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Still around: Family devoted to historic barn

WASHINGTON, Ind. – A picturesque century-old barn off Indiana 57 is part of a dwindling style of architecture that's inspired books, road trips and at least one retirement project.

The Thomas C. Singleton barn, built in 1908, is one of 73 historic round barns remaining in Indiana, which used to have more structures in that classic style than any other state. According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, there used to be 219 round and polygonal barns in the state – three times as many as remain standing today.

The style was popular between 1874 and 1936 and offered a more open floor plan, according to the DNR, since roofs were self-supporting and didn't require posts in the middle of a barn floor. The shape meant farmers could lead horses into the barn and then around, rather than backing a cart out the door.