Forest W. Johnson Barn

Forest W. Johnson Barn, 503 Old Lincoln Highway, Mechanicsville (Cedar County), just west of Mechanicsville

The 36 by 48 barn built about 1895 sits on limestone blocks which have settled causing bulging in the overlaid wooden floor.  The barn is of peg and beam construction with a small shop in the southwest corner. Over the years the barn housed horses, milk cows and sheep. The milk records depicting cow names and pounds of milk are still hanging in the barn. In the large front area with the high ceiling there is a timber which was used when butchering.  A unique row of window panes on the south side lets in daylight.  The large cupola which once sat upon the barn blew off in a high wind and was never replaced. Alongside the barn sat a 12 foot by 36-foot-tall creosoted silo made with tongue and groove 2×6 boards. The silo was a Champion brand from Des Moines.  A silo kitchen connected the silo to the barn. The silo was removed in 1980.