Meet the Nellis Brothers: Saving Historic Barns
A Passion for Preservation
Corey and Justin Nellis have been in the barn restoration business for six years. Their inspiration came from taking down a barn for lumber, which sparked a passion for preservation. They understand the value of these structures and the memories they hold for many people.
A Connection to the Past
“It appeals to the baby boomers; the generation that grew up in these barns, played in these barns,” described Corey. “There wasn’t traditional electricity back then, you went outside.” The Nellis Brothers’ work is not just about restoring old buildings, but about preserving the history and nostalgia associated with them.
A Recent Project in Stillwater
This once overgrown barn in Stillwater has been getting some TLC from the Nellis Brothers. Over the course of three months, it has been deconstructed, moved, and reconstructed for a brand new purpose. More than 200 years ago, this barn was used to store a variety of grains. The owner of Old Tavern Farm, Nicole Borisenok, bought it to prevent it from being demolished. It will still be holding grains, just in the form of whiskey. “All sourced from local farms here. So I think that only helps make the story and the connection that much sweeter,” she said.
A Labor of Love
It’s not cheap to do what these brothers do. Each piece of axe-cut lumber is given its own tag during deconstruction, making rebuilding feel more like a puzzle. Justin explained that there’s more than nostalgia holding the barn together. “When you take care of something, it lasts, and we do have the tighter growth rings and mix of different woods. Pre-American so we have the chestnut blight.”
Sourcing Materials
Close to all of the wood is from the original barn. What needed to be replaced has been sourced from other pre-American barns, right down to the stakes. The Nellis Brothers told NEWS10 that this barn will be finished in about two weeks.
Conclusion
The Nellis Brothers’ dedication to preserving historic barns is a testament to the importance of preserving our cultural heritage. Their work is not just about restoring old buildings, but about keeping the memories and history associated with them alive.
FAQs
* What is the Nellis Brothers’ process for restoring historic barns?
The Nellis Brothers’ process involves deconstructing, moving, and reconstructing the barns, using materials from the original barn whenever possible, and sourcing replacement materials from other pre-American barns.
* How long does the restoration process typically take?
The restoration process can take anywhere from a few months to a year or more, depending on the complexity of the project and the amount of work required.
* What is the cost of restoring a historic barn?
Restoring a historic barn is not a cheap endeavor. The cost can vary widely depending on the size and complexity of the project, but it can range from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
