The Star Barn at Stone Gables Estate

History

History information is some background and history about the location. This is meant to be a basic summary. Below the history records you will find sources in which you can click on to find out more information. There may be multiple history records per location.

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Since 1877, the majestic Gothic Revival-style Star Barn has been a landmark on the Central Pennsylvania landscape and has been particularly visible to travelers passing within 50 feet of it since Route 283 was added in 1970. The towering cupolas, four dominant louvered star ventilators, 56-foot-long vaulted stone tunnel, and other unique architectural features set it apart from the standard Pennsylvania bank barn. Other associated structures, namely, a carriage house, corn crib, hog barn, and chicken coop, were also created in the Gothic Revival architectural style with rare features and transcending appointments. Colonel John Motter was the visionary behind these historic treasures. The Star Barn, in particular, showcased his prize horses. In addition to his remarkable success with raising horses, thousands of which he sold to the U.S. Cavalry during and after the Civil War, Motter was a bank president and hotel owner and had large agricultural interests. Motter's large family consisted of seven daughters, for which seven of his farms were built.

The Star Barn Village of agricultural structures stood strong through many stages in American history. It was a prominent site for supplying quality horses, housing chickens and hogs, storing hay, feed, and corn, providing shelter for carriages and farm implements, and in the late 1920s, it became a dairy operation.

Progress inevitably changes things. In 1986, dairy and farming operations at The Star Barn ceased. In 1994, the 164-acre property was reduced to 3.68 acres, which included the agricultural structures and barnyard. The Star Barn lost its economic function and faced challenges of encroaching development and the effects of a busy highway. This majestic landmark began to show signs of deterioration and neglect.

Added by: sdonley on 03/27/2025 DB#:716
Source(s):
https://www.stonegablesestate.com/the-star-barn#0

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