"Framing the Past: An Afternoon Among Newbury's Barns"
"Newbury's Second Annual Barn Tour"
A peek at one of Newbury's treasured, and unique (privately owned) barns seen on the Barn tour - Photo taken by Valerie Putnam
On the golden afternoon of September 27th, just after one o’clock, we gathered at the historic Town House in Newbury to begin our second annual Barn Tour. The soft light of the early autumn sun cast long shadows across the cemetery, and the crisp air carried the scent of fallen leaves and the promise of stories waiting to be told.
We were honored to welcome back John Porter, our esteemed guide and expert in historic barn architecture, whose depth of knowledge and gentle storytelling had greatly enriched our first tour. Larry Scott opened the afternoon with a warm introduction, and soon we were organized and ready to head out into the hills.
Our journey took us along the winding backroads of Newbury Center, through woods alive with mid-foliage brilliance. Thanks to much-needed rain, the leaves had retained their vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges, painting the landscape with the rich hues of early autumn.
Over the course of the afternoon, we visited four barns, each with a familiar silhouette yet its own distinct character. Under John’s thoughtful guidance, we began to see beyond the surface. He revealed the subtleties of craftsmanship—the joinery of hand-hewn beams, the shape and slope of each roofline, and the careful orientation of doorways and lofts.
An epic view from one of the barns visited - Photo taken by Valerie Putnam
One of the most memorable details was the gable cutouts, which some of us had admired as charming decorations. John explained how these features were more than ornamental: they allowed for ventilation and brought light into the upper spaces, blending beauty with utility in a way that spoke to the ingenuity of early builders.
As we moved from barn to barn, we were reminded that these structures, while rooted in history, are far from static. Some have found new life as personal workshops, lovingly preserved by their owners who continue to use the space for woodworking, craft, or quiet reflection. In one barn, we stepped into an art studio, where light filtered through high windows onto canvases rich with color and texture — a place where the echoes of the past now mingle with creative expression in multimedia form.
And, remarkably, some barns still serve their original purpose. With hay in the loft and animals in the stalls, these working barns stand as living proof of the timeless resilience of farming — a quiet but constant reminder of how deeply we still rely on the land and the rhythms it demands. We were greeted by incredible heritage breed Red Devons, a small but stately flock of sheep, and boisterous pigs who seemed eager to welcome every guest in their own enthusiastic way. Among these was an Agrimark Dairy Farm, one of the last 5 remaining operating dairy farms in Newbury, still thriving and a vital thread in Newbury’s agricultural fabric. These moments brought the barns to life, reminding us that they are not just relics but part of a living tradition.
Gable cutout seen at one of our stops - Photo taken by Valerie Putnam
Additional photos from the tour!
By the time the sun began to dip behind the hills, we returned once more to the Town House, where the warmth of the afternoon continued. Peggy Hewes greeted us with an inviting spread of decadent homemade baked goods, apple cider, and crisp orchard apples. It was the perfect close to a day spent in quiet appreciation of the past, surrounded by community, heritage, and the enduring beauty of Vermont’s rural landscape.
In these barns—weathered yet proud—we found not only history, but enduring craftsmanship and the quiet wisdom of those who shaped the land before us.
A heartfelt thank you to our generous barn hosts for opening their doors, sharing their knowledge, and offering a glimpse into the deep care and love they hold for these remarkable buildings. Their stories and stewardship made the day truly memorable.
