 Our Certificate was obtained in Summer 2008. |
 A photo of the farmstead taken in the 1920's or 1930's |
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The Maasdam Barns Development Project will showcase the three historic barns that are part of the Evergreen Ridge Stock Farm Historic District.
From 1910 until 1938 the owner of this farm, J. G. Maasdam, raised and sold award-winning Percheron draft horses. (Click on the photo for details).
The three barns on this farmstead came to be known as the Maasdam Barns, since the owner and his family lived on the farmstead.
The two 1910 barns were apparently designed by the Louden barn design division, an internationally known farm-equipment manufacturer that was headquartered in Fairfield. Modern barn construction methods, such as poured concrete walls, were used, and they featured Louden Machinery Company barn products.
The earlier barn was apparently built in 1906 by then-owner of the farm, Ellsworth Turney. He had retired from the Joel Turney and Company, which built well-known farm wagons and become Fairfield's largest employer in the early 1900's.
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 Stallion Barn, restored 2006 |
The Stallion Barn contains sturdy stalls for 2 Percheron stallions, used for breeding purposes. They had to be kept well away from the mares, so their barn was at the edge of the farmstead.
In 2005-2006 repairs were made, the barn was painted, and the roof was re-shingled.
A Louden hay carrier is in the loft, and still works. Built in 1910 by J. G. Maasdam.
Jul 2007: Stallion Barn photos
Fall 2008: Stallion Barn photos
Oct 2008: Outlying buildings
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 Show Barn, restoration has started, Nov 2008 |
The Show Barn, or Dairy Barn, was apparently built by then-owner Ellsworth Turney in 1906, before J. G. Maasdam bought the farm.
Maasdam used it for general purposes, and to show horses to perspective buyers.
It is of post-and-beam construction, possibly using pieces
from a previous barn. Some repairs are needed before it deteriorates further.
Louden equipment was found in this barn. The extension to
the left is a modern metal building.
Jul 2007: Show Barn photos
Fall 2008: Show Barn photos
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 Show Bar, July 2005 |
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More information about the farmstead:
Farmstead photos, Summer 2007
Farmstead photos, Winter 2007-2008
Moving a house to the farmstead, updated May 28, 2009
Archeological dig article, Aug 2007
Draft horses at work, 2004
Farmstead photos, taken in the 20's or 30's
World's Largest Horse, owned by J. G. Maasdam & Son
About the Farmstead, by Keith Shafer
Historic Study, prepared for the Iowa DOT
Includes photos from 2002 & details of the barns
Requires Acrobat Reader.
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Some of the displays planned:
Learn about Louden stanchions which may be on display.
An early Louden hay carrier may be on display.
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Maasdam Barns, Evergreen Ridge Stock Farm Historic District
