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When the Chisago County Historical Society realized it would be too costly a project to move a historic round barn located in the southern part of the county, to a collection of historic buildings in the north central part of the county...the next best thing was to bring the historic site to the barn.

And, that’s just what the society is doing.

The Moody Farm Project is already moving forward in stages.

Stage One was hiring Semple Movers to lift the old farmhouse late last week and securing it on wheels, for moving across Lofton Avenue to the barn yard. Hauling the farmhouse across the road is scheduled for sometime in the next couple weeks.

The Moody home will be stored over this winter and work will start in spring on a foundation. The house had to be relocated because a new housing development is approved for construction and its access road is coming through just about where the house stood.

Sherry Stirling, Director of the County Historical Society, told the Press the house needs to be properly situated near the round barn and set on a new foundation. Plus there’s a priority to re-roof the 100-year-old round barn. Plans are to accomplish those two projects in 2004.

The Historical Society is also applying for a 2006-2007 federal Transportation Enhancement Grant of $108,000. The application was forwarded to the Central Minnesota Area Transportation Partnership as a candidate for the congressional funds.

Stirling explained that there’s a “Historic Grouping” category under the funding cycle to be used specifically for transportation needs related to historic sites and structures.

The society hopes to win the grant to create a wayside rest area with parking, Swedish style leaning rail fencing, a restroom and basic amenities so groups can enjoy the round barn historic site.

“This is a big, big project for us (the society),” said Stirling. The organization is counting on the federal grant to accomplish the needed improvements.

In the meantime, there’s not much room at the round barn location for visitors. Stirling said at the earliest, with grant approval, there won’t be any interpretation staff or tours available at the unique barn until 2007.

The Chisago County Historical Society is accepting donations for the Moody Farm Project. Stirling said readers can direct their check to the society at P.O. Box 146, Lindstrom, MN 55045. There’s also plans to do fundraisers such as sponsoring a shingle-- to get the project done. Watch for updates.

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