Daniel E. Krause Stone Barn
Encyclopedia
The Daniel E. Krause Stone Barn, also known as the Chase Stone Barn, is a historic barn
in the town of Chase
in Oconto County
, Wisconsin
, United States
. Designed by farmer Daniel E. Krause and built by stonemason
William Mensenkamp, the barn has become renowned for its historical significance.
Like many other barns, it was built of fieldstone
, but in a unique fashion: its walls are more thoroughly stonework than most stone barns, and its massive arch entrances are large enough to permit the passage of large hay
wagons through both ends. As of 2010, it is one of two remaining barns in Wisconsin to be constructed from fieldstone.
Seventeen years after its erection, the barn and the rest of its farm were sold by the Krause family in 1920. It had eleven owners between Krause's retirement in 1920 and 1954. During the mid-1950s, the property was purchased by two brothers, who operated the farm into the 21st century and oversaw significant repair work in the 1990s. By this time, the barn had experienced gradual structural deterioration and experienced a 1994 tornado
. Accordingly, workers carried out a strengthening and refurbishing process in 1995, which included the removal of a small amount of stonework, its replacement by concrete, and the addition of large beams to strengthen the sagging walls.
In 2000, the Krause Barn was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
for its architectural significance. Seeing it as a significant local landmark, local preservationists have concentrated on ensuring the survival of the barn: the town has purchased the barn, and after raising money to continue maintenance, there are plans to convert the barn and barnyard into a park
and possibly a museum
. The stable area is planned to have a "rustic agriculture museum" with displays on farming techniques from circa 1900 and antique farm equipment. Other plans include a stone bridge over a creek, a stone walk path, and a historic general store
.
Barn
A barn is an agricultural building used for storage and as a covered workplace. It may sometimes be used to house livestock or to store farming vehicles and equipment...
in the town of Chase
Chase, Wisconsin
Chase is a town in Oconto County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 2,082 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated communities of Chase and South Chase are located in the town...
in Oconto County
Oconto County, Wisconsin
Oconto County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 35,634. Its county seat is Oconto.Oconto County is part of the Green Bay Metropolitan Statistical Area. It was established in 1851.-Geography:According to the U.S...
, Wisconsin
Wisconsin
Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. Designed by farmer Daniel E. Krause and built by stonemason
Stonemasonry
The craft of stonemasonry has existed since the dawn of civilization - creating buildings, structures, and sculpture using stone from the earth. These materials have been used to construct many of the long-lasting, ancient monuments, artifacts, cathedrals, and cities in a wide variety of cultures...
William Mensenkamp, the barn has become renowned for its historical significance.
Like many other barns, it was built of fieldstone
Fieldstone
Fieldstone is a building construction material. Strictly speaking, it is stone collected from the surface of fields where it occurs naturally...
, but in a unique fashion: its walls are more thoroughly stonework than most stone barns, and its massive arch entrances are large enough to permit the passage of large hay
Hay
Hay is grass, legumes or other herbaceous plants that have been cut, dried, and stored for use as animal fodder, particularly for grazing livestock such as cattle, horses, goats, and sheep. Hay is also fed to pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs...
wagons through both ends. As of 2010, it is one of two remaining barns in Wisconsin to be constructed from fieldstone.
Seventeen years after its erection, the barn and the rest of its farm were sold by the Krause family in 1920. It had eleven owners between Krause's retirement in 1920 and 1954. During the mid-1950s, the property was purchased by two brothers, who operated the farm into the 21st century and oversaw significant repair work in the 1990s. By this time, the barn had experienced gradual structural deterioration and experienced a 1994 tornado
Tornado
A tornado is a violent, dangerous, rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the earth and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare cases, the base of a cumulus cloud. They are often referred to as a twister or a cyclone, although the word cyclone is used in meteorology in a wider...
. Accordingly, workers carried out a strengthening and refurbishing process in 1995, which included the removal of a small amount of stonework, its replacement by concrete, and the addition of large beams to strengthen the sagging walls.
In 2000, the Krause Barn was listed on the National Register of Historic Places
National Register of Historic Places
The National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
for its architectural significance. Seeing it as a significant local landmark, local preservationists have concentrated on ensuring the survival of the barn: the town has purchased the barn, and after raising money to continue maintenance, there are plans to convert the barn and barnyard into a park
Park
A park is a protected area, in its natural or semi-natural state, or planted, and set aside for human recreation and enjoyment, or for the protection of wildlife or natural habitats. It may consist of rocks, soil, water, flora and fauna and grass areas. Many parks are legally protected by...
and possibly a museum
Museum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
. The stable area is planned to have a "rustic agriculture museum" with displays on farming techniques from circa 1900 and antique farm equipment. Other plans include a stone bridge over a creek, a stone walk path, and a historic general store
General store
A general store, general merchandise store, or village shop is a rural or small town store that carries a general line of merchandise. It carries a broad selection of merchandise, sometimes in a small space, where people from the town and surrounding rural areas come to purchase all their general...
.