After two and one-half months, the repainting of the big white barn at Hilltop Farm is complete, according to Ray Wilcox, vice president and longtime project manager for the Friends of the Farm at Hilltop (FOFAH).
Preparation for the repainting of the barn at Hilltop Farm started in June.
“It was no easy task considering the rainy weather we’ve had this summer,” noted Wilcox. “First the six-man crew of painting contractor Brendan Stich removed the old paint with gentle media blasting. Then came spraying and back-brushing of oil-based primer, followed by two finish coats, sprayed and back-brushed. At times they used two bucket trucks and lots of ladders.”
Wilcox said it took 220 gallons of primer and 200 gallons of white and green finish coat, along with brown stain, to complete the job. In total, it cost $220,000.
He said that FOFAH, which owns the barn, is still fundraising for the task. He encouraged loyal followers and historical enthusiasts to please donate in support of the project on Hilltop’s website https://www.hilltopfarmsuffield.org/donate.
The barn was built in 1914 as the centerpiece of a 470-acre gentleman’s farm created by George Hendee, co-founder of Indian Motorcycle.