine tasting and art show will be held in conjunction with the barn tour Sept. 17 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Bradley-Hubbell house. Tickets are $35, and light appetizers will be served. The art show will feature Easton artists' historical sculptures and landscapes in town.

The Barn Tour will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 25 with a rain date of Oct. 2. Tickets are $25 and children are free. Tickets may be purchased by calling Lisa Burghardt at 203-581-0850, emailing hseastonct@gmail.com or mailing a check made out to the Historical Society of Easton to PO Box 121, Easton, CT 06612.

Do you have a favorite barn in Easton? Tell us where it is and why it's your favorite in the comments box below. 

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