A Unique Inscription On an inside wall of the barn at Duportail are inscribed the words “The Federal Barn1792,” as well as “Jonathan Moor his work” and “John H. Moor 1792.” While the 1792 date of construction means that the barn was not in place at the time of General Duportail’s visit, it is nonetheless an historic site, being the only known bank barn in Pennsylvania to be signed by its builder. In poor shape by the time the property was acquired by the Fox Companies in 1974, repairs were made to the stonework prior to the barn’s new lease on life in the hands of the non-profit Duportail House organization.
Amish to the Rescue As with any 200-year-old structure, maintenance is an ongoing challenge for the Federal Barn. With the roof in need of replacement, a structural engineer was hired in 2011 to recommend any steps needed to ensure the barn’s physical integrity. As a result, the Duportail board of directors hired Highline Construction of Christiana, Lancaster County, to make significant repairs in early 2012. Owned and staffed by Amish craftsmen, Highline reinforced the foundation at the rear of the barn and replaced several beams that had reached the end of their useful life. Because of their experience in working with old barns, they were able to locate similar beams that had been salvaged from other barns, complete with the axe marks found on hand-hewn lumber.
Open for Business On the exterior of the barn, the doors were replaced using old wood more characteristic of the original design, as well as iron hardware dating to the 18th century. Finally, the roof was replaced with extra-thick cedar shingles that should last for decades. The barn is now available for tours on a limited basis.
Both Duportail House and the Federal Barn are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
History of the Federal Barn
A Unique Inscription
On an inside wall of the barn at Duportail are inscribed the words “The Federal Barn1792,” as well as “Jonathan Moor his work” and “John H. Moor 1792.” While the 1792 date of construction means that the barn was not in place at the time of General Duportail’s visit, it is nonetheless an historic site, being the only known bank barn in Pennsylvania to be signed by its builder. In poor shape by the time the property was acquired by the Fox Companies in 1974, repairs were made to the stonework prior to the barn’s new lease on life in the hands of the non-profit Duportail House organization.
Amish to the Rescue
As with any 200-year-old structure, maintenance is an ongoing challenge for the Federal Barn. With the roof in need of replacement, a structural engineer was hired in 2011 to recommend any steps needed to ensure the barn’s physical integrity. As a result, the Duportail board of directors hired Highline Construction of Christiana, Lancaster County, to make significant repairs in early 2012. Owned and staffed by Amish craftsmen, Highline reinforced the foundation at the rear of the barn and replaced several beams that had reached the end of their useful life. Because of their experience in working with old barns, they were able to locate similar beams that had been salvaged from other barns, complete with the axe marks found on hand-hewn lumber.
Open for Business
On the exterior of the barn, the doors were replaced using old wood more characteristic of the original design, as well as iron hardware dating to the 18th century. Finally, the roof was replaced with extra-thick cedar shingles that should last for decades. The barn is now available for tours on a limited basis.
Both Duportail House and the Federal Barn are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.