Morgan getting to know Ocean View’s pony barn | Lifestyle

There’s an interesting relationship forming as Barry Morgan restores the historic, two-story, former pony barn in Ocean View.

Morgan — a Frankford resident who owns Junction Home Services — has a background in theater and has discovered “theatrical aspects” as he works on the 485-square-foot structure with a loft that was built by James Evans in 1901.

“In theater, you are developing a part and you get to know that character, and you go deeper and deeper into that character until you know him completely. That is what is happening here. This pony barn is such an interesting building. There is a lot of structural narrative to a building like this. You have to figure out what that is. The barn is so old and not purposefully neglected, and if you don’t have somebody who knows what he’s looking at, things can get lost.

“It’s a very interesting structure that tests me to my absolute limit, and that’s what I like about it. It tests my knowledge. It tests my skill level. It tests my ability to know what forces are at play,” Morgan said.

The barn, at 40 West Avenue, has a balloon frame structure, meaning it was built with continuous vertical wall studs running the entire height of the building. Balloon frame studs are 12 feet high, reach a top plate, then go into another structure that takes it up another 12 feet, Morgan said.

“There are balloon frame structures left in America. With most of them, you can’t see inside the walls because they have a covering, drywall, on them. In this barn, you can see the balloon framing. Those who used timber framing were making fun of these people, and that is how the term ‘balloon framing’ was coined. When the wind blew, these structures weren’t tough enough, they thought, but they ended up being tough structures,” Morgan said.

Built by the grandfather of local historian Barbara Slavin, the barn appears to be too short for horses to walk inside, but Morgan said Slavin confirmed that ponies were kept there — most likely small horses used for farm work.

The barn had an insect infestation that had weakened it, so Morgan is working to strengthen the studs by sistering — taking new wood and putting it up against the old wood.

“By putting a sister on each side, you will be able to see the old barn structure but also see the new structure, so it will translate into a feeling of safety within,” he said, adding that once fully restored, the barn will house historic exhibits.

He started working on it at the beginning of April and expects it to be finished in about a year.

Jeff Powell, a board member at the Historic Village in Ocean View, described the barn as being “in relatively good shape” and said the board received a state grant to help restore and stabilize it. Historic Village members “want to transform this Sussex County landmark into a living exhibit,” he said.

“We would like the public to have the ability to watch us rebuild this legacy. While so much of our history is being lost, it’s important to save the history we still have. With the support of the community and the general public, we feel it’s a goal we can achieve,” he said.

The Historic Village in Ocean View is open for tours on Wednesdays until Sept. 2, except for July 1. The barn restoration can be viewed while it is open. Morgan said he’ll be happy to answer questions as he works.

“Buildings change and they come down, because forces are at play. Normally, that story is pretty straightforward. In this barn, there are four or five major things that have happened, from bugs to tortional forces that are making the bar twist a little bit,” Morgan said.

“You build a personal relationship with these buildings. That comes directly from the theater companies. It’s absolutely fascinating for me.”