Century-old landmark gets new life

Groveland Twp.? Sometime around 1890 Edward Sevener, Township Supervisor and local farmer built a 60-by-40 barn just north of his home near the corner of Groveland and Thayer roads. The structure, constructed on a foundation of cut stones, pine logs, and supported by wooden beams, featured a north-side livestock entrance from ground level where several stalls kept a variety of farm animals. Hay, tractors and farm implements were kept on the top level of the barn where a block-and-tackle used to hoist hay bales dangled from the ceiling. Now, after more than 100 years the stately barn, the center of Fair View Farms will occupy a new lot. Current owner Cindi Sands recently agreed to donate the barn to a resident in Lake Orion who will rebuild the structure. The piece-by-piece process done by Terry’s Barn Restoration of Three Rivers, Mich. will take about a week to complete.