Welcome to one of the "8 Wonders of Kansas" - Architecture
No particular architect is tied to this barn, but round barns were popular in agricultural journals and promoted by agricultural land grant colleges in the late 1800's - early 1900's. The builder was William "Pat" Campbell III, a local contractor.
The Fromme-Birney Round Barn was placed on the State and National Register of Historic Places due to it's unique architecture in 1987. See the barn's National Register Nomination Form and Inventory Record and photos.
The Fromme-Birney Round Barn was voted in as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas - Architecture in 2008 by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, an organization that promotes rural culture.
The Fromme-Birney Round Barn was placed on the State and National Register of Historic Places due to it's unique architecture in 1987. See the barn's National Register Nomination Form and Inventory Record and photos.
The Fromme-Birney Round Barn was voted in as one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas - Architecture in 2008 by the Kansas Sampler Foundation, an organization that promotes rural culture.
After restoration in 1995
"The real accomplishment is that the carpenter was able to cut all of the lumber to a perfect fit , by hand, with only the aid of a framing square. Another amazing thing is that the barn was built with over 160 full-sized 20-foot white pine 2 x 6's, and there are no knotholes in any of the wood. I am too young to remember quality clear lumber, but I think today's carpenters can be envious."
"Mr. Fromme broke horses in a nearby smaller barn, then brought the horses to the polygonal barn where they were kept and used to farm his land." "My parting thought is that we should admire these beautiful barns while we can, and I hope that in future generations this part of architecture is not forgotten." Blaine Davis, R.A., Kansas Territorial Magazine, Sept/Oct 1983 |
Phyllis Birney loved this barn from first sight, and received the barn and one acre from her husband Larry, on their 15th wedding anniversary. She then worked to get the barn listed on the National Register of Historic Places and later gave it to the Kiowa County Historical Society.
Bill Campbell with shingling hammer and hand saw used by his great grandfather, the builder of the barn. Photo: Bill Campbell and Phyllis Birney 
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The barn is listed as one of the
8 Wonders of Kansas -Architecture for it's architectural significance in Kansas by the Kansas Sampler Foundation
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