The Resurrection of an Icon

The Past

The Future

Raising FestivalJuly 2-4, 2017

The Main Star Barn, which housed 25 horse stalls, will be reconstructed using almost all of its original wood. A superstructure of code-compliant steel beams, cement block walls and other materials will be used to make the structure consistent with all modern codes. Meticulous effort is being made to conceal the modern materials within the structure so the original limestone and old wood barn looks as it originally did in 1877. This is an engineering challenge beyond the norm as it is essentially a barn around a barn, securing that it is period-correct. The original 56-foot-long cold cellar tunnel was reconstructed using the original stone and will be used for special occasions.

The Original Hay Barn, located on the opposite side of where the original Star Barn was on PA Route 283, was dismantled and will be reassembled at its new location, attached by a corridor barn extension bordering the original Star Barn. Used originally to store hay for horses, this structure will now house The Star Barn Museum, a three-story commercial elevator, a full commercial kitchen and ADA-compliant restroom facilities. The goal of relocating modern amenities in the Hay Barn facilitates the authenticity of the Main Star Barn’s integrity.

The Main Star Barn, Hay Barn & Milk House

The Original Milk House, was added to the property in the 1920’s when cattle replaced horses. It was a cement block building where some “poetic license” was utilized to recreate it in the “Gothic Revival” style that the original builder displayed. Complete with a fireplace and restroom, this will serve as a bridal changing quarters and a small meeting room.

The Carriage House was the most structurally sound building the Abel’s removed from the original site, however, all its major barn doors and hinges were gone. The limestone foundation was rebuilt and a hand-laid, tumbled brick floor was put in, replacing the original dirt floor. Almost all the original wood interior for the corn cribs on either side of the barn were re-used including several names and the date “1890,” painted on the interior slats. The exterior vented siding was almost all re-used, bee holes and all! Many of the original windows were intact. Restoration glass was used to replace broken panes, and replacement window frames were remade, using old wood to remain as authentic as possible.

The Carriage House

The upstairs of the Carriage House was initially used as a wagon and saddle repair shop with a hand-operated working elevator system in the middle of the barn. We are in the process of reconstructing this feature in the upstairs of the Carriage House along with period-correct tools, equipment and parts to make it as authentic to the 1877 period use of this horse farm building.Age-specific wagons and corn crib equipment will be displayed on the first floor of the Carriage House to represent what the building would have once housed. It will serve as a living Star Barn Museum. The final touch was to accurately replicate the original four-wheeled carriage with a copper horse and driver weathervane. Lighting accents were then added to both the interior and exterior, accentuating its beauty.

The Hog Barn was on the verge of total collapse when the Abel’s purchased the complex. Ever so carefully, the original cupola was removed from the roof and the building was dismantled, saving every piece of original wood as much as possible. The building was then completely rebuilt inside B&D Builders’ workshop and every piece of rotted wood was painstakingly replaced with the original time-sensitive wood, making the building structurally sound. Using all of the original limestone from the foundation and barnyard wall, we embarked on the reconstruction process.

A model of The Star Barn Complex, donated by Earl and Charlene Fahnestock (built by Jay Ralph Buffenmyer), was used to recreate this unique five-pen Hog Barn structure with its original five-pen run-out (not shown in picture). The interior “bones” of the barn matched up with the model’s depiction of five windows, four man doors and five hog run-out doors. Without the gift of this model, we would not have known its original look. About 60% of the original structural wood and 90% of the original stone was able to be reused.

The cupola needed major rebuilding along with the replacement of the original hog weathervane and fleur-de-lis. The final touch was to light up the structure with candle lights in each window, lights in the cupola, and soft building wash and accent lighting to create the amazing nighttime ambient glow. Once used to house five sows and their piglets, it will now serve as a time capsule museum for the Hog Barn of The Star Barn Complex. Oh yes! It will still house some pot-bellied pigs for the enjoyment of our guests.

The Hog Barn

The Chicken Coop came to rest at the northwest corner of the main Star Barn in the 1990’s when it was physically moved from its original limestone foundation due to subdivision of the property. Travelers along PA Route 283 may remember that it was saved from imminent destruction; however, time, the elements and neglect took its toll. A 1920’s photo of the farm revealed the original placement of the building and its original towering 13-foot spire topped with a fleur-de-lis and weathervane. Its once grand architectural beauty was visualized, so the restoration process began.

