Flywheelers presented Great Michigan Barn designation

The Michigan Flywheelers Museum was recognized recently by the Michigan Barn Preservation Network for its effort in restoring its 1900s era Stephenson Barn.

MBPN President Tom Irrer and MBPN Chair Keith Anderson presented a certificate to the museum designating the barn as a “Great Michigan Barn 2024” during a presentation held during the museum’s Farm History Day on May 10.

The barn was donated to the museum in 2006 and moved from the Paul Stephenson family farm on Baseline Road. Once at the museum, a cement foundation was poured and several improvements were made including a new standing seam metal roof, southern pine siding that matched the original wood siding and repairs on its post and beam framework. Two additions were also added that included bathrooms and a small kitchen.

The barn serves as the museum’s main building for exhibits, educational workshops, classes and programs. When not in use by the museum, it is rented out.

The Michigan Flywheelers Museum is located in Geneva Township about three miles east of South Haven. For more information, visit www.michiganflywheelers.org or Facebook.