Small town needs help to preserve a piece of Wisconsin history

The Chase Stone Barn Committee is in the last leg of its fundraising campaign to raise funds for the restoration of the 1903 stone barn, which is located on Cty Rd S in Pulaski.

The stone barn is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places because it is one of the last surviving all-fieldstone barns in the country.

The Town of Chase purchased the barn in 2007 so they could protect it and make it the focal point of their new Chase Stone Barn Park.

Once restorations are complete, a museum will be developed inside the stable area of the barn to educate people about the early settlers from the area, and the geology of the stones. The park will also be a public gathering place for all types of events.

The town received a prestigious challenge grant from the Jeffris Family Foundation in Janesville.

If they can raise $287,000 by June 30, 2012, the town will receive a grant of $143,000 for the restoration of the stone barn. To date the town has raised over $235,000, but still needs $52,000 to reach their goal by the June 30th deadline.

The small rural Town of Chase is asking for help to preserve one of Wisconsin's treasures. More information about the historic stone barn and park project are on the town website at www.townofchase.org. To make a donation, contact Kris Kolkowski at 920-822-5447.