Welcome to 'The Barn', or to give it it's real name the no-one ever uses, the T J Ford Pavilion. This would one of Grafton's most loved buildings. Built in 1888 but moved to its present location in 1906, it is the centrepiece pavilion of the Grafton Agricultural Show Society.
However it has greater significance for Graftonians than just that. Over the last century it has been a place for them to hold their wedding receptions, auctions, balls, plays, discos, in fact you name it and it has probably happened at 'The Barn'.
It's architecture is classic Australian vernacular with roof and exterior walls in glorious corrugated iron and attached Victorian barge boards: stinking hot in summer and freezing in winter. It was very dilapidated in the 1980's but a Government grant allowed it to be restored. It has just had a new commercial kitchen installed in the lean-to section at the left of the building thanks to the lobbying of the now ex-local MP Steve Cansdell. Next job is replacing the very old toilets!
Tomorrow we will attend a very special event that has just been held within this tin temple of good times and happy memories.
This is a Barn Charm post. Click here to visit Tricia's wonderful meme on Barns. Yes Trish I know I am bending the rules but it will be only this once, o.k! Plus I'm sure that livestock have lived in it at some point in its lifetime as well.
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That is a very posh barn Mark and thanks for the link to Tricia's blog. Have a wonderful week!
ReplyDeleteGreat design.
ReplyDeleteIt has a very human looking 'face'.
ReplyDeleteI like the green doors and gingerbread details on the facade, Mark!
ReplyDeleteNever seen one like that before.
ReplyDeleteFAAAABULOUS building - who cares if it doesn't meet 'the rules'!! AND ... why are official names generally so dull and non-descriptive??!!
ReplyDeletewell that's one fancy barn!
ReplyDeleteThis barn attraced my eye on Tricia's Barn Charm. SO different and neat! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness! This is wonderful! Never seen anything like it before...so glad you had a chance to post it to Barn Charm.
ReplyDeleteBEautiful fancy barn. I think this is the fanciest barn I have seen so far. Thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteBarn Charm
No, no, this beauty is quite alright! If it is or once was a barn, it counts!!! =) She's a beauty, too, love all the added work... adds to her charm =)
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for linking her to Barn Charm =)))
The trim definitely adds a charming touch.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this beauty.
Carletta@Round The Bend
That is awesome! I've never seen anything like it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool barn! I've never seen one like it!
ReplyDeleteWhat an elegant barn!
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