The Springhouse
Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
In the old days, springhouses did the job of
refrigerators. This springhouse served the
occupants of the farm from the 18th through
the early 20th centuries.
It was built directly over the spring and
shaded by trees. Cool spring water flowing
into the structure was channeled into
troughs of different depths before flowing
out the other side. Whitewashing inside and
out sealed the loosely mortared, thick, stone
walls and provided a clean surface on the
interior. Barred vents in the side walls
allowed fresh air to circulate and kept out
freeloading animals.
Even in summer, dairy goods, fresh produce,
and other perishables could last several days
in watertight containers partially submerged
in the troughs. Less perishable foods, such
as salted or smoked meat, pickles, cider, and
wine, were stored up in the loft space and
on shelves built into the walls. The spring
also provided water for drinking and washing
for the house located to the north, up the
hill behind the barn.
When Gardiner Means and Caroline Ware
installed electricity in the 1930s, they
pumped the spring water up to the house.
A refrigerator and sink replaced most of
the functions of the springhouse. The
springhouse ruins were stabilized in 1996.
Marker can be reached from Beulah Road (County Route 702) north of Meadowlark Road (County Route 677), on the left when traveling north.
Courtesy hmdb.org
