A project to inventory traditional barns and farmsteads will be conducted by the Ortonville Community Historical Society during April and May 2003.
The project will involve documentation of barns and other farm buildings. During phase one, information will be gathered by roadside observation or “windshield” survey.
Phase two will consist of more in-depth study of selected buildings and interviews with owners. Information will be organized and kept in the history room of the Brandon Township Library. The survey will:
? Identify rural buildings and farmsteads that contribute to the character of the community or illustrate agricultural heritage.
? Heighten awareness of the decline of older farm buildings.
? Provide an educational experience for participants.
? Help give a sense of the value of agricultural life.
A training session will be at the Brandon Township library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 with Steve Stier, research associate of the Michigan State University Museum.
Anyone interested in agriculture, photography, historical preservation, barns or local history is encouraged to participate. To register go to or call the library at (248) 627-1460.