Historical Society Exploring Acquisition of Pre-Civil War Era Barn

The Three Village Historical Society is eyeing an historic barn in Old Field that dates back to the pre-Civil War era, which the Village of Old Field may donate to the organization.

According to TVHS vice president Stephen Healy, the organization is ultimately hoping to move the barn to its North Country Road property, then restore it for use as a center for its programs and events.

"This is a great piece of local history that will fill a need for us," Healy said. "Rather than discard it, we’re trying to get enough public awareness behind it to move it."

The barn is located on a property along Old Field Road on what is known as the Old Crawford Estate, on a slice of land that was deeded to the Village of Old Field many years ago. Old Field Mayor Michael Levine said the village is currently exploring donating the barn to the TVHS, and said it would be a win-win scenario for both entities.

"It serves virtually no function whatsoever for the residents of the village. ...  I get the impression that it would be useful to them if they were to renovate it and conduct events and perhaps educational seminars," Levine said. "I always feel that if something can be used and be educational, and it’s no hardship to the village, then why not put it to good use."

To support the moving and restoration of the barn, the TVHS is holding a gala at the Port Jefferson Village Center on May 10 at 7 p.m. It will feature a 50/50 raffle and a "Chinese auction." Tickets are $30 in advance until May 3 and $35 after May 3 and at the door. Frank Turano, a past TVHS president and expert on local history, will give a presentation about the barn.

The barn is in danger of further deterioration as one corner of it is open and exposed to the weather, Healy said. The process will involve fundraising, grant writing, working with moving and restoration companies, building a foundation for the barn to sit on, and more.

"We’ll get historians to make sure that everything is done per authenticity," he said. "We’ll consult with the Department of Environmental Conservation. we’ll speak with the neighbors. It’s not something you can just turn around and do."

In the book Images of America: The Setaukets, Old Field and Poquott, a 1950 photo shows the property behind the barn being used by J. Ward Melville to show his carriage collection as a fundraiser for the founding of the Society for the Preservation of Long Island Antiquities.

"We need a lot of inertia," Healy said. "When you incorporate something this big you need a lot of traction, a lot of push."