Restoration

Thank you for your interest in the McHenry County Historical Society's Barn Registration Program. Unfortunate as it is, this program may become the only record of barns that once predominated in McHenry County.

This registration program, which started in 1999, will continue over many years to collect information on all types of barns - be they dairy barns, carriage barns or abandoned barns.

Barn Program Criteria

1. Any and all barns within the geographical limits of McHenry County qualify for listing.

2. No fee is charged for filling out the form with no certificate issued or for filling out the form on abandoned barns or barns that no longer exist.

3. If a frameable Certificate of Barn Registration is desired, there is a $5.00 processing fee for each one.

4. Only one barn listed on each form.

5. There is no limit to the number of barns submitted by an individual.

Contact the McHenry County Historical Society for further clarifications, additional information, and/or a willingness to help.

General Information

Name: *

Email address *

Applicant Address *

Phone number(s) *

Date of Application *

Month

Day

Year

Is Applicant property owner *

Yes

If no, provide the following:

Owners name

Owners Address

Owners Phone

Barn History and Information

Barn Photos

Please furnish both new and old photographs, if available, giving the approximate date the pictures were taken. What side of the barn is the picture taken of. 2 MB file size limitation. Recommend zipped file for multiple images. pdf, jpg or png also accepted.
Files must be less than 2 MB.
Allowed file types: jpg png pdf zip.

Barn Address: *

Township *

Current Zoning *

Age of Barn

Dimensions

Who owned farm when built (if known)

Living relatives of Builder (if known)

Was there a previous barn on farm, if so, what happened?

Was original foundation used for present barn?

If not, is that foundation still visible?

Yes

Don't know

Other historical information:

Barn Characteristics

Please Check All That Apply

Plan Type

Rectangular

"L" shape

"T" shape

Round

Multi-sided

Combination

Combination? Please describe

Plan Type Combination? Please describe

Foundation material:

Stone

Concrete

Concrete block

Columns (piers)

Columns/wood piers

Columns/stone piers

Combination of ?-- describe

Foundation material: Combination of ?-- describe

Construction Type

Post and beam (pegged)

Post and beam (nailed)

Laminated arches

Ceiling trusses made from milled lumber

Side wall framing made from milled lumber

Masonry

Combination

Combination of ?-- describe...

Construction Type Combination of ?-- describe...

Exterior Surface (siding)

Vertical boards

Boards & battens

Horizontal boards

Stucco

Asbestos shingles

Asphalt shingles

Poured concrete

Brick

Prefabricated (e.g., Sears)

Metal

Concrete block

Combination of siding

Combination? Please describe

Exterior Surface (siding) Combination? Please describe

Has the barn ever been resided?

What was the original siding?

Roof Style

Gable

Extended gable

Gable shed

Hip

Gable on hip

English gambrel

Dutch gambrel

Saltbox

Gothic (round roof)

Monitor

Snug Dutch (snub nose)

Combination of ?-- describe...

Roof Style Combination of ?-- describe...

Roofing Material

Wood shingle

Asphalt shingles

Roll roofing

Metal

Slate

Other...

Roofing Material Other...

Ventilation Type

Wood cupolas

Metal cupola

Gable-end louvers

Ridge vents

Dormers

Other...

Ventilation Type Other...

Decorative Features

Hex signs

Round windows

Decorated barn doors

Painted murals

Advertising

Center opposing doors

Other...

Decorative Features Other...

Barn Categories

(check those that apply):

Active working barns

Dairy

Horse

Feeder

Pig

Other...

Active working barns Other...

Inactive barns

Storage

Don't Know

Other...

Inactive barns Other...

Barn Conversions

Home

Office

Retail business

Church

Municipal/Civic

Conservation or park

Garage/workshop

Other...

Barn Conversions Other...

Conversion Date

Month

Day

Year

Is the present structure in its original location?

If no, where was the structure relocated from?

Who moved or converted it? Please give as much information as possible

Tired and Retired Barns

Indicate if you have salvageable materials. The MCHS will pass that information on when it receives inquiries:

Carriage Barns

Condition (check one)

Excellent

Good

Fair

Other...

Condition (check one) Other...

What is its present use?

List the present types of materials used on:

Foundation:

Siding

Roofing Material

Windows

Doors

Other Materials:

Are any of the above mentioned materials replaced materials? If so, what were the original materials?

Secondary buildings of interest on the property

Milk House

Attached

Free standing

What is the type of construction?

Silo

Wood stave

Concrete stave

Poured concrete (reinforced)

Brick

Stone

Metal/fiberglass

Clay tile

Combination or Other...

Silo Combination or Other...

Other building types:

Granaries

Machine Sheds

Chicken House

Out House (privy)

Corn crib

Describe Other...

Other building types: Describe Other...

NOTICE: The contents of this barn registration form application are the sole ownership of the McHenry County Historical Society. The material contained herein shall be made available for research by qualified persons determined by the Society. Thereafter, the materials may, with the Society's written permission, be copied, reproduced and/or published.

Agreement *

I Agree

Historic Site Plaquing

PLAQUING APPLICATION FORM (PDF) (click HERE)

Begin Historical Plaquing Application

General Information

Your Name *

Your Street Address *

Your Email Address *

City, State, Zip *

Phone number(s) *

Is the applicant also the owner of the home/building/site?:

Yes

If no, please provide the following information

Owner’s name:

Owner’s address:

Owner’s home phone:

Owner’s business phone:

Current owners purchased this property in what year:

Historic Structure Information

Have you attached early and/or current photographs?:

gif, jpg, or png 1 MB or less in size
Files must be less than 1 MB.
Allowed file types: gif jpg png.

Any drawings or renderings?:

gif, jpg, or png 1 MB or less in size
Files must be less than 1 MB.
Allowed file types: gif jpg png.

Address or location of historic structure:

Directions (nearest intersection):

Style of house or building:

Structure dates back to (year, circa):

Month

Day

Year

is this confirmed?

Yes

(please attach copies of research to application):

pdf, zip, gif, jpg, png, or pdf les than 2 MB
Files must be less than 2 MB.
Allowed file types: gif jpg png pdf zip.

Site, house or structure known as:

(examples: The Cupola House, Richardson Homestead, etc.)

Adjacent land use is presently (check all that apply)

residential

commercial

institutional (school)

government property

agricultural

vacant

Other, please describe

Name of architect, contractor or carpenter, if known

Were there any known local crafts persons involved in the construction?

Yes

If Yes, Names?

Original cost of property, construction and/or materials, if known

The original function(s) of the site

residence

barn

church

farm

factory

shop

cemetery

school

if Other, please describe

If it is not, please state the current use of the site

If the consideration of the structure is based on a historic event

please note it briefly here, then attach copies of research material to the completed application

Historical Event Documents

(e.g., historic figure’s birthplace, first of kind, property or workplace of local citizen who impacted the community, workshop of inventor, artist’s studio, etc.) pdf, zip, gif, jpg, png, or pdf, 2 MB or less
Files must be less than 2 MB.
Allowed file types: gif jpg png pdf zip.

Chronology

Names of subsequent owners, past to present:

Include dates property was purchased and sold.

Please list and describe additions to original structures(s):

Include date(s) and name of architect or contractor

Do you know of any architectural and/or historical building materials that were lost or disposed of during remodeling or fires,:

Have any historic restoration measures been taken by past or present owners?:

Architecture and Construction

Number of original stories (do not include basements or attics):

Is there a basement?:

Is there an attic?:

Number of original interior rooms:

Please name them:

Do all of the original rooms still exist?:

Yes

Not Sure

If not, please explain:

The original exterior of the structure was:

brick

stone

logs

cedar shingles

wood clapboard

board and batten

cement block

stucco

Other...

The original exterior of the structure was: Other...

Did any of the original exterior materials originate in McHenry County?:

If Yes, please describe:

Did any of the original exterior materials originate in McHenry County?: If Yes, please describe:

(i.e., Terra Cotta, marked local brick, cut limestone, straight cobblestone rows)

What is the present siding material?:

original

asphalt shingles

replacement wood clapboard

aluminum siding

vinyl siding

Other materials?

What is the present siding material?: Other materials?

Describe distinctive or unique construction techniques or characteristics:

What is the original shape of the roof?:

flat

flat with parapet

gables

shed (half-gabled)

side-gabled

front-gabled

cross-gabled

saltbox

hip-on-gable (Tudor)

simple

gambrel (barn-shaped)

pyramidal

cross-hipped

dual-pitched hipped

mansard

deck (flat-top hipped)

gable-on-hip

Other type of roof?:

What is the original shape of the roof?: Other type of roof?:

Are there any dormers?:

If Yes, How Many?

Are there any dormers?: If Yes, How Many?

What dormer style?

gabled

shed

hipped

deck

flat

eyebrow

arched

inset

Other dormer style?

What dormer style? Other dormer style?

Are the dormers original to the house?:

Has the original roof massing changed?:

Original roof covering material was:

wood shingles

slate

tin

tiles

asphalt shingles

If original roofing material has been replaced or covered, what is the present Roofing material? Shingles?What type?:

Note any decorative style or shape of roofing materials:

Did the original structure have one or more porches? (Also include balconies or Widow’s Walks) Please describe:

Check all that apply to the present condition of the porches:

original

minor alterations

historical reproduction

porch(es) added

porch(es) enclosed

porch(es) removed

not applicable

How many chimneys are visible on the exterior of the structure?

Condition of chimneys:

How many of the existing chimneys are original?:

Can the original foundation be seen from the exterior?

Foundation material:

stone

cement blocks

brick

poured concrete

cobblestone in rows

Other foundation material?

Foundation material: Other foundation material?

Is the original foundation material coated with another material?:

stucco

cement

traced cement

paint

exterior sealant

Are there any intact original cellar doors? Are they used now?

Are there any original doors remaining in the structure? (All?)

Are any of the original doors screened doors?

Please note any existing original door elements

panels

hardware (hinges, knobs, locks & keys, doorbells)

frames, casings

crown moldings

pediments

windows, art glass or inserts

How many original doors have been replaced?

Authentic reproductions (#)

Is there a style or type of original door that is typical in the structure?

non-authentic reproductions (#)

Number of panels

Other...

Number of panels Other...

Describe any unique or distinctive qualities of the original doors

Have the original doors ever been painted? Are they now?

Please note any existing original window elements

sashes

sills

sill casings

lintels

hoods

pediments

hand-glazed glass

locks

weights

cords or chains

stained or leaded glass

How many original windows have been replaced?

authentic reproductions (#)

non-authentic reproductions (#)

Is there a style or type of original window that is typical to the structure?

Window Types?

double-hung

casement

fixed

bay

jalousie (louvered)

palladian

ribbon (3+ in a row)

transom

oriole

Number of lights (panes) on double-hung windows

(e.g., 1 over 1, 2 over 1, 4 over 1, 4 over 4, 6y over 6, etc.)

Exterior Ornamental Details

Check all that apply:

arched doorways

shutters (original)

arched windows

quoins (cornerstones)

drip moldings

friezes

patterned brickwork

vergeboards (in gables)

patterned shingling

exposed rafters or beams

curved shingling

trusses (in gables)

brackets

towers

turned porch supports

cupolas

columns

half-timbering

gingerbread

metal roof cresting

turned balustrade

door surrounds

cut-out balustrade

window surrounds

belt course (molding between stories)

lightning rods

false parapet wall or castellations

weather vanes

Other details?

Check all that apply: Other details?

Mechanical & Electrical Systems

The structure was originally heated by

fireplaces

stoves

coal

oil

forced water/steam

forced air

gas

electric

solar

Heated by other means?

The structure was originally heated by Heated by other means?

The structure is presently heated by

Has air conditioning been added

If yes, when? Central air, or individual units?

Has air conditioning been added If yes, when? Central air, or individual units?

Please describe any other original ventilation mechanism, for example; cupolas, clerestory windows, "shotgun" hallways, transom

Was the building originally outfitted for mechanical lighting?:

Yes or No, Gas, Electricity, or both?

Is there still evidence of gas lighting?

Yes

pipe stubs

refitted fixtures (from gas to electric)

Is there still evidence of an antiquated electrical system?

Yes

pull chain fixtures

old push button switches

winged knob switches

knob and tube wiring

cloth covered wiring

Did the structure originally have indoor plumbing?

Yes

If no when was it added?

Did the structure originally have indoor plumbing? If no when was it added?

Are there any original plumbing fixtures remaining?

Yes

toilet

sink

pull chain style

gravity tank

bathtubs

shower stalls or attachments

Please describe style and how many

Is there evidence of outdated plumbing, heating and electrical systems in the basement?

Yes or no, please describe

On the exterior of the structure

(examples: cisterns, coal chutes, stove pipes, etc.) Yes or no, please describe.

Interior Architectural Elements

Does any original decorative plaster work exists on the ceiling or walls?:

ceiling medallions

cove moldings (concave)

friezes

crown moldings (convex)

arches

niches

Are there any pressed tin ceilings in the structure?

If yes, which room(s)?

Is the interior woodwork original?

All

Some

None

What type of wood has the woodwork been constructed from?:

oak

pine

maple

ash

fir

mahogany

cherry

walnut

check all that apply

Note any distinctiveness about the wood (quarter sawn, knotty, bird’s eye, etc.)

Has any of the interior woodwork been painted?

Was it a painted finish originally?

Is there any faux graining?

Has the woodwork ever been stripped and refinished? When?

Original interior woodwork elements present in the structure at this time:

cove moldings

crown moldings

open staircase

picture rails

chair rails

base moldings

window crowns

door crowns

window moldings

door moldings

exposed beams

interior columns

Built-in wardrobes

Built-in cabinets

Built-in bookcases

Built-in benches

Please check all that apply...

Is there a particular style or pattern embossed or carved into the woodwork?

Has any of the original woodwork been replaced?:

Yes

Reproduction to match

Salvage

Are there any original fireplace mantels in the structure:

Yes

wood

marble

tiled

brick

stone

stucco

beam

Please describe mantel(s)

Have any mantels been replaced?

Are there any fireplaces that have been covered over?:

Yes or No? In which rooms?

Which types of original flooring were in the structure?:

plank width

parque

inlay

tile

marble

asphalt tiles

linoleum

If other pls describe:

Which types of original flooring were in the structure?: If other pls describe:

Describe any inlayed floor patterns

If original flooring has been replaced, what type of material was used?

Please check any of the following elements that are or were a part of the structure

dumb waiter

laundry chutes

speaking tubes

ice delivery chute

butter & egg box

coal or oil receptacles

Other elements? Pls. describe:

Please check any of the following elements that are or were a part of the structure Other elements? Pls. describe:

Landscaping

Are there any known original plantings on the property?:

If Yes, pls describe:

Are there any known original plantings on the property?: If Yes, pls describe:

Are there any deliberate plantings on the property?:

(i.e., windbreaks, farming, Subsistence gardens, formal gardens, Indian trail trees, etc.)

Are there any other landscaping features? Such as:

trellises

window boxes

garden paths

statuary

Other? Pls. describe:

Are there any other landscaping features? Such as: Other? Pls. describe:

Outbuildings

How many outbuildings stand on the property at this time?:

barns

sheds

garages

silos

gazebos

playhouses

outhouses

Any other...?

How many outbuildings stand on the property at this time?: Any other...?

Describe any outbuildings that were on the property, but no longer exist

Notes of Interest

The Historic Sites Committee is interested in knowing your reasons for seeking a plaque.

Is there any folklore associated with this structure that cannot be substantiated?

Attachments

Please attach copies of your research, including: surveys:

2MB limit- please use pdf or zipped file.
Files must be less than 2 MB.
Allowed file types: pdf zip.

Attach copies Legal description research:

2 MB Limit, please use PDF or zipped file
Files must be less than 2 MB.
Allowed file types: pdf zip.

Attach copies of chain of title

2MB file limit, please use PDF or zipped file
Files must be less than 2 MB.
Allowed file types: pdf zip.

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County Landmark

Barn Registration Program

Barn Program Criteria

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Begin Historical Plaquing Application

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PEOPLE WANTED

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Restoration

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Barn Program Criteria

Begin Historical Plaquing Application

TAGS

PEOPLE WANTED

Interesting Links

HOURS | SITE MAP | SEARCH