WingerFARM

Preserving Winger Farm’s Historic Barn

Winger Farm is a family-owned historic farmstead near Mansfield in Richland County, Ohio, with roots dating to approximately 1825. Its original timber-frame barn, handmade brick farmhouse, springhouse, smokehouse and family cemetery tell the story of generations who lived and worked here.

Our current priority is evaluating how to preserve the historic barn and the homestead around it. We are comparing traditional restoration with practical repair options, with the goal of keeping this history intact for future generations.

Explore Barn Preservation and Restoration for current project information. Use Contact Us to share historical information, offer help or arrange a visit. The farm remains privately owned; visits are by arrangement.

BARN PRESERVATION — Learn about the barn, current repair options and how to help.

Pole Barn Stabilization

Earlier planning identified wind damage exposing the historic barn. Removal and stabilization were estimated at $8,000–$15,000. This earlier estimate needs current scope and pricing confirmation.

Farmhouse: Future Uses

Earlier planning considered Airbnb or VRBO stays in the farmhouse, with a preliminary estimate of $10,000–$20,000. This potential future use is separate from barn preservation. Current plans and costs have not been confirmed.

Barn Preservation

October 1, 2026: Raymond Friend has quoted $170,000 for traditional restoration. Melvin Yoder’s estimates for practical repairs using modern dimensional lumber are pending. We are comparing scope, cost and historic character before selecting a final plan.

OTHER FARM PROJECTS — Earlier planning ideas and estimates; separate from the barn preservation budget.

Four-wheel-drive utility vehicle to help keep paths, roads, and facilities safe and clean.

Estimate $5,000 to $11,000.

Our bush hog mower has seen better days and in order to keep the path to the cemetery and farm paths and creek clear, we need some repairs or a used bush hog.

Estimate: $3,000 ~ $9, 000

Remove metal fencing and other items in the free-span barn to allow manure removal. Earlier estimate: $1,500–$3,000. Scope and current pricing need confirmation.

We have a park and preserved wetlands around us. The wetlands allow hunting and we would like to put "No Trespassing" signs out around the property perimeter.

Estimate $1,000.

HOW TO HELP — Contact us about historical photographs, preservation skills, volunteer help or financial contributions. A dedicated barn fundraising arrangement is being explored; tax deductibility has not been established.

Maple Syrup Days at Winger Farm

Maple Syrup Days bring family and friends together around the fire to boil sap, share a meal and make memories at the farm. These gatherings connect generations with the land and the traditions we hope to preserve.

These photographs are from April 10, 2021: boiling sap beside the historic barn, gathering around the kettle, and pouring the finished syrup into jars.

Explore Maple Syrup Days stories and photographs on WingerBLOG

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