Over the years…the Wilton barn

wilton_barn_4085This barn north of Wilton has been a favorite for photographers as long as I can remember.  Its location is prime for sunrise and sunset photos, it’s not on posted land, it’s easy to get to, and incredibly photogenic.  It’s also on its last legs.  I took this photo in July 2010 as I awaited the sunset.

 

wilton_barn_4077As you can see from another perspective, this is a beautiful old barn from any angle.  The signs of age were already there, however…note the lean.  This does not bode well.  There was actually a large timber bracing it at this point.

 

wilton_barn_21173Two years later, in August 2012, the stone had already collapsed and the body of the barn had settled into the ground.  On this dreary, rainy day it looked as if it had given a grand sigh and slumped into place, resigned to its fate.

 

wilton_barn_30182Almost exactly four years after my original photo, in July 2014, it shows signs of the wood weakening further.  Parts of the wall are falling away and sunlight streams through from one end to the other.

 

wilton_barn_43404-12_hdrLast weekend, August 2016.  Much of this barn could be best described as “skeletal remains”.  The roof remains intact, but the walls are failing.  The floor looks pretty good, but it no longer has much shelter from the elements.  This may be the swan song for my favorite barn…I fear if I wait another two years, there won’t be much left to compare to that original photo from 2010.

If you’re like me, one of the local photography hobbyists who has fond memories of this old barn, I urge you to head north soon.  Sadly, I don’t think we have much time left with it…but from a photographic standpoint, it’s served us well.