Historic Gibbons Horse Barn Open to Visitors
MADISON, NJ--The 19th century barn where William Gibbons raised Fashion, his national racing champion mare, will be open for a public tour on August 8 at 2:00 p.m. The brick barn was built in 1847 and is situated less than two miles away from the building that served as Gibbons’ country home, now Drew University’s Mead Hall. Tour goers will learn about the barn’s extraordinary preservation and have the opportunity to sample Madison life in the pre-Civil War period.
The Gibbons Barn is located on the Brook Valley Farm. Its original landscape still exists today and it continues to serve as a working horse barn.
The tour of the Gibbons Barn is offered by the Friends of Mead Hall, an organization which oversees the preservation of Drew University’s signature building, a 19th century, Greek-revival mansion. Through a range of educational events and programs, the organization seeks to encourage greater public awareness of Mead Hall’s historical significance, and garner support for its continued preservation.
The Gibbons Barn tour is free for members of the Friends of Mead Hall and $12 for the general public. Space is limited and reservations are requested. For more information or to reserve a space, please call 973/408-3201 or e-mail FOMH@drew.edu. The barn is located at 340 Loantaka Way in Chatham Township. Balloons and signs will be in place to guide visitors to the appropriate parking lots on the day of the tour.
