To the Editor:

The future of the Hilton Barn in the town of New Scotland is of concern to me. I first want to state my gratitude to everyone who has participated in the process of moving and restoring that building. It is certainly a monumental accomplishment!

I have heard many ideas for developing the interior of the building that I believe would be a  mistake. Let’s examine the original intent of saving and preserving this unusually large historic barn. The primary objective was to preserve and retain its original character.

Why? Because the interior modeled a style of building craftsmanship that is uncommon today. The interior space of the Hilton Barn is awesome and unique because of its size and openess.

If the building is divided into smaller venues in anyway, the primary objective of retaining its historic character is severely diminished.

To those wonderful people who now hold its destiny in their hands, please do not destroy the character of the building. In my humble opinion, the best things you can do for the Hilton Barn are as follows.

Taking into consideration the future maintenance costs for the building, it should have a metal, standing-seam roof. That will last for generations. The building should have a concrete floor from end to end. That will last for generations. The building’s interior structure should not be obstructed in any way by, for example, insulation, dividers, separate rooms or anything at all that detracts from its original design and intent for use as an agricultural use barn.

The building should not be heated except by open-space heaters run only at the time of an event in the off season. The building should not become a restaurant or even house a restaurant.

It should not house any sales venues. These types of activities can occur outside the building on the grounds surrounding the barn by vendors that come and go.

The building can be used by groups as a large open space for speakers and musical events or theatrical events. Imagine standing or sitting in that enormous barn and pondering the vastness and craftsmanship of the structure in its entirety while listening to music or watching a play or even a presentation of any kind.

Where do we have a pubic space available of those historic proportions that could have the potential versatility of the Hilton Barn.

Come on, leaders, let’s not allow this wonderful thing you’ve started, to evolve into something that takes away from the original intent of the project. The intent, as I understood it, was to save an iconic historic building in our town.

You should not transform that building into a division of small venues for money-making purposes that destroy its character. The interior must remain unobstructed from end to end, side to side, and floor to ceiling.

That is what is special about being inside the Hilton Barn. You know it and we all know it! Anything else is a disservice to the historic character of the barn.

I would also like to fervently point to the need to make choices that will allow for low maintenance costs in the future, like a concrete floor and metal roof.

These are not historically accurate, but they are the most practical and economical solutions that will ultimately not detract from the primary structure. Thank-You for considering the logic of my proposal!

Timothy J. Albright

Meadowdale