William Hoelscher Farmstead, Corn Crib-Storage Building, 08529 State Route 219, New Knoxville

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS OHIO,6-NEWKX,1C-. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

The corncrib/storage building reflects the growth of the farm and need for storage space for more corn and equipment than the main barn could hold. This structure is a good example of traditional agricultural construction and contributes to the character of the farmstead continuously owned by the Hoelscher family for over a century. Description: The corncrib/storage building faces south, parallel to the road. This building, measuring 37 feet wide and 44 feet deep, is a rectangular, gable-roofed, double-crib barn, with a shed addition on the west side for storage of farm equipment. The construction of the corncrib includes hand-hewn timbers and circular-sawn lumber resting on brick piers.

The corncrib was originally a drive-through double crib, but the rear opening was closed in The shed addition, which rests on a poured concrete sill, has an opening on the front and on the rear, allowing a vehicle to pass through. All the door openings are equipped with rolling overhead metal doors. The exterior, clad with wood vertical boards painted red, was reclad in with corrugated aluminum siding, al so painted red, on the north and south wa 11 s. The floor is concrete slab, the window openings are covered with corrugated fiberglass, and the roof is corrugated sheet metal. The structure is in good condition.

History: According to county tax records, Benjamin Hoelscher built this structure in It has been continuously owned by the Hoelscher family until when it was acquired by Auglaize County. The corncrib/storage building and the remainder of the farmstead are required to be removed by the Federal Aviation Administration because they obstruct the approach to the nearby Neil Armstrong Airport. In accordance with a Memorandum of Agreement dated December 27, and signed by the FAA, the Ohio State Historic Preservation Officer and the Commissioners of Auglaize County, the house and farm buildings are being recorded and offered for sale for relocation prior to demolition.