Existing comment:
The Granary:
In 1830, when Stephen Vail purchased the Homestead Farm, the Granary was among the buildings already on the property. It was used to store corn and cereal grains grown on the farm to feed the livestock.
The building was built high off the ground on stone piers to keep out dampness. The clapboard siding was specially designed to allow ventilation. In the front of the building near the door sill is a cat hole for added rodent protection. In the rear, a shed roof addition was used to store farm equipment. The building now contains a collection of 19th century farm tools and ice harvesting equipment.
1849 Carriage House (in back):
An inventory of Stephen Vail's property showed that he owned two carriages, two sleighs, two wagons, and two buggies. This simple, one story building was used as extra storage for the Vail family's vehicles. Its double, sliding doors face the main drive that connects the working part of the estate with the main house.
When Vail improved the property in the late 1840s, he had the overhead flume that brought water to the Factory Wheel House replaced with an underground pipe. The pipe passes through a corner of the Carriage House basement. A lighted inset in the floor allows visitors to see the cast iron pipe below. Today, the building is home to Historic Speedwell's educational programs. These programs include lectures, workshops, and programs for adults, children, and school groups. |