LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. — A piece of Manheim Township's history sits just off Lititz Pike in Lancaster County.
For Ben Webber, Manheim Township Historical Society's President, the structure is a reminder of how much things have changed.
“This is one that I started to see as a real landmark of our agrarian history here in Manheim Township,” Webber said.
At more than 160 years old, the barn has seen better days.
“People have just left it alone,” Webber noted.
Years of neglect from the property’s owner have left the barn to gradually decay, with signs of its collapse already showing.
“This offers a focal point of what is happening bit by bit throughout our municipality [and] community, that the tearing down of these historic resources, or allowing them to just fall apart, degrades our community,” Webber said.
In 1991, the barn was listed on Manheim Township's Historic Resource Inventory with a level 2 significance.
This meant the barn could not be demolished unless the property owner submitted a demolition request permit to the township.
Two other structures on the property were previously demolished, including a farmhouse and pig barn.
Webber is afraid the barn could face demolishment or collapse if no action is taken.
“I imagine that they are going to want to either sell it to another developer or tear it down and turn it into something themselves,” Webber said.
The barn was built in 1861 by John Eby, who later sold the property to the Hoober family. The barn was used for well over 100 years before the property was sold once again.
“Knowing that there were people involved in these structures and lives were lived here, it really helps people have an even greater affection and sense of pride in our community,” Webber said.
The landmark is not owned by the historical society, though it is recognized.
The historical society submitted a formal petition to amend the zoning ordinance language which could give township commissioners the ability to approve or deny demolition.
“We’re looking for letters of support and for people to say, ‘Yes I agree that is something we’d like to see done,’” Webber expressed.
Webber and his team of historians hope to compromise with the property owner to save the barn; that could mean restoring the barn or reconfiguring the structure for commercial use.
Now, all the team can do is wait and see what will be next for the historic building.