LeMax Farm, Hartland
Barn Grant Recipient
For the Meachams of North Hartland -- third generation family dairy farmers -- making necessary repairs to the Lemax Farm barns was overwhelming and unaffordable. For Kelly Meacham, who works in the local farm-to-school program, demolition was not an option for these iconic buildings that became famous after national publication of a 1936 WPA photo taken as part of a program to combat rural poverty.
After a field visit in 2012, the Preservation Trust helped fund a Barn Assessment Grant to do a complete assessment of the farm buildings. That finished report helped the Meachams understand the scope of the project, and it became something of a road map to getting it done.
With critical assistance of Matt Dunne, former VT State Rep and State Senator, Dave Morin, Steve Giroux, Nichole Boyton and the Upper Valley Land Trust, an immersive community campaign began: bake sales, events at the farm, a silent auction, naming of the next spring calves, sponsorship from banks and local businesses such as North Hartland Tools, a community kickstarter campaign, a great video, and applying for (and receiving) state grant funding.
In all, the community raised $140,000 to restore and paint the barn. Not only does this work help the Meachams continue the farm operations, it means that elementary school children will continue to take field trips to learn about farming. Matt Dunne describes Hartland as “the biggest small town in Vermont,” still largely run by volunteer efforts. What has happened to this barn over the last eight years is testament to that.
