Barns of Westport Westport’s
main economy
in its early From early subsistence
crop growing, Westport moved into commercial potato farming, and gradually
grew into one of the largest dairy communities in New England. Barn structures
followed suit including introduction of the milking barn and grain silos.
Early barn structures probably incorporated European construction techniques
which eventually Americanized as functionality overcame tradition. The
barn has such an enduring attraction that many Westport families have
either rebuilt or newly constructed gentlemen’s barns that have
become testaments to an earlier heritage, not to mention handy storage
areas for lawn and garden equipment, and recreational vehicles. Today, one may find in Westport a rich mix of restored 18th century barns intermixed with tired working barns; abandoned barns, grain and feed silos; and recently refurbished barns used for commercial purposes. Many historically significant older barns are in a serious state of neglect. This photo essay illustrates another rural flavor of Westport, and is an attempt to pictorially preserve our rich cultural legacy before it is lost forever. © JWA Productions. All rights reserved. Photographs and text are protected by Federal Copyright. Reproduction of any kind without written permission is strictly prohibited. |