Hops

Miscellaneous Hop Barns

Hop barns, or kilns, are one of the most unique architectural structures of the American landscape.  Although not specific to upstate New York, the overwhleming majority of these beauties that still stand can be found scattered across Otsego, Madison, Herkimer, Oneida, Schoharie and Delaware counties, and a few more.  They are an integral part of the rural romance and history of upstate New York.

Unfortunately, the majority of these are in danger of disappearing completely from the countryside.  Neglect, adapted use, and the harsh winters have all consipired to make this so.  A few folks have been striving to save these buildings, and New York State now offers tax incentives and grants to help restore barns of historical significance.

The stone walls at the base of the kiln helped to protect from the heat of the furnace used for drying.
A converted barn in Chenango County, NY.

 

 Most hop barns were situated right in the center of the family farm.
A classic pyramid kiln near Wampsville, Madison County.

 
The clues to this are the unusually high structure and the stone at the base.
A small, converted barn in Herkimer County.

 

 The removal of the high kiln area results in the sloping of the roof structure.
A damaged hop barn in Herkimer County.

 
This barn, the acreage and the house are currently for sale.
The silhouette of a classic barn in Milford, Otsego County.

 

 This barn has been used to store furniture and has been badly damaged.
A close-up of the same barn, from the other side.
This classic shape could lend itself to almost anything if properly restored.
A Middlefield (Otsego County) barn still in decent shape.		 This barn may not have survived the harsh winter of 2001.
An aging kiln with cupola vent, Oaksville, Otsego County.

 

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©2001, Upstate Chunk & Paradigm Company.