Our Story

Chronology of construction

The chronology of construction of the site as a whole is based on the existing architectural fabric and historical research. Although not all changes are known, the following is a summary of significant changes providing an outline of the site’s evolution since construction.

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c.1803

Original farmhouse construction

Daniel Ayres received 105 acres of land in the village of Franklin, including the present-day Ayres/Knuth farm, from his father-in-law. He likely constructed a house on the property around this time, which may have been located immediately in front of the existing farmhouse.

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Early-19th Century

Barn construction

Large banked barn constructed; some sources indicate it was one of the largest barns in Morris County.

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c.1825

Smokehouse construction

The smokehouse was constructed.

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c.1850

Carriage house/barn construction

The carriage house/barn was constructed.

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c.1856

Daniel Ayres dies

Daniel Ayres died and his son, William Ayres, took ownership of the farm property.

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c.1875

Tenant house construction

The tenant house was constructed.

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c.1885

Chicken coop and icehouse/office construction

The chicken coops were constructed.

The icehouse/office was constructed.

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c.1896

William Ayres moves

William Ayres retired and moved to a new house separate from his farm property.

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c.1896-1905

Farm changes hands

The farm property changed hands approximately six times.

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c.1906

Knuths acquire farm

Martin and Anna Knuth acquired the farm property.

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Early-20th Century

Additions and subtractions

By this time the north (original) section of the farmhouse was removed.

By this time, the northern bay was likely added to the Carriage House/Barn.

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1930

Garage/privy construction

The garage was constructed.

The privy was constructed using material fabric from an earlier privy.

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1935

Martin Knuth dies

Martin Knuth died.

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1936

Fire

A massive fire destroyed the main barn and damaged adjacent buildings.

The former icehouse/office was relocated and converted for use as a barn in place of the one that burned.

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1950

Frank/Sue Knuth take ownership

Anna Knuth died and two of her children, Frank and Sue, took ownership of the farm property.

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Mid-20th Century

Corn crib constructed

The corn crib was constructed (post-1936 but pre-1957).

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Mid-20th Century

Frank/Susan Knuth die

Frank and Susan Knuth died.

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1996

Purchased

Denville Township purchased around 52 acres, including the historic core of the Ayres/Knuth Farm.