‘Barns in 1960.’ (Photo courtesy of Andrew Gennaro)
Today’s column is a little different.
Recently, we viewed the road from Sussex Borough to Ross’s Corner through a trip done in 1939.
I mentioned McCoy’s Corner three weeks ago. Two weeks ago, I included a reference to Winding Brook Farm with a beautiful painting of the old red barn done by well-known Sussex County painter Carol Decker.
The image of the farm brought a request by another county painter. Andrew Gennaro showed me an intriguing painting that he made many years ago. He did not recall where this barn was and asked if we could find it.
Does anyone know where this farm was? If so, how is the farm prospering today?
One of the highlights of Sussex County is the rural setting, the rolling hills and lakes. It is this natural resource that has made farming a successful venture here for our early settlers and those farmers who have followed.
The crops of alfalfa and buckwheat, the green pastures of grass, the healthy waving fields of wheat, the beautiful smiles of the vast patches of yellow sunflowers and the many rows of corn display the colorful bounty of our county.
These crops support the livestock of milk-producing cattle, grazing sheep and galloping horses. This has been the favor of our land to us as it has been for hundreds of years.
Gennaro, an 89-year-old retiree, has found this land interesting and beautiful. He had no formal art training. He hasn’t painted for years and no longer has any drawings or sketches, just a few paintings from years ago. He remains a resident of our county.
He painted this picture of a Sussex County barn in 1960 but can’t remember where. He “wants to revisit it and is looking for information as to its location and condition if still standing.”
“I hope someone recognizes it,” he added.
It has been about 65 years since Gennaro painted this scene of our county’s heritage. If you recognize it, please send information to billt1425@gmail.com
Bill Truran, Sussex County’s historian, may be contacted at billt1425@gmail.com