$1.4M project calls for barn restoration
Monroe's Dey Farm will be historic village with working farm
BY JESSICA SMITH
Staff Writer

Monroe officials have approved funding for restoration work at the Dey Farm so that it can open as a historic village, perhaps as early as next year.

The Township Council approved a bond ordinance in the amount of $1.44 million for various improvements at the farm, which dates back to the mid-1700s and is located at Federal and Old Church roads.

"We're enthused about the whole thing," Councilman Henry Miller said. "We're going to have a delightful site there."

The farm will eventually be a historic village where the public can come to observe farming practices, equipment and structures from the 18th and 19th centuries.

The council also approved a contract with Princeton-based Holt Morgan and Russell Architects at its June 25 meeting. The firm, which specializes in historical architecture, will provide recommended bidding specifications as well as the design for the barn restoration.

A barn from the mid-1800s is a major focus of the work, according to Township Historian John Katerba. The barn is leaning, at present.

"The majority of the money is going to save that barn," Katerba said. "It's in dire need of repair."

When finished, the barn will be open to the public with displays of agricultural tools and equipment.

"We have things … from the Depression era to the beginning of farming in Monroe," Katerba said.

Miller said most of the items to be displayed at the farm were gathered by Katerba. When farm owners would place their outdated equipment at the edge of their land, Katerba would ask to have it for the museum, according to Miller.

"He's led the whole thing for years now," Miller said. "He's donated hundreds of hours of his time."

A portion of the money will be allocated to replacing the heating system in the Dey family farmhouse, Katerba said.

"You could almost put the heating system we have in there now on display because it's so old," Katerba said.

There are currently four buildings on the site, including a one-room schoolhouse dating back to 1857 and a barn dating back to the 1790s. Both were disassembled and moved to the site from other Monroe farms before those plots were developed. Miller said the schoolhouse has yet to be reassembled.

A farmhouse from the England farm across the street from the site was also moved there.

According to Miller, planting and farming will take place on about 20 acres of the parcel. Crops will be those typical of a 19th-century farm, and the work will be done by volunteers. He said the food will likely be donated to a local food bank.

Township Engineer Ernie Feist has completed the site plan for the village, and is in the process of working on a master plan, Katerba said.

Aside from restoration of the buildings, other steps must be taken before the Dey Farm can open regularly as a historic village. The site must be hooked up to the township's water supply. Also, minor changes to the roads must take place, and a parking lot has to be put in, Katerba said.

Though there is no set date for the village to be completed, Katerba said next spring is a good possibility.