Known as the Schaeffer Barn in honor of the Prussian immigrants who began its construction some 170 years ago, this historic hand-hewn log structure now sits at the corner of East Fourth and McCrillus Streets near the Riverwalk in a revitalized area of downtown Jasper.
The barn was originally located in Ferdinand, Indiana and was built by the Schaeffer family. The first half was built in 1845 by Johann Franz Schaeffer and his son, John Anton Schaeffer. In 1860, the second half was built for grain storage, and in the 1880’s the two parts were combined. It remained in the Schaeffer family until it was generously donated to ROJAC by their descendants, Dave and Dennis Luebbehusen.
The barn was disassembled in 2005 and reassembled in its present location in 2006 by a group of volunteers.
This type of barn is a Cantilever Overhang, which was typical of many German buildings. Local custom at the time was the use of the stone foundation which was paramount in the preservation of the barn. The primary material used in the barn was chestnut logs, and its construction technique of half-dovetail notches is unique. The longest continuous beam is 50 feet. The barn includes three log cribs with two, 26-feet long, feeding troughs hand-hewn from a single white oak tree.
Scheduling Your Event at Schaeffer Barn
The Schaeffer Barn provides a unique, memorable setting or backdrop for your private or public event. The dirt floor adds to it’s rustic charm.
You can hold your Private Event at the historic Schaeffer Barn for $50 + tax per day.
Contact Janessa Wolf, Jasper Parks & Recreation Department, at 812.482.5959 to reserve.
To hold a Public Event, permission must be obtained from the Jasper Board of Public Works and Safety. Contact Janessa Wolf at 812.482.5959 for more information.