Peterson, Andrew, Farmstead: Stabilization of North Barn
Two storms in July and August of 2010 caused the east wall and gables of the historic North Peterson Barn, a structure on the Andrew Peterson Farmstead listed on the National Register of Historic Places, to collapse. The already deteriorating barn required stabilization to preserve what remained for eventual restoration. The firm of Hansen Hometech was contracted to carry out the stabilizing process. The two-story bank-barn, an example of Swedish barn construction from the 1870's-1880's, was built of hand-hewn framing and timbers on a fieldstone foundation with board-and-batten siding.
The area had to be secured for safety and all timber and siding were numbered and set aside for reuse or to be used as templates for new wood. A large number of items and artifacts had to be removed from the barn and sorted by volunteers before a complete assessment of the damage and stabilization needs could be made.
Lagging beams were jacked and shored up. Two dormers were removed, labeled and numbered for future reconstruction. Some items found inside the barn, such as foam insulation sheeting, were put to use for the project. A large tarp was nailed across the east side of the barn for protection.
(b) Statewide Historic and Cultural Grants. (i) $2,250,000 in 2010 and $4,500,000 in 2011 are appropriated for history programs and projects operated or conducted by or through local, county, regional or other historical or cultural organizations; or for activities to preserve significant historic and cultural resources. Funds are to be distributed through a competitive grants process. The Minnesota Historical Society shall administer these funds using established grants mechanisms, and with assistance from the advisory committee created herein.