The barn located at 4594 Vine Avenue north of Sutherland was built about 1920 for John Adams, a dairy farmer.  It has a footprint of over 2000 square feet.  Twin cupolas and horse weathervanes are original.  Arched rafters had to be hoisted in place with pulleys and horse power.  This allowed for access to the loft without support poles. Darren and Jenny Johnson began restoration on the barn in 2007 and got involved with Iowa Barn Foundation at that time. They applied for and were awarded historic preservation recognition by the Iowa Barn Foundation. For their part they join the tour every year or so and have done so “for a number of years,” stated Darren Johnson.
The 92-barn September 14 &15 weekend tour featured just 9 barns in northwest Iowa. The Johnsons estimate they hosted 50 visitors to their barn over the 2-day weekend.
The all-state tour highlights barns that have received matching grants from the Iowa Barn Foundation for their restoration and those that have received an Award of Distinction or Preservation Award for restoration by the owner.  The self-guided tours cost nothing and are open to the public.
Participants have the unique opportunity to experience and appreciate Iowa’s agriculture heritage as walking tours through these majestic barns giving that up close look.
Johnson says of the organization and the event, “It’s a good organization. It runs on donations from members and coroprations. They give grants to help with restorations.” Watch Iowa Barn Foundation for the spring tours.