Old animal shelters, smokers, worksheets, privies, blacksmith shops, gauges, barns, chicken coops: these were the work buildings used a hundred years ago to build, sustain, and feed one of Minnesota’s great lumber towns: Marine on St. Croix. These buildings critically supported the main homesteads so that life and work could go on.
These once ubiquitous little buildings are falling down, folding in, leaking rain, and often soon to be demolished. The loss of these small gems is a loss of history and story. 21st Century homeowners logically prioritize their old homes with ongoing maintenance: roofs, painting, structural issues, HVAC, electrical, additions, or insulation improvements—big ticket necessary work.
And so the little buildings continue to fade and fall apart.
The Old Shed Project wants to give Marine on St Croix homeowners the incentive, the knowledge, and the ability to start the rehabilitation of an in-need outbuilding. The Old Shed Project aims to make it easier for homeowners to undertake historic preservation work on their property.
