Area cleaned-up near historic barn

(Photo via Facebook/Dave Sullivan)

The historic Meramec Caverns Barn north of Pontiac, near Cayuga, is a little easier to see now thanks to the work of volunteers.

Aaron Rients donated his time and machine to clean-up the pasture area between Old Route 66 and the barn. Others helping included his father, Lynn, and others wanting to keep the barn an asset to Livingston County. They removed trees and brush earlier in the week that had been blocking the view of the landmark.

The barn was originally one of many that were painted in the Midwest and there was a second barn at one time in Pontiac at the intersection of Routes 66 and 23. Repairs will be needed to the current barn in the next couple of years.

“We hope a plan can be developed for the future of this iconic barn,” said Dave Sullivan, a longtime member of the Route 66 Association of Illinois which continues to support keeping the building a part of local history.

A preservation committee has restored the barn on two previous occasions.

(Photo via Dave Sullivan)