Main Street Franklin is holding a “Save the Pickering Barn” campaign. What is now known as the Pickering Barn was on the property when the Pickering family bought the land in 1879.
By: Mary Genson | Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle | Published September 24, 2024
FRANKLIN — In 1879, the Pickering family purchased the property at 7141 Franklin Road, where they established Oakland County’s Pickering Farm.
When George Pickering, a fourth-generation Pickering, died in 2017, the land was sold to a developer to become a residential subdivision. The Pickering Barn is the last remaining structure on the property.
Through the “Save the Pickering Barn” campaign, Main Street Franklin is looking to move the barn to a new location in either Bloomfield Township or the village of Franklin.
“Five generations of the Pickering family lived on this site from the mid 19th century, and it’s an incredible story of how the pioneers came to this area and made their living,” Pete Halick, from the Pickering Barn Task Force, said.
The goal is to preserve the barn and keep it as a functional landmark in the community. In order to do this, the barn will need to be moved to a different location where it can be reimagined to serve the community.
“We feel it could be appreciated, cherished and serve as a cultural heritage beacon for the community and a great use for the residents,” Halick said.
At this point in the process, Main Street Franklin has not decided where the barn will be located or what it will be used for. When it comes time to make some of those big decisions, the community will be consulted.
“We will do something where we can get more input from the community and see what they would really like to do with it, so that we can actually make it worthwhile and what people want,” said Susan Goldstrom, the assistant administrator of the village of Franklin.
“Dismantling the barn is our emphasis right now. It is to dismantle and store the barn,” Halick said. “That’s our main focus right now, so that we can save it. Once we have it saved, then we can nail down a location.”
Right now, Main Street Franklin is focused on raising money to complete this process. The current campaign runs until 11:45 p.m. Oct. 4. So far, 34 patrons have funded $8,605. Their goal is to raise $100,000 before Oct. 4. Contributions can be made online at patronicity.com/project/save_the_pickering_barn#!/.
At this point, there is not a set timeline; however, it is expected to take a few years. Halick said they are starting the dismantling now with the help of private funds.
Once the campaign ends on Oct. 4, donations will still be accepted by Main Street Franklin by emailing Goldstrom at sgoldstrom@franklinvillagemi.gov.