Residents gather at annual barn social in historic tool barn

by Laura Bednar

The Heritage Corridors of Bath and Bath Business Association hosted the 22nd annual Bath Barn Social in September at the historic tool barn next to the Bath Township Historical Museum at the intersection of W. Bath and N. Cleveland-Massillon roads.

During the summer, the Bath Historical Society donated a barn quilt, which was hung on the barn facing W. Bath Road. Originally, the quilt design – a dahlia sunburst – was expected to be painted and shipped by Amish craftsman Gary Hershberger from Shipshewana, Indiana.

Bath Township Trustee Elaina Goodrich said the 4-by-4-foot design on 3/8-inch plywood was out of stock. Alternatively, resident artist and Bath Township Historical Society board member Libby Bauman painted a similar design on a 4-by-4-foot square of plywood, which was mounted on the barn by the township service department.

Jeff Andrew, Bath Township Historical Society president, said the barn quilt is the society’s gift to the township and was donated “to promote the barn tour and show appreciation for the renovation of the township museum.”

The tool barn is the second stop on the newly opened Heritage Barns of Bath Trail.

At the social, museum Administrator Lee Darst gave a brief history of the tool barn. She said it was built in 1889 for $180. The sliding door on the barn used to be on the opposite side, facing W. Bath Road and was moved for easier access as the grade of the township changed.

Residents formerly repaired township roads and stored their tools in the barn. Darst said years ago, residents could earn a tax reduction if they repaired the roadways near their property. Many took advantage of the opportunity to help keep their farms afloat during the Depression.

The barn now serves as storage for the historical society and has historic hand tools on display as part of the society’s agriculture exhibit. Some items include woodworking tools from the former Hopkins sawmill. The agriculture exhibit is open through December on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. ∞

Main photo: Bath residents (l-r) Jilinda Richer, Julie and Ray Slattery attended the 22nd annual barn social. Photo by Laura Bednar.