Port Sanilac in Sanilac County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Decker Crib Barn

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 7, 2022

1. The Decker Crib Barn Marker

Inscription. This Crib barn, c. 1850, was built before the two major forest fires in the Thumb of 1871 and 1881. The Barn was owned (and believed to have been built) by Charles Decker, who also founded the Village of Deckerville in the late 1860's.

The walls of the barn are hand hewn white pine logs. The largest measures 10 inches thick by 16 inches high by 30 feet long. The dove tail joints were so tight and the log surfaces so even, no chinking was needed. The roof rafters were of hand hewn cedar logs. Richard Harter disassembled the barn, labeled each piece, and brought it here, where he reassembled it. He replaced some decayed timbers with new wood. The roof is of hand split cedar shakes. Area farmers donated for the expenses of the project, along with other craftsmen donating skill, labor and money.

Richard and Judy Harter donated the barn to the Museum and Pioneer Village in memory of Richard's parents Nicholas and Mary Harter. Nicholas and Mary raised five children: Doris, Mary Ann, Kathleen, Richard, and Carol.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Architecture. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 43° 25.506′ N, 82° 32.654′ W. Marker is in Port Sanilac, Michigan, in Sanilac County. It is on South Ridge Street half a mile

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south of Main Street (Michigan Route 46). The barn is part of the Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 228 South Ridge Street, Port Sanilac MI 48469, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Michigan’s Thumb

and in one of the Lake Huron Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Houndtown Cabin (within shouting distance of this marker); Ward Cottage (within shouting distance of this marker); Platt's General Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Anchor (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Forestville Church (about 300 feet away); Loop-Harrison House (about 400 feet away); Port Sanilac Light Station - 1886 (approx. 0.3 miles away); Screw (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Port Sanilac.

Other markers no longer nearby. Platt's General Store (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Museum Church (was about 300 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 7, 2022

2. The Decker Crib Barn Marker

The Decker Crib Barn image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 7, 2022

3. The Decker Crib Barn

The barn is one of the exhibits at Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum

Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 212 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 15, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.