Swedes Run restoration project progressing in Moorestown

The historic Swedes Run stone barn is getting a facelift and is being restored by several concerned citizens. Township residents have also been donating funds to help restore the barn, which has become more and more dilapidated in recent years.

On Tuesday, March 13, Larry Tait, of Tait Roofing Company, sent his workers out to the Swede’s Run barn to begin the removal of the roofing on the barn. Tait and his workers took great care as they used their tools to pull out the ancient nails that are holding the wooden bones together.

Tait said his workers will be on site this week and will complete the demolition process of the roof. They’ll return next week to install the new roofing system. Due to the degradation of the shingles and the rotting of the wood components — sheathing and rafters — they cannot be saved.

An entirely new roof must be constructed and installed.

The farmhouse has been at the Swedes Run Field since the 1800s, but the historic farmhouse is not on the state’s historic registry. It has, though, become a symbol of Moorestown Township’s past.

An engineering report completed of the structure confirmed it was rapidly deteriorating. The most pressing problem of the structure is the farmhouse’s roof, according to township representatives. It’ll be expensive to replace.

The community has supported the restoration of the project since the beginning. In the fall, Sue Poaletti, project organizer, said township residents donated almost $14,000 for the restoration.

Dave Schill, a Swedes Run fundraising volunteer, said the leadership of the restoration project is hopeful that all of the work necessary to complete the reconstruction will replicate the look of the original old barn the community has come to appreciate.

In addition to the roof replacement, the building will also get a new ventilation system, its walls will be sealed from the weather and its doors will be replaced, all while maintaining its historic features.

The project is still lacking in funding, however, Schill said — so anyone interested in donating to the restoration can do so by sending a check to Moorestown Historical Society, c/o Julie Maravich, 660 Chester Ave., Moorestown, 08057, and mark in the memo line Swede’s Run Barn.

Jan Daniels, a part time resident in Moorestown, has also created a coffee table book about the farmhouse. All proceeds from the sale of the book go to the farmhouse project.

To buy a copy of Daniels’ book, log on to www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/2679847.