rachelh@myweeklysentinel.com
TROY — The Troy Sale Barn is celebrating 100 years this year.
Nicole Carman, Executive Director for the Sale Barn, noted that local farmers met at the Troy Hotel 100 years ago and organized the Bradford County Livestock Sales Association.
The purpose of the association was for these farmers to be able to sell their livestock. Thus, the idea of the Troy Sale Barn was born.
“On April 10, 1920, construction on the sales pavilion began. The amphitheater style building was built by F.P. Case and Sons at a cost of $6,000. The building also had 60X90 attached stable (arena). The first livestock sale was held on June 3, 1922. The Troy Sale Barn was the economic center of Troy, bringing much business to Troy during the weekly Wednesday sales,” said Carman in a 2019 press release to the Troy Chamber of Commerce.
By 2014, the Sale Barn was feared to be torn down, losing the many years of history it brought in that amount of time.
“It was supposed to be turned into a parking lot after the historic barn had fallen into disrepair since the last livestock sale held in 2004. Bill Bower, whose own house overlooks the barn from Redington Avenue, just couldn’t let that happen. He started a petition to save the barn. The Troy Borough allowed the Troy Historical Society to commence renovations,” said Carman, noting that thanks to local businesses and community members, the Troy Sale Barn would live on!
“With the help of generous donations from Repsol, the County Commissioners, and our local community interested in the barn, the renovations started! The “animal-holding pen” side of the barn was renovated and turned into a gorgeous hall,” she said.
The Troy Sale Barn Operating Corporation was formed in 2017 and tasked with the renovations, finding grants for, and management of the Sale Barn. This included calendaring events for the Barn to help bring in revenue to pay for costs associated with the Barn.
After an occupancy permit was granted, the Sale Barn hosted its first wedding in October 2017.
Still, renovations continued on the Barn.
“The parking lot was paved in October 2018 after drainage, catch basins, lampposts, and retaining walls were installed,” said Carman. “The pastoral mural was designed and painted by local artists Bonnie Bell and Sadie Allen. The TSBOC also utilized the Case Foundation grant for: staining the barn, container plantings, landscaping, white fencing, and impressive entrance signage over the spring, summer and fall.”
Renovations on the Sale Barn are still continuing, with the “arena” portion of the barn.
“Steel beams now reinforce the structure, concrete has been poured, wiring has been installed, and the spray foam insulation was completed just last week. Still on the ‘to-do’ list include: handicapped lifts, floor joists for the antique chairs, speakers, sound booth, lighting, bathroom, office, storage areas and installing an antique soda fountain,” said Carman.
Completion of this project is slated for June 4, when the Sale Barn will celebrate the 100th anniversary with a very special event.
The Troy Sale Barn is still seeking donors for the cost of a chair ($150) or a granite paver on their patio ($250-500).
“Or you can have your picture on our wall for the second set of founders ($5,000),” said Carman.
The Sale Barn is always looking for volunteers as well. For more information on volunteering or donating to the Troy Sale Barn, go to www.facebook.com/TroySaleBarn on Facebook, check out their website at www.troysalebarn.com, call 570-337-0815 or email nicolecarman@yahoo.com.