The Webb Barn
Little is known about the original Webb Barn. It was not mentioned in historic records until after the property was purchased in 1821 by Martin Wells, a lawyer and later a judge in Wethersfield. On March 2, 1840, the Hartford Daily Courant reported that, “On Saturday morning the barn of Martin Welles, Esq. was burned to the ground, with two horses and a cow…. the fire was undoubtedly the work of incendiaries. The citizens have offered a liberal reward for their apprehension.” According to Welles’ receipt book, in June 1840 he started the construction of a new barn — presumably on the same location as the original.
The present building was moved back 30 feet in 1921 and has had a series of additions and renovations completed by the NSCDA-CT. In the 1930s, three wings on the north, south, and west sides were added using iron hardware, wood timbers, and floorboards salvaged from other 19th century barns. While the Webb Barn today still retains much of its historic ambiance and rustic charm, it is spacious enough to accommodate up to 135 people for a sit-down wedding, luncheon or dinner and contains contemporary lighting, mechanical systems, restrooms, and a catering kitchen.