In 2023, our historic dairy barn reached an extraordinary milestone — 100 years old. Built in 1923, the barn has stood through a century of farming, family stewardship, and community growth. As one of the remaining historic agricultural structures within Longview’s city limits, preserving it was both a responsibility and an honor.

By the time the barn reached its centennial year, time and weather had taken their toll. Portions of the original siding were failing, the roof was in disarray, and the structure as a whole was in need of care to ensure it could continue standing strong for generations to come.

The restoration focused on preservation first. Wherever possible, original materials were carefully retained and reused. Wood that could be saved was repaired, stabilized, and reintegrated, while materials that were beyond repair were thoughtfully replaced to match the barn’s original character. A new roof was installed to protect the structure, and damaged siding was repaired to restore both strength and integrity.

The final step brought everything together — finishing coats of paint applied not only to protect the newly repaired and original wood, but to honor the barn’s presence on the land. The result is a structure that feels renewed yet authentic, blending past and present into a single, harmonious picture.

Our barn is proudly listed on Washington State’s Heritage Barn Register, which recognizes agricultural buildings of historical significance and helps preserve the stories they carry. These barns represent more than architecture — they reflect Washington’s farming heritage, rural communities, and the people who worked the land before us.

Today, the restored barn stands as a reminder that preservation is an act of respect — for history, for craftsmanship, and for the generations who will experience this place in the future.