20060830 Marlin K. Hoff Memorial Log Barn

Marlin K. Hoff Memorial Log Barn

By Kevin Dayhoff

August 23, 2006 – August 30, 2006

(Author’s note: This is an extended version of the column – “Hoff Log Barn is on the move to a future role recalling Carroll County's history,” which appeared in the Westminster Eagle on August 30^th, 2006 - -

< http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?pnpid=978&show=archivedetails&ArchiveID=1210554&om=1> Kevin Dayhoff)

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If there were to be one word designated that could be used to describe why we have the quality of life and prosperity we enjoy in Carroll County, that word would be agriculture.

In my view, agriculture, the number one business in Carroll County is all too often taken for granted. Everyone wants to talk about the beautiful views and open spaces, but all too often it is treated like a red-haired step-child that is trotted out to be admired when convenient, but otherwise neglected.

Not only do most folks not understand the contemporary challenges of farming, but many folks are unaware of the history and tradition of agriculture in Carroll County.

By 1798, the area of western Carroll County, between Big Pipe Creek and Westminster, had ten brick, thirteen stone and 248 log homes, according to Carol Lee’s 1982 “Legacy of the Land.” It also had 218 log barns.

One of those log barns was probably what we now know as the “Hoff Log Barn,” which was built between 1785 and 1795 in nearby New Windsor.

Fast forward over 200 years later, there are very few log barns left in Carroll County – or the nation, for that matter. Some published accounts report that there are maybe three log barns left in Carroll County. The Maryland Historical Trust called the Hoff Barn “One of the most significant farm buildings in Carroll County.

The present location of the barn is a farm that has been owned by the Hoff family since 1869. For the last 40 years, Kathy and the late Marlin K. Hoff operated one of the largest and most prestigious dairy operations in Maryland on this property.

Before Mr. Hoff passed away November 28, 2004, he had gotten the idea from talking with fellow farmer and community leader, Melvin Baile Sr., that the barn needs to be donated and saved for many future generations to appreciate.

What better place to showcase the barn, than re-locating the log structure to our own Farm Museum?

The whole purpose of moving the Hoff Barn to the Farm Museum is not to go back in time, but to bring history to the present. In the present, the Farm Museum brings in much appreciated tourist dollars and an almost one-of-kind, resource to study the historic and economic foundation on which we have based our current quality of life.

While preserving agricultural land is an important task for Carroll County, what may be even more important is facilitating the vitality of the business of agriculture.

A key ingredient to educating the non-farming public on the complexity of the business of agriculture is the Carroll County Farm Museum.

One of the mid-Atlantic region’s greatest celebrations of this economic phenomena we call agriculture, is the Carroll County Farm Museum. The Farm Museum is a nationally recognized agricultural educational museum and tourist attraction. Additionally, the museum, along with its next door neighbors, the Agriculture Center and the Gesell property provide valuable open space surrounded by residential development in the greater Westminster area.

To this end, a committee has been formed, made up of a who’s–who list of future oriented community leaders, to raise the estimated $400,000 needed to relocate the barn to the Farm Museum.

Appropriately, no Carroll County taxpayer dollars are planned to be spent on re-locating the barn. It is up to us to fund the preservation of this incredible asset for many future generations to appreciate and study.

So after 200 years of contributing to the economic well-being of farming, the Hoff Log Barn is about play a new role in helping educate the public on the history and the complexities of the business of agriculture. A greater understanding of agriculture plants the proper seeds for future generations to continue to support the business of our front line of defending our quality of life in Carroll County.

On Sunday, October 8 at 2 p.m., during the annual “Fall Harvest Days,” at the Farm Museum, our agricultural history and our modern-day celebration of the history of farming will come together for a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony for an important addition to the museum, the “Marlin K. Hoff Memorial Log Barn.”

Even if you have never set foot on a farm in your life, the enjoyment of our Carroll County way of life has it roots in the Hoff Log Barn.

As is also our history and tradition in Carroll County, the private sector is stepping up to provide an invaluable resource to our community.

The fundraising is off to a good start but more support is needed. For more information or to and arrange to make a financial contribution to help pay for this significant historical investment in our community, please contact Bob Jones at 410-848-7687 or Melvin Baile Sr. at 410-848-9589.

Checks can mailed to: Marlin K. Hoff Memorial Log Barn, P. O. Box 124, Westminster, MD 21158.

Meanwhile, I’ll look forward to seeing you at the Farm Museum on October 8, 2006

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