The Haybarn combines the form and construction techniques of Long Island's vernacular building practices with popular late nineteenth-century architectural detail, a mixture which is rarely found on any Long Island farm support buildings. The rectangular form, massive timber frames construction, wood shingle sheathing and absence of ornament are the primary characteristics of the conservative building tradition which was pervasive on Long Island from the 1650's to the late nineteenth century. In addition, the barn also features a picturesque profile, broad roof overhangs, prominent cupolas, Gothic profile dormers and paneled doors, all characteristics of the mid-to-late nineteenth century taste for picturesque architectural treatment in utilitarian buildings.

Called today, The Historic Haybarn, it is a well-recognized local landmark in the suburban community of Yaphank, which was a sparsely-settled farming village at the time the almshouse complex was established. The large, architecturally-significant farm support building remains as a prominent and only surviving building associated with Suffolk County's nineteenth century almshouse, an important local social and service institution.

The Suffolk County Farm and Education Center is still owned by Suffolk County and has been operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County since 1974.

Hay Barn Restoration Project Underway

Phase I of the restoration of our beautiful historic hay barn at the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center began in the spring of 2005. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County received a grant from the New York State Department of Transportation through the Transportation Enhancement Program to restore the barn, which was built in 1871.

The barn is the centerpiece of our 170-acre farm, which was purchased by Suffolk County in 1870. When it was purchased, a small farmhouse and barns were on the property. In 1871, the county hired Charles Hallet, a well-known builder who practiced in the Town of Riverhead, to construct the main almshouse, nearby Children's Home, and the large hay barn.

Today, the Almshouse Hay Barn is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places and the Historic Trust of Suffolk County, and is one of the few remaining double bay hay barns in New York that is still used for its original purpose. This local landmark in the suburban community of Yaphank, which was a sparsely-settled farming village at the time the almshouse complex was established, is the only surviving building associated with Suffolk County's nineteenth century almshouse.

The Suffolk County Farm and Education Center is still owned by Suffolk County and has been operated by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County since 1974.

An additional grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will fund Phase 2 of the restoration project.

Please visit the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center to see the progress of this restoration project and return to this site to view photographs of the barn as it is restored.