WINDHAM – Bill Hall, who has farmed 150 acres along Route 202 since 1956, has donated a historic barn to the Windham Historical Society.

The 27-by-65-foot barn on Lotts Drive was built in the mid-1800s and employs post and beam construction. Hall has used the barn, which is attached to his home and was set for demolition, for hay and equipment storage in recent years. It also served as home to 24 dairy cows.

According to David Tanguay and Linda Griffin of the historical society, the group heard about the demolition and Hall agreed to donate the old barn instead.

In the coming weeks, the barn will be dismantled piece by piece by Windham resident Scott Bernier at a cost of $6,500. The wood will be stacked and stored in a building on society-owned property in Windham Center until the group can raise the estimated $45,000 required to reassemble the barn on the Village Green, a history-themed park the society plans to create behind its headquarters building in Windham Center.

“Once we raise the fund, we’ll put it back up, so we’re looking for donations to make that happen,” Tanguay said.

Once erected, the barn will allow for display of farming implements used in Windham’s history.

Bernier’s disassembly of the Hall barn should begin in a few weeks. The barn features a second floor but Griffin said the society plans to remove the floor and build lofts on either side.

Hall, who is married to Carol Hall and operates Mineral Spring Farm producing milk for Oakhurst, is also donating antique farm equipment such as wooden chicken crates, a hay scythe and milk cans. He is excited that his barn will be used by the historical society.

“We’re tickled to death,” he said.

Windham Historical Society members flank Windham farmer Bill Hall, who recently donated a mid-1800s barn, seen above, to the group. From left are Norma Rogers, Jim Hanscom, Don Rogers, Bill Hall, Linda Griffin and David Tanguay.Staff photos by John Balentine