Barn Raising Bee 100 Years Ago Put Up Cochrane, Mateer Barns

WESTFIELD--At a summer time 100 years ago, the centennial birthday of this nation, there were two events that took place in Westfield, depicting the cooperation and concentrated efforts of a group of people determined to accomplish a set goal, the same qualities that built America.

BARN RAISING BEE--July 3,1876, the Robert Mateer barn on the corner of Main and Oak street, now owned by Lester Yeaney, was "raised" by neighbors and friends who gathered for the occasion. The descendants of the Mateer family who built the 100 year old barn in 1876 are Edward and Robert Mateer, residing on Oak St. (photo and research by Si Wertz)

On July 3, 1876 a large barn was constructed on the corner of W. Main and Oak Streets, then the Mateer farm, at a "Barn Raising Bee" and on July 4, 1876 the Cochrane barn at 205 W. Main St. was "raised".

These structures are still standing in sound condition today. The Mateer barn has been remodeled into an apartment dwelling and studio and is now owned by the Lester Yeaneys. The Cochrane barn is still owned by the grandsons, William and Fred Cochrane, of the former owner William W. Cochrane.

These two barns were built on the same roadway, back in 1876, now route 20 with the efforts of about 60 friends, neighbors and relatives. Back in those days a barn raising was a big event.

The men and boys would start at sun-up and work until sun down. There was a big lunch or dinner provided by the women folk and the project afforded an opportunity for sociability as well as work.

"RAISED" JULY 4, 1876--The Cochrane barn at 205 E. Main, still owned by the descendants, William and Fred Cochrane, grandsons of William W. Cochrane, was "raised July 4, 1876 by neighbors and friends who took the Independence day for the construction project. Barns were built to last in 1876 and the same strong "timbers" have gone into the building of this country in strength and determination. (research and photo by Wertz)

After a barn or house was "raised" there would usually follow, at the next opportune time, a barn dance or gathering of the workers to return with thanks the help from friends and neighbors. It would be a highlight of the summer, a chance for the young ladies to don their prettiest dress and to meet the eligible bachelors from the community, and opportunity for the wives to exchange recipes and gossip, for the men to pitch horseshoes and to dance with their favorite girl.

There may be easier methods of building barns, and less need for such large structures today, but the buildings of 100 years ago were certainly built to last and on a firm foundation.

Today, at 200 years since the birth of this nation, it would be well if the same "barn raising" spirit of cooperation, united effort, determination and spirit, could be directed by the people of this United States to building a strong, secure future.

Saturday, July 1, 1876
It rained a good share of the forenoon - Jim peddling to Brocton - raised the barn this afternoon - Culver had Charlie Bourne helping with his machine there were some forty men at it - gave them Biscuit & tongue cheese & cake & cigars - afternoon was quite favorable for raising

Monday, July 3, 1876
some windy - drying up fast Jim peddling to Brocton - Culver. Peck. Davis & Son - Dickson Munson & Houcks all at barn putting up rafters forenoon - afternoon all at W. N. Cochrane raising barn - men worked here half day

Back to main page.
Last modified on August 20, 2000.
This page is maintained by Virginia Peterson.