Agriculture in America and Pennsylvania in the 1870’s

The farming industry dramatically changed in Pennsylvania after the Civil War. Prior to the conflict, farmers were considered to be little more than self-sufficient, growing and producing only enough food stuffs to feed their families with a little left over to be sold. The western expansion movement, brought on by the railroad, gave the Pennsylvania farmer an opportunity for great fortune in new markets. The introduction of refrigerated railroad cars boosted the distribution of agricultural products. The demand for farm products increased and prices skyrocketed. However, there were several obstacles impeding a farmer from immediate success. The loss of human lives during the Civil War left a terrible labor shortage for farmers and many remaining laborers left the farm for more profitable work in factories. The Pennsylvania farmer needed guidance to attract laborers and combat other concerns. Through education, the farmer was able to expand production and increase the value of their products. Organizations such as the Grange and Farmer’s Alliance encouraged farmers to exchange technical experience and ideas with more of their successful peers. Agricultural societies promoted not only the education of farmers, but advanced their social well-being, political causes, and economic comfort. A way agricultural reformers saw to attract or retain farmers was constructing new and elaborate farm buildings. By constructing new farms or rebuilding existing farms utilizing more modern agrarian practices, the farming industry became more efficient and more productive. Barns were enlarged to increase both storage and stabling capacity as the farm became more successful. The basic form of the Pennsylvania barn was not only adapted for its size. The length of the barn was increased, adding more stable room in the ground level and more threshing floors and hay mows above.

Modern farm practices also dictated barnyards with a south orientation for optimum efficiency. Not only does this orientation allow the forebay and barnyard to receive the maximum amount of sunshine throughout the day, but also allowed farmers to extend their workday from early morning to late evening. During the winter months, the southerly exposed barnyard was not as cold or damp, allowing snow to melt faster for better access year-round. The orientation of the house to the barn was important for farm layouts. Visibility of the barn’s forebay from the farmhouse was considered essential for the safety and protection of the livestock.

A group of secondary buildings evolved in farming to serve additional purposes and their placement around the farm is consistent among other local farms. Historically, these secondary buildings were devised only to provide basic shelter for animals with perhaps some additional storage space. However, late nineteenth century farmers began improving these secondary structures as well to increase production. Chicken coops were constructed with additional windows to admit needed sunlight and ventilation. The pig barn with its odor and flies were often oriented as far as possible from the farmhouse. Additionally, pig barns were located off the barnyard so the animals could root through the manure, hastening its rotting. Increasing demands for pork in city markets led to better management in pork production. The animals were given as much dry space, light, and ventilation as possible. The addition of silos onto the dairy farm offered several advantages. First, higher quantities of corn could be stored and fed to the cattle at a higher profit margin than stocking hay and other grains. Second, dairy cattle fed with corn produced milk year-round even during the winter months. The milk house, dating from the early twentieth century when government standards forced improvements in dairy production standards, was located as close as possible to the barn. Changes in farming methods and increases of mechanization within the industry made it possible to operate several farms at one time.

Note: Segments of the above narrative were taken from the National Register of Historic Places Registration Form and supplemental pages. We appreciate the efforts of Karen Arnold, Program Director of Historic York, Inc. of York, Pennsylvania, her staff, and other contributors for their extensive and comprehensive research and documentation on the history of The Star Barn Complex and agriculture in America and Pennsylvania.