Chris Jensen Round Barn, Lena Illinois
- Categories:
- Illinois
- Barn
- Round Barn
The name of the original owner and construction date are unknown. The roof and cupola profile, however, are reminiscent of the Leek barn built in the first decade of the twentieth century by the Shaffer-Haas team.
This 60-foot diameter round barn sets on a poured concrete foundation. Its main entrance is on ground level on the northeast quadrant and leads to a rectangular opening in the mow floor for hay access. Animal access is on the southeast quadrant. Stalls are arranged at right angles to two large (5 1/2 inch by 7 3/4 inch) loft joists located 7 feet 9 inches apart across the barn's center. Members (6 inches by 1 3/4 inch) arranged diagonally between the loft studs brace the barn against the wind. The barn is enclosed with drop siding which has been covered with sheet metal. The conical roof is capped with a tall thin cupola.
The original design is intact. The only noteworthy structural deterioration is the roof which was warped when the wind pushed the cupola askew.
Looking northwest (1983)
Ground level looking west; shows the linear Stalls (1983)
