Dew Barn

National Register Listing

Street Address:

NW of Zion (Marion County)

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NRHP Nomination

Record Number:

S10817734002

Description and Narrative:

The Dew Barn is a significant example of tobacco barn construction in Dillon and Marion Counties from ca. 1895, considered to be the time of the introduction of Bright, or flue-cured, tobacco to the area, until the 1950s. After tobacco leaves were harvested, they were transported from the field to nearby tobacco barns to be cured. The object of curing was to remove water from the leaf and to force certain biological changes. The Dew Barn, which is essentially intact, is believed to have been constructed before 1935. The hewn-timber tobacco barn has a steep, metal-covered gable roof. A metal-roofed shed, which is supported by undressed wood posts, surrounds all sides. The shed typically provided shade and shelter for the workers stringing tobacco leaves on sticks in preparation for curing. These sticks were then hung across poles in the barns. The roof’s gable ends are weatherboarded. An arched brick firebox and brick flue are located on the right elevation. The firebox supplied the heat for curing. Three-fourths of the chimney has been rebuilt with cement block. Wood plank doors are located on the façade and rear. Listed in the National Register August 3, 1984.

Level of Significance:

State

Area of Significance:

Agriculture

National Register Determination:

listed

Date of Certification:

August 3 1984

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