Painstakingly, the massive restoration process began. This included replacing all rotted and missing wood with period-correct weathered wood and rebuilding the limestone foundation so it would be positioned correctly in relation to its original placement in 1877. The age-appropriate wood was reclaimed wood, obtained from old barns and buildings. All the original windows were rebuilt from old wood and single-pane restoration glass. A reclaimed original barn floor was restored and used in the building. The crowning masterpiece of the reconstruction was the octagonal cupola which once had three-pane mullioned windows.

The towering 13-foot spire with a fleur-de-lis was recreated to match the way it was originally built. Our weathervane craftsperson recommended a period-correct rooster to top the cupola. A new copper roof was used to cover the structure and its eight bird houses. The final touch was to accent it with lighting, both interior and exterior, allowing this amazing gingerbread-clad, Gothic Revival architectural treasure to once again radiate its beauty and purposefulness. Once used to house chickens to feed the ranch hands, it will now serve as a two story “time capsule” of one of the most unique chicken coops in America.

The Chicken Coop

Old photograph of the original Loafing Shed

The Loafing Shed had been built in the 1960’s or 1970’s and attached to the northwest corner of the Star Barn, but had since been torn down. The Abel’s chose to use what they like to call “poetic license” to recreate what they believe the original loafing shed could have looked like. The original building was depicted on a site plan where PA Route 283 ran right through it; therefore, it was lost except for the line dimensions. The style the original builder used was implemented to recreate this architectural beauty, including all dimensions for roof pitch, the three cupolas with spires, as well as louvered stars on the sides. A mixture of old and new barn wood was used to recreate this gem, complementing all the other buildings on the complex.

Once used to provide shelter for horses and/or dairy cattle and store farm equipment, this structure has been re-purposed to house commercial ADA-compliant restroom facilities and a storage area. All original limestone was used in the re-creation of the interior and exterior walls, with re-sawn hemlock barn beams being used for all the interior wood siding. Hand-hammered, beeswax-coated hinges were individually made to match the original Star Barn persona.

Three cupolas replicating the three original cupolas of the main Star Barn were masterfully handmade and sized to the building. Hand-forged horse ties were made and mounted to the building to add to its authenticity. The final step was to add the lighting to set this artistic Gothic Revival structure aglow.

The Loafing Shed

The Original Limestone Spring House had long since disappeared from the property, with only a rendering of its location and appearance existing. It was decided that The Star Barn’s Spring House, with all the Gothic Revival grandeur, would be re-created as was done with all the other structures. They “broke the budget” on this most treasured gem of The Star Barn Complex as no expense was spared in its authentic Gothic Revival design, both inside and out. Original hand-cut limestone, salvaged from a 19th century home that was torn down in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, was used in its reconstruction. Mr. Abel personally hand gathered and skidded all the stone that was used for the Spring House. Old wood-pegged black shutters were reclaimed from a home that was torn down in Reading, Pennsylvania, and using these as a guide, the oversized windows for the Spring House were fashioned and remade, using old glass.

A limestone home built in 1840 and set for demolition was the source for all the interior wood. Given a 24-hour notice, a 12-man crew was rushed to the site to salvage as much original material as possible. A stained glass window was added. This came from a church in York, Pennsylvania that was torn down.

The original Spring House was built over a spring located at the Star Barn site and was a place of storage for food products to keep them cool as the spring water flowed out from beneath the building. The newly-constructed Liberty Spring House has the spring water supply to the pond. It is also a sleeping quarters for overnight guests during events.

The Liberty Spring House

The View Looking Up Through the Cupola

The Solarium In The Pines

The Victorian GazeboIn The Orchard

The Grand GazeboIn St. Michael’s Vineyard

The Grand GazeboIn St. Michael’s Vineyard

The Grande Gazebo in the St. Michael’s Vineyard, surrounded by a “Burning Bush” hedge, was inspired by the Biblical parable of the vineyard and will be used as part of the “Living Parable Experience” at The Star Barn Complex. A fire pit and towering outdoor fireplace are part of this vineyard setting, making this separate event space a great location for weddings, family reunions, picnics and much more. Commercial ADA-compliant restrooms are located just down the path in the Corn Crib II.

The Victorian Gazebo in the Orchard makes for another amazing venue site and photo opportunity. Over 150 fruit trees with three-rail fencing surrounds make up this cozy and fruit-bearing setting.

The Solarium location is an amazing replica of a 19th century cast iron and glass greenhouse. Complete with a hand-laid brick floor, this serene romantic location makes for an ideal setting for rehearsal dinners, family gatherings, wedding ceremonies and so much more. Commercial ADA-compliant restrooms are just down the path from this picturesque tranquil location.

A Reconstructed Double-Privy replicates the original outhouses which were lost years ago. They have all the looks in keeping with the Gothic Revival style. Although they no longer function as outdoor toilets, they are utilized as the cover structure for the property’s massive electrical panels.

Three Fire Pits and Three Unique, Custom Built Bird Houses line the pond for our guest’s enjoyment. Over 100 different species of birds frequent the property, including the American Bald Eagle.

The 80-foot High Flag Pole with the 20’ by 30’ American flag was the inspiration of friend and chaplain, Grover DeVault, who said the only thing missing on the property was the crown jewel, the “American Flag.” So, this was erected and dedicated to Grover and Nancy DeVault.

The Eagle’s Nest Gazebo was the inspiration of David’s precious wife, Tierney. Constructed in Victorian style, this two-tier roofed gazebo, capped with a cupola and eagle weathervane makes this the perfect vista view of the property. Listen to the fountain on the pond, experience the gentle breezes that flow through the gazebo and drink in all of the Creator’s beauty surrounding you.

The Grande Seth Thomas Replica Street Cast Iron and Gilded Clock add a touch of elegance to the property. Purchased as a Christmas gift for David’s wife, Tierney, in 2016, this 20-foot-tall gem chimes on the hour at the property and makes for a great photo opportunity. She saw one at the clock museum in Columbia long before The Star Barn Complex was even a “twinkle in the eye” and said, “That would be a perfect addition on the property someday.” David surprised her a few years later. The four faces of the clock bear the fleur-de-lis, representing the Holy Trinity and sovereignty of God over the property. Each face carries the name of the parts of the property: The Star Barn, Ironstone Ranch, The Belmont Barn and Stone Gables Estate.

The limestone and brownstone “Grotto” was built on the property as a place for peaceful prayer time. The statue contained within is based on the image that God used in 1531 in Tepeyac Hill, Mexico to speak the native language (which was pictograph) to the indigenous people about Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Over nine-million people in seven years came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ through this image, resulting in the practice of infant sacrifice coming to an end, and the redemption from a culture of death, to one of life. The hope is that this image and its story will bring people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ for generations to come.

An original Star Barn Corn Crib was located on the opposite side of where the original Star Barn was on

PA Route 283. Carefully disassembled, it is now re-

assembled on The Star Barn Complex site very close

to its original location according to the site plan. The

building which once served to store corn on both sides

and farm equipment inside, will now house commercial

ADA-compliant restroom facilities for St. Michael’s

Vineyard, the Orchard and the Pines.

The OriginalCorn Crib

Learning of the religious significance of The Star Barn Complex, the Abel’s chose to add this near half-mile stroll through the woods, complete with benches on which to sit and prayerfully reflect. A booklet is available to help guests take this prayerful journey through the “Passion of the Christ.”

We believe that the original owners used the five-pointed star on its buildings as a sign of hope and prosperity for the nation following the Civil War. Our hope is in Jesus Christ because the five-pointed star represents the five wounds of Christ: one in each of His hands, two in His feet, and one in His side. Additionally, every cupola had a spire on it like a church, pointing to God as the source of all good things, along with a fleur-de-lis representing the Holy Trinity and God’s sovereignty over the barn and farm.

Our hope is that this Prayer Walk will bring many to a new-found relationship with God.

The Prayer Walk

Thank You!

David and Tierney Abel would like to thank, and

recognize our craftsmen and friends who have

helped to make this project possible

